Fixed on Jesus

Objectives

 At the end of the session, participants are expected to:

1. Recognize that the saints are models of faith and perseverance who kept their eyes fixed on Jesus.

2. Understand that true hope and holiness come from imitating the saints’ trust and endurance in Christ, especially amid the world’s distractions and crises.

3. Commit to becoming living witnesses of hope and love by fixing our gaze on Jesus in all circumstances.

Expanded Outline

I. Introduction

We live in a world that is in crisis, a world filled with confusion, fear, and division. Every day, we are surrounded by distractions: the noise of social media, the pressure of work, the pull of materialism, and the constant temptation to focus on ourselves rather than on God. These distractions easily cloud our faith and shake our hope.

Yet in the midst of this broken and distracted world, God raises up witnesses of hope, the saints. Their lives remind us that holiness is possible, even in dark times. The saints lived through wars, persecution, sickness, and suffering, yet they remained steadfast because their hearts were fixed on Jesus.

As members of Missionary Families of Christ, we are called to do the same. Our MFC covenant, to live as followers of Christ, build strong families, be active in community life, and witness to the world of God’s love, calls us to stand firm and radiate hope amid a restless and distracted world.

II. Fixed on Jesus, the Source of Our Hope

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us, while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1–2 (NABRE)

The author of Hebrews reminds us that we are not alone. We are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses”, the saints who have already run the race of faith before us. They inspire us to throw off every burden and distraction that keeps us from following Christ.

In a time when the world offers temporary pleasures, false securities, and fleeting joys, Jesus invites us to fix our gaze on Him, the unchanging source of true hope. When we do this, we find strength to endure, courage to serve, and peace to persevere. To focus not on what is temporal, instead we focus on what is eternal. 

“Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.” Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1817)

III. The Saints: Our Models in the Race of Faith

1. Hope through Perseverance in Trials

“Blessed is the one who perseveres in trial, for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life.” – James 1:12

The saints lived in times of great turmoil, wars, pandemics, persecution, but they did not lose hope.

• St. John Paul II lived under oppression and violence, yet boldly proclaimed, “Do not be afraid.”

• St. Monica never gave up praying for her son Augustine’s conversion, trusting God even through years of silence.

They remind us that in moments of personal and crisis around us and within us, hope grows when we remain faithful. Like them, we are called to endure and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who leads us through every trial.

2. Hope through Love in Action

“Faith working through love.” – Galatians 5:6

In a world often driven by self-interest, the saints showed us what it means to love selflessly.

• St. Teresa of Calcutta saw Christ in the poorest of the poor, bringing hope to those forgotten by the world.

• St. Therese of Lisieux demonstrated that even small acts of love done with great faith can transform hearts.

In our daily lives, love is how we keep our gaze on Jesus. When we love and serve others, especially those who are suffering or lost, we make God’s hope visible in a world that desperately needs it.

3. Hope through Mission and Witness

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.” – Mark 16:15

The saints were missionaries of hope who carried Christ’s light to every corner of the world. Their mission was not just to preach but to live the Gospel with joy and courage.

In MFC, we are invited to the same mission. Through our Christian Life Seminars (CLS), Live Christ Share Christ (LCSC), and our active service in parishes and communities, we share the hope of Jesus to a world in crisis. When we evangelize with love and compassion, we help others see that there is still hope, because Christ is alive.

4. Hope through Community and Covenant

“Encourage one another and build one another up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Even saints needed community. They drew strength from the Body of Christ, the Church. Likewise, our MFC community is a family that helps us stay focused amid the world’s distractions.

Through household prayers, assemblies, and missions, we are reminded that we are not running this race alone. Living our MFC covenant, following Christ, strengthening our families, committing to community life, and witnessing God’s love, helps us remain faithful and hopeful together.

IV. Conclusion

“And hope does not disappoint us, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 5:5

Christ’s commission calls upon us to become witness. We witness by the holiness of our loves and by our unselfish commitment of our service. Our witness is such that others, especially those who seek to evangelize, will see Christ in us and so be attracted to him, and also be recipients of, the Love of God that has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that been given to us. 

– Frank Padilla, Renewing the Face of the Earth 

In a world that constantly shifts and distracts, the saints show us a better way, to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. They remind us that hope is not an escape from reality but a firm trust that God is at work, even in chaos.

As members of Missionary Families of Christ, may we imitate their courage, perseverance, and love. May we become modern witnesses of hope, people who, even in a world of crisis, reflect the peace and joy that come from a heart anchored in Christ.

Let us persevere in this race, encouraged by the saints who cheer us on, and strengthened by the Spirit who never fails us.

Discussion Group Questions:

1. What “distractions” or “burdens” keep me from fixing my eyes on Jesus?

2. How can the example of the saints inspire me to live with hope in today’s world of crisis?

3. What concrete action can I take this week to witness God’s love and hope to others?