Today the First Reading from the Book of Deuteronomy, the Responsorial Psalm (#95), and the Gospel of Mark all refer to “speaking with authority.” A prophet will be raised up, “to him you will listen” and I will “put my words into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him” (Dt.18:15, 17). “He taught them as one having authority…He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him” (Mk. 1:21-28). In the Psalm it says: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” The last two weeks of readings have been all about being called by God—a quiet voice in the night, an invitation to come and see, and the willingness to respond. We hear the Word, and it is spoken with authority, but it is up to us to listen with an open heart and to respond.
There are times when it becomes necessary to state deliberately and unequivocally the basis for one’s belief. A person, an organization, a Church, a nation, or people must make a ‘Declaration.’ Then all people know exactly where we stand in relation to all others. In doing so, it must be acknowledged and accepted that some will offer affirmation and others will not. This is what happened when our forefathers wrote The Declaration of Independence. Our “Declaration” is our Creed: our Catholic core beliefs. When you truly believe what you ‘declare,’ you will speak with authority to those around you. A more convincing way of ‘speaking’ with authority though, is to actually live what you believe… (I’d rather see a sermon than hear one…)
Do you live and speak your faith with authority? Jesus was a surprise to the people around Him in His teaching and His works because He shined with the light of truth in every way. Do your words and actions proclaim you a Christian? We have our Creed; but maybe a declaration from each would help us stand stronger in our faith. So, I would like to share with you a “Declaration of Dependence.”
I believe in one God, His son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit, who since before time began, offered His us an avenue to be made worthy to be with Him forever. I believe that God is creator and we are His creations; that Jesus is Messiah, our Savior; and our dependence is completely upon them. I believe that it is God’s task to add to His church and determine who goes to Heaven or Hell, not mine. I believe that God’s directions are in His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I believe that being Christ-like begins with understanding that by ourselves we are unworthy; that repenting of our sin is both attitude and action; that baptism is the acknowledgement of obedience to God and that telling others of Jesus is an opportunity and responsibility. I believe that Baptism is the beginning of the journey and not the end. This Declaration of Dependence is the continuation of my journey and not the end.
In Confirmation we were sealed with the Holy Spirit. A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object (from the Catechism of the Catholic Church). The seal of the Holy Spirit “marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrollment in his service for ever, as well as the promise of divine protection in the great eschatological trial.” The Gift of the Spirit is meant to sustain us as we witness Christ in our lives. We are called: to hear God’s Word (spoken with authority), and to respond—so harden not your hearts! We are called: to answer and witness our life in Christ with authority for those around you.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
There are times when it becomes necessary to state deliberately and unequivocally the basis for one’s belief. A person, an organization, a Church, a nation, or people must make a ‘Declaration.’ Then all people know exactly where we stand in relation to all others. In doing so, it must be acknowledged and accepted that some will offer affirmation and others will not. This is what happened when our forefathers wrote The Declaration of Independence. Our “Declaration” is our Creed: our Catholic core beliefs. When you truly believe what you ‘declare,’ you will speak with authority to those around you. A more convincing way of ‘speaking’ with authority though, is to actually live what you believe… (I’d rather see a sermon than hear one…)
Do you live and speak your faith with authority? Jesus was a surprise to the people around Him in His teaching and His works because He shined with the light of truth in every way. Do your words and actions proclaim you a Christian? We have our Creed; but maybe a declaration from each would help us stand stronger in our faith. So, I would like to share with you a “Declaration of Dependence.”
I believe in one God, His son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit, who since before time began, offered His us an avenue to be made worthy to be with Him forever. I believe that God is creator and we are His creations; that Jesus is Messiah, our Savior; and our dependence is completely upon them. I believe that it is God’s task to add to His church and determine who goes to Heaven or Hell, not mine. I believe that God’s directions are in His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I believe that being Christ-like begins with understanding that by ourselves we are unworthy; that repenting of our sin is both attitude and action; that baptism is the acknowledgement of obedience to God and that telling others of Jesus is an opportunity and responsibility. I believe that Baptism is the beginning of the journey and not the end. This Declaration of Dependence is the continuation of my journey and not the end.
In Confirmation we were sealed with the Holy Spirit. A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object (from the Catechism of the Catholic Church). The seal of the Holy Spirit “marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrollment in his service for ever, as well as the promise of divine protection in the great eschatological trial.” The Gift of the Spirit is meant to sustain us as we witness Christ in our lives. We are called: to hear God’s Word (spoken with authority), and to respond—so harden not your hearts! We are called: to answer and witness our life in Christ with authority for those around you.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
RSS Feed
