Saturday of 10th week in ordinary time Year 1, 2025. Reflection by Fr Collins Akhigbe OP. Scriptural passages. 1st reading. 2 Cor 5:14-21. Psalm 102 Gospel. Mt. 5:33-37

Theme: Live For Christ 

“He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”(2 Cor 5: 15). In today’s gospel reading the apostle Paul tells us how God has reconciled humanity with himself through the death of Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. He died for all so that all who live might no longer live for themselves. Who are you living for? Are you living for Jesus Christ? The Lord has purchased your bride price. You belong to Jesus Christ. You have a duty to live for him. This is why the love of Christ should impel so to become new creation. We should no longer live for ourselves. Let us remember that we belong to Christ. In the Gospel reading, the Lord called us to live a life of integrity. Let your yes be yes and your no be your no. This means we should be men and women of truthfulness and integrity. The death of Christ should make us to always strive for what is good and right. In this reflection we shall highlight why we should live for Christ and how to live for Christ.

Why We Should Live For Christ 

First, we were created for relationship with God. The Catechism teaches that man is created to know, love, and serve God in this life and to be happy with Him forever in heaven (CCC # 1). We should live for Christ because “all things were created through him and for him.”(Col. 1:16). “For in him we live and move and have our being.”( Acts 17:28). This is why it is extremely important that we live for Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

Second, Jesus Christ died for us. Living for Christ is a response to His sacrifice on the Cross. This is why was presented to us in the first reading by the apostle Paul. “He died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for him who died and was raised for them.”(2 Cor. 5:15) “We love because he first loved us.”(1 John 4:19). 

Third, we should live for Christ because He is the way to eternal Life. Living for Christ ensures we are united with Him now and in eternity.

The Master has this to say, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”( John 14:6). 

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.”( John 3:36). This is why we should live for Christ.

Fourth, we are called to be imitators of Christ. Christians are called to live in a way that reflects Christ’s love, humility, and service. “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”(1 Cor. 11:1). The scripture further says, “Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus.”( Phil. 2:5). 

Fifth, we should live for Christ because we are to be witnesses of the Gospel. Living for Christ means being His witness to others through words and actions. The Master told us, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”( Mat. 5:16). “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.”(Mat. 28:19). This is why we should live for Christ.

Sixth, we should live for Christ because Christ lives in us. The life of a Christian is one of union with Christ, especially through the Sacraments.

“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”( Gal.2:20). The Master told us, “remain in me, as I remain in you.” (John 15:4). The Church teaches that through the Eucharist, we receive Christ Himself (CCC # 1324), and this strengthens our life in Him. This is why it is imperative that we live for Christ. 

How Do We Live For Christ?

First, to live for Christ we must keep his commandments.

The Master made it clear that love and obedience go hand in hand “If you love me, keep my commandments.”( John 14:15). “This is the love of God: that we keep his commandments.” (1 John 5:3). According to the Catechism, “To love is to will the good of another. All the commandments are summed up in the love of God and neighbour.”( CCC # 2055

Second, we live for Christ by receiving the Sacraments regularly especially the Eucharist and Confession which nourish and restore our life in Christ. The Master has this to say, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”( John 6:56). The apostle John said, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us.”(1 John 1:9). The Church teaches us that, “The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.”( CCC # 1324). 

Third, by praying daily and seeking God’s will. Prayer connects us to Christ and helps us grow spiritually. The scripture tells us to pray without ceasing.(1 Thes 5:17). We live for Christ by constantly doing his will on earth. This is what the Master taught us.

“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Mat. 6:10). The Church teaches us that prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father.(CCC # 2558). The more we pray and seek to do the will of Christ, the more we are living for him. 

Fourth, by living a life of love and charity. This is another means through which we can live for Christ. We are called to love as Christ loved sacrificially and selflessly. “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). The apostle James tells us,

“Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26). According to the Church,

“Charity is the soul of the holiness to which all are called.” (CCC # 826). 

Fifth, by carrying our cross and following Christ. This is a hard teaching but it is the truth. Living for Christ involves sacrifice and perseverance. The Master told us, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”(Luke 9:23). The scripture says, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”(Acts 14:22). The Catechism teaches that “the way of perfection passes by way of the Cross.”( CCC # 2015). 

Sixth, by being a witness of the Gospel. Living for Christ means being a light to the world in words and actions. “Let your light shine before others.” (Mat. 5:16). We live for Christ when we stand for truth and righteousness. This is our responsibility and duty if we wish to become true followers of Christ. 

Prayers 

Lord, help us to love you above all things. Lord, deliver us from attachment to this world. Lord, give us the grace of holiness and righteousness. Lord, please, heal our wayward hearts. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a beautiful weekend.

With lots of prayers and love.