Renewal in Christ.*
—you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; darkened in understanding, and alienated from the life of God…. because of their hardness of heart, they have become callous and have handed themselves over to… every kind of impurity to excess.
That is not how you learned Christ…. you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on* the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth.
REFLECTION
Repent and believe in the Gospel! Turn back to God. Seek God rather than what appeals to self, especially addiction to anything. Stop worrying about matters in this world, prepare for matters in the next world. Eternity is forever, no time out.
Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words, and actions. Give me a wise discerning heart to see the world as you see it. Lord have mercy!
I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Rules for the New Life.
Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not leave room for the devil.
The thief must no longer steal, but rather labor, doing honest work* with his [own] hands, so that he may have something to share with one in need.
No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear…. All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.
REFLECTION
Jesus is the light of the world. Let that light shine on the darkness of sin and leanings towards sin. May this light disperse the darkness, Let me take in that light that I may be a light to others in this world
As we are forgiven in Christ we must forgive those who offend us. The Our Father says it best, Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, Be careful what you pray for!