In the original temptation, Adam and Eve were tempted to become like gods (Gn 3:5), knowing what was good and what was evil. They sinfully succumbed to that temptation, and soon it was not enough for them to have this knowledge. In a sense, Adam and Eve became their own "God." They decided to be greater than their master (cp Mt 10:25).
Jesus teaches: "It is enough for the disciple to be like his Teacher" (see Mt 10:25). Disciples imitate Jesus in His character and in His ministry. They strive to be holy as the Lord is holy (1 Pt 1:15-16). Disciples beg the Lord to send them out in His ministry and mission (Is 6:8), and then they proceed to humbly and obediently do only what the Lord assigned them (1 Cor 7:17).
St. John the Baptizer, as he was succeeding greatly in His ministry, resisted the temptation to become more than his Master and said, "He must increase, while I must decrease" (Jn 3:30). The prophet Isaiah was given a vision of the holiness of God to help him resist this temptation (Is 6:1ff). This vision helped him to grow in fear of the Lord and an awareness of his own sinfulness. Then he began a prophetic ministry which still endures 2,500 years later. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord (see 1 Pt 5:6). Imitate the Master as His disciple. Heaven and earth will be changed. That is enough.
| PRAYER: | Father, give Your people an overwhelming outpouring of the spiritual gift of fear of the Lord. |
| PROMISE: | "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?' 'Here I am,' I said; 'send me!' " —Is 6:8 |
| PRAISE: | St. Kateri chose to join the Church and reject the warring behavior of her parents' tribes. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College