God is present in all we do and gives us little gifts when we least expect it. I try to pick either the first or the nineteenth of every month to write for and I do not look up the readings beforehand; I trust the Holy Spirit will inspire me. The first reading today is from Revelation and it contains my life goal based on Revelation 3:16. My goal is to live “not lukewarm.” In an effort to remember this goal it is tattooed on my leg and is the name of my podcast, website, and business. What does it mean to live in a manner that is not lukewarm and why is it important to do so?
Let me answer why first. We are called to live out our Christian life giving our all to Christ. Zacchaeus is ready to be all in when he encounters Jesus. Zacchaeus who is short and eager to please is thrilled Jesus picked his house to visit. The story of Zacchaeus is one of my favorites. Here is a man who has lived mostly for himself and his own fulfillment, who changes his life when Jesus calls him. And he promises Jesus he is not going to change his life just a little, but four times over. He is not lukewarm!
Jesus says he will spit the people of Laodicea out of his mouth because they are not hot or cold. The image is powerful and slightly distasteful. Jesus spitting? It certainly brings home the point that we are to be hot or cold, not on the fence or straddling a line, trying to please God and the world simultaneously. Living not lukewarm, giving our yes wholeheartedly and without reservation is how we are called to live for Christ. A lukewarm Christian is not what is needed today.
What does it mean to live this way? It means to be all in with Jesus no matter what, in all the areas of our lives. It means our faith informs our decisions in our work, relationships, and recreation. What do we do with our free time? Do we serve others in need and share our time and money? What books and movies do we entertain ourselves with? Do we share the Gospel with others? Do we live our faith each and every day or only when it is convenient or easy for us?
As we approach a new liturgical year in December, it is a good time to take stock of how we are living our faith. None of us is perfect. We need the help of God, the Church, and the sacraments. Revelation 3:16 does not have to be your life verse, but I encourage you to try your best to live not lukewarm!
Daily Reading
Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 RV 3:1-6, 14-22 I, John, heard the Lord saying to me: “To the angel of the Church in Sardis, write this: “‘The one who has the seven spirits…
Saint of the Day
Saint Agnes of Assisi
Saint Agnes, devoted sister of Saint Clare, defied worldly forces to embrace a life of faith and spiritual leadership.
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