with friends like this, jesus doesn’t need enemies
“Unfortunately, many go about in a way which shows them to be enemies of the cross of Christ.” —Philippians 3:18
Our lifestyle shows the world whether we are friends or enemies of the crucified Jesus (Phil 3:18). We, His disciples, testify to our belief in His crucified love by the way we go about denying ourselves and carrying our own crosses (see Lk 9:23).
Your own life screams to the world that you are a friend or an enemy of the cross of Jesus. What is your life saying? What crosses would you run away from if Jesus offered them to you? (see Mk 14:50-51) Would you flee from the crosses of:
- having more children in obedience to God’s will,
- speaking up in public for Jesus at the risk of ridicule,
- tithing ten percent of your income and giving alms,
- fasting another day a week to win spiritual victories,
- turning off or throwing out your TV, and limiting time on your handheld electronic devices,
- making a public stand for life,
- working for justice for the poor and oppressed,
- speaking out publicly for holiness and chastity, or
- being a caregiver for a dying or special-needs person?
Jesus offers these and other crosses to us every day. When we decide to be a friend of His cross and pick it up each day, we paradoxically find our life (Lk 9:24) instead of losing it. “Enemies of the cross of Christ...will end in disaster!” (Phil 3:18, 19) Repent of refusing any cross. Die to the “things of this world” (Phil 3:19). Lift high your cross.
Prayer: Jesus, may I be crucified to the world (Gal 6:14). May I never leave the foot of Your cross — not even for a moment of relief. I find all my comfort in being by Your side (cf Ps 94:19).
Promise: “We have our citizenship in heaven.” —Phil 3:20
Praise: Margaret was told she could not have children, but God gave her ten.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from October 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio February 25, 2020"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.