The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional - Fourth Sunday of Advent Theme for the Week: God’s Gift of Joy!
To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Week 8, Day 2 – Only Those Who Know the Savior Can Recognize the One Who Alone Can Restore Them
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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
Many who are outside the Church are antagonistic toward Jesus. This is because they have no idea who he really is. Those of us who know him have experienced his awesome, perfect, and all-powerful love. Such love gives us the hope to endure our trials, and the courage to allow God to transform our pain into peace. God’s grace trains our eyes to recognize our Savior.
Because the dead cannot recognize their condition or the One who can save them, it is up to us to share the blessed hope that is ours as Catholics. We must speak the prophetic word that can restore them, turning death into life. Only as others accept the love that bled and died to set them free can they understand the freedom and rest that is available for all who choose Christ. Because we have been loved with this perfect love, we can share the message that Jesus longs to seek out sinners wherever they may be and lead them home to the Kingdom of God.
Questions for reflection
What has grace taught you about Jesus? How is your knowledge of him now different than it was five years ago? Ten years ago?
What is the most important truth about Christ that Catholics can share with non-believers?
Who do you know who is antagonistic toward Jesus, who could use your prayers today?
Praying with Scripture
“If your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there the LORD your God will gather you, and from there he will fetch you.” (Dt 30:4)
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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