Monday, March 4 (February 20), 2024
1John 2:18-3:10;  Mk. 11:1-11

The story of the Prodigal Son called us the other day to return from wayward drifting to the right path ─ and today St. John moves us further to do that: “When the Lord shall appear, we shall be like Him” [1John 3:2].  

Can anything be compared to such dignity?  Probably, having heard these words, you are burning with a desire to attain it: good for you!  But don’t put off embarking on this endeavor.  Read further: “Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” [1John 3:3].  Do you have anything to be purified?  Yes, of course, quite a bit.  If so, hurry up: where the Lord is, “nothing unclean shall ever enter it” [Rev. 21:27].

And don’t be discouraged by the immensity of the job: the Lord Himself will be your helper all the way through.  Only have a wholehearted desire and implore the Lord for needful help.  Grace-given power will join with your own effort, and the job will move steadily ahead.   Just as there is no sin overcoming Lord’s mercy, there no such moral impurity that could resist the cleansing power of God’s grace. What’s necessary on your part is aversion to your impurity, an effort to get rid of it, and an appeal to the Lord with faith.

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