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Friday, August 7, 1998

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Pope St. Sixtus II & Companions
St. Cajetan


Nahum 2:1-3; 3:1-3, 6-7
Deuteronomy 32:35-36, 39, 41
Matthew 16:24-28

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living in reality?

"Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. What profit would a man show if he were to gain the whole world and destroy himself in the process?" —Matthew 16:25-26

In trying to save our lives by our own power, we can lose our lives. We can ruin ourselves by losing our immortal souls (Mt 16:26). In our pride and sin, we can choose everlasting separation from God. We can go to hell. In our society, many people are in a state of denial concerning the reality of hell. However, denying reality is not healthy, loving, wise, or holy.

When we face the reality of damnation, we can also face the overshadowing reality of our salvation in Jesus. Facing reality is not primarily threatening; it is liberating. It means not only confronting sin and its devastating effects, but encountering love and its saving grace. Facing reality is the most fearful and wonderful decision we will ever make.

Jesus is real. He reveals reality. He is the ultimate Reality. What does it hurt if we lose the whole world as long as we gain our immortal souls by living for Jesus and accepting Him as the Savior, the Lord, and God Himself?

Prayer:  Jesus, I can never save myself. I accept Your salvation.

Promise:  "See, upon the mountains there advances the bearer of good news, announcing peace!" —Na 2:1

Praise:  St. Cajetan did not respond with hate when cruelly treated by the sackers of Rome, but with prayer.

Reference:  (For more teaching, order our book, Living in Reality, and our leaflet, Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, February 17, 1998


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 25, 1998