To the Ends of the Earth: Action – Week 1, Day 2 – The Eucharist is About Abundance
To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 1, Day 1 - A Cultivator Takes Responsibility
Photo by Olia Gozha on Unsplash
For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Titus 2:11–14
As we walk the narrow way of Christ, we are called to be responsible stewards of the grace God has given us. This means being men who live with our eyes focused on the glory to be revealed in Christ. Because we are being trained by the grace of God, we must seek to share the Gospel in our world through our words and actions, always discerning God’s plan for his people. Wherever our spheres of influence reach, we are called to nurture relationships of faith, hope, and love, doing good as God has gifted us. We are to love our families as sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers who follow the way of the Lord with soberness and fidelity. We are to work for the Lord and not for men. As members of the Church, we are to use our specific talents to shape the Body of Christ, which so powerfully shapes us. Our ultimate goal should be to cultivate a kingdom of purity, passion, and persevering faith as we await the return of our Savior.
Today, praise God for the strength he gives you to bear your responsibility in the world. Thank him for the privilege of joining him in his work. Take delight in sharing the growth in your life with those who instruct and inspire you. As you continue to take responsibility for cultivating the life God has given you, never stop working to respond to the cry of this broken world.
Questions for Reflection
What defines your world as far as the people within your sphere of influence, your particular gifts, and your responsibilities to cultivate a kingdom ready for the return of Christ?
What are some of the areas in your life where you think God might be calling you to greater responsibility, and how can you respond to that call?
Praying with Scripture
Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Cor 16:13–14)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
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About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
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