St. Paul continues to lead us to a closer relationship with God. His vision, his words are avenues to a closer union with God. Be good the the needs of those who seek to be holy. Bless those who persecute you. Rejoice with those who celebrate; week with those who mourn in tears. Treat all alike.Do all of this and you will be a saint? Is that why there are so few considering the totality of humanity? Who can achieve these goals? It is hard to go out of our very busy ways to be a true Christian, especially to those whose way of life is wrong or displeasing. As well, it is a true challenge to forgive.
But we can achieve these goals: Be fervent in spirit. Persevere in prayer. Exercise hospitality. These are Paul's directives to those seeking to be true followers of Jesus Christ.
Can you examine your life in the last several weeks and determine if you have followed his charges or at least one or two of them? It is so much easier to do their opposite. But the reality is this: this is how we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
