Desiring Heaven

Grab

What item/s from the past do you still use until today?

Grace

Read John 14:6

Heaven should be our greatest aspiration for our families. There is a notion that, “We are in the world but not of the world.” We spend our lives here on earth, but our ultimate destination is Heaven. While we have this destiny of being with God, most Catholics have abandoned this truth and taken on the ways of the modern world. Such is the way of the modernists. 

Coined in around 1905, the term “modernism” was intended as a description of certain trends which had been developing in the Catholic Church during the last decade of Pope Leo XIII’s papacy. It is the overturning of the age-old teachings of the Church and infusing them with the culture of the age. The focus has shifted from God’s truths to the well-being of man. We can reject modernism by:

1. Focusing on the Authentic Gospel. In a world full of fake news, we need to be vigilant in knowing what is true. We need to expose ourselves with the age-old teachings of the Church and of the authentic Magisterium. Modernists do talk about God’s teachings and His ways, but according to their human precepts. We are to reject the lies that even the false prophets or teachers of today tell us. 

2. Practicing Truth in Love. Conversion is at the heart of evangelization. Authentic love must lead to the truth. True love does not blind a person but rather makes him see a clear vision of God.  Modernists tell us to be accepting, accommodating, all-embracing but without confronting the person’s sin because it is offensive. Feeling good is not equivalent to doing good. We are to lead people to true repentance and turn to Jesus in faith. 

3. Being a Catholic Missionary. Every baptized Catholic is called to evangelize. Mission, from the Latin word “missio,” is the essence of the mandate of Jesus to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, so that all men can decide for Christ. Modernists claim that all religions are valid and are ways to the divine. We need to stand up for the Catholic faith. Just like Jesus, we as missionaries are called to do the works of evangelization that leads to salvation.

We may find ourselves asking, “Lord, to whom shall we go.” We are merely sojourners who strive to live a life pleasing to God, so we can be with Him one day in Heaven. Jesus has the words of eternal life. We need to continue to defend faith, family and life against all those who desire to weaken or even destroy these. May we find the fullness of life and truth as we continue to walk in his love.

Gather

What are your challenges in sharing the authentic Gospel of Jesus Christ? How can you stand firm for your faith?

Go Forth

As a couple, share to your child/ren or co-workers your convictions about being an authentic Catholic.

Give

God is Generous and in response, let us be good stewards by consistent Spiritual Giving, our tithing. 

For Tithes Remittance of NCR Members: bit.ly/mfctithes