Gospel Reading for September 26, 2025 – Luke 9: 18-22
REMAIN FOCUSED
Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
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Since Jesus was also human, it must have been so difficult for him to know what would happen to him at the end of his ministry. But did it cause him anxiety? Not at all. He knew it would be the consequence of the mission to which the Father sent him, so he remained focused on the completion of his mission. His great love for, and obedience to, the Father and his great love for us, were his tools to REMAIN FOCUSED and courageous. He told the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah lest his mission might be aborted.
When we are aware of an impending danger to our lives, suffering that may befall us, or problems that will be almost impossible to solve, we become anxious, and some of us even have anxiety attacks. We need to REMAIN FOCUSED on God’s great love for us. It is our faith in him that will see us through.
Let us ponder on this song written by Tony Starr and Freddy James, WALK WITH FAITH IN YOUR HEART –
Walk with faith in your heart
and you’ll never walk alone,
for with faith in your heart
the world is your own.
You never will grieve
if in him, you believe
and walk with faith in your heart.
When the dreams that you dream
seem to disappear from view,
that’s the time to fight on
and soon they’ll all come true.
He’ll lighten your load
as you travel life’s road,
so walk with faith in your heart.
Whenever you have troubles
just reach out for his hand.
He’s by your side
your constant guide
and quick to understand.
You will find happiness
if you let him be your friend.
And you’ll find that success
is just around the bend.
He won’t let you down,
wear a smile, not a frown,
and walk with faith in your heart.
