Dr. Paul J.

Palma

The ritual sacrifices of the Old Testament served a purpose but are no long necessary. Christ’s death is sufficient every day to cover over our wrongdoings. Each day we have an opportunity to worship God, in response to what Jesus has accomplished on our behalf, by the choices we make and the way we live.

Jesus described the chief marker of the Christian life as an attitude that looks out for the interests of the “least of these.” He embodied the self-giving demeanor of a servant. Although the King of kings, Jesus’ ministry was marked not by receiving acclaim or the service of others but by meeting others in their point of deepest need.

Each of us carries a spiritual load that weighs us down and keeps us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. Those who accept God’s forgiveness in Christ are made right with God and freed from the weight of sin. Through God’s forgiveness for us, we can extend the same forgiveness to others.

Mother Teresa provided a paragon of humility. She followed her passion for the destitute into the city projects to teach the children of the poor and care for the needy. Although she never sought acclaim, she’s been awarded with numerous honors, providing a model we can build on—the path to godly success begins with humble reliance on God’s leading.

Despite our loftiest plans, God has something even bigger in store. Life’s unexpected twists and turns are often the moments of deepest spiritual growth. A detour along your route may lead to a surprising opportunity down a road you never intended to venture. One closed door often leads to an unforeseen open one as God’s providential purposes prevail in your midst.

As Jesus laid it all down on the Cross, our true act of worship is giving ourselves to God in love and adoration. Like an athlete, we compete on a team comprised of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our commitment to worship God with all that we are, laying even our bodies at the altar of God’s mercy, springs from our gratitude for all that He has done for us.