DAILY HOMILIES #works

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” We all are called to be like John the Baptist this advent. Our lives should become lights pointing the whole world toward the child Jesus

Is it easy to crucify the flesh? No. However, the secret of overcoming these strong desires of the flesh is feeding (strengthening) our spiritual being through daily meditations, prayers, bible study, daily masses and other spiritual activities. When we feed our Spirit, the results we get include “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Etc. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Brothers and sisters, there is no easy ticket to heaven. Being circumcised will not guarantee salvation. If there is anything that assures us of eternal life, it is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. “When I am lifted up, I will draw all men to myself,” says Jesus. Nevertheless, faith in the sacrifice of Jesus without corresponding works on our part is useless. St. James would say, faith without works is dead.

“If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” (James 2:15-17)