MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 5th MARCH
March 5, 2024
FEAST OF SAINT JOHN JOSEPH OF THE CROSS – 5th MARCH
March 5, 2024
5 March, 2024
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1–2
Heavenly Father, Holy God, we profusely praise and give you glory, thanking you along with all the nations and the multitude of heavenly beings, for helping us walk in the way of Jesus Christ, and for being with us, on our journey with our cross, and with our reverent gaze fixed to the Cross that Christ bore to release us from our bondage to sin, bringing with him, your free grace of eternal salvation. We belong to the chosen ranks consecrated to our Savior, and we are your children. We want to be joyful and full of faith, full of hope, full of patience, for your mercy leads us on.
Jesus has shown us the true way to your Kingdom Lord, and we ensure and persevere on that path. Though we pass through sudden and brutal, painful entanglements, we brush them aside taking your Holy Name and recalling how Jesus set the foundation of our faith, by casting aside all the lethal blows dealt him by ungrateful mankind, willfully doing your Holy Will, thus fulfilling your perfect plan for the redemption of man.
May we, faithful Christians of the Church of Christ, abide in our Lord and set our sights with hope, diligence, sanctity and a spirit of righteousness on the rewards of our labor in your Eternal Kingdom. May we attain that perfection of being that sets us apart as rightful co-heirs of your Kingdom Lord, shunning the transient pleasures the world offers. Grant us the integrity to strive through all barriers and blocks of the evil one, to reach the place Jesus has made for us, entitling us to dwell with you Father, in eternity, in Jesus’Name. Amen
