Book Reflection: Into His Likeness Ch.11&12
“Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Him in adoration and in contemplation that is full of faith…Let our adoration never cease.”
Pope St. John Paul II
In this week’s reading reflection, Edward Sri shares with us a crucial tip for keeping the fire of our faith alive: Christian friendship. We need others on the journey with us who are striving for the same goal—to be with Christ. These friends help us grow in virtue and relationship with God. They are like the coals in a fire, feeding off each other's heat. If we don’t have these people in our lives yet, let’s pray that God sends us the opportunity for Christ-centered friends.
“A disciple was immersed in a community with fellow disiples, friends (called haverim in Hebrew) who were striving for a common goal and helping each other to get there.”
Edward Sri, Into His Likeness
While striving for holy friendships, we should also encourage ourselves to encounter Christ daily, especially in the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Confession. We may feel like we’re just going through the motions, but showing up anyway with a sincere desire to give our best and improve is essential. One way we can do better is by coming prepared to receive God’s word—arriving early, preparing our mind, body, and heart by praying on the way to Mass, reviewing the readings, or whatever helps us to be ready to receive. After the Eucharist, we can take time to give thanks. When we show up and do our best, it will slowly change us. My friend says it best: “We become what we eat.”
“Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Him in adoration and in contemplation that is full of faith…Let our adoration never cease.”
Pope St. John Paul II
ponder
Part 3: Transformed by Fire | Chapter 11: Christian Friendship
What’s the difference between authentic Christian fellowship (having haverim) and just ordinary friends who happen to be Christian in name? Why is it important to have true fellowship? What can you do to make Christian fellowship more of a priority in your life?
Consider your close Christian friends who are “burning coals” in your life. How have they shaped you? How do they help you grow as a disciple? Take a moment to thank God for them.
Part 3: Transformed by Fire | Chapter 12: Amazing Signs, Amazing Grace
What can you do to increase devotion to the Eucharist? Do you need to spiritually prepare for Mass more? Do you take time to talk to God and rest in his presence after receiving Holy Communion? Do you ever make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass?
What keeps you from going to Confession more regularly or going at all? If you’re afraid to go, tell Jesus your fears. If you’re too busy, tell Jesus your desire to go and ask him to open up an opportunity for that to happen–and then be on the lookout for God opening that door!
Into His Likeness provides an approachable but in-depth exploration of how to live as a disciple and experience the transformation Jesus wants to work in our lives. We might desire to live more like Christ, but we know we fall short. This book simply helps us follow those initial promptings of the Holy Spirit, so that we may more intentionally encounter Jesus anew each day and be more disposed to his grace changing us ever more into his likeness.
Note: The Amazon links are affiliate links supporting meek & humble.
