St. Paul teaches that we carry an extraordinary treasure in earthen vessels: the life of Jesus Christ dwelling within us. The world is meant to see that divine life shining through our words, choices, and love.

How does that happen? Through what St. Ephrem calls the two wings by which the Christian soul ascends toward Heaven:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.”

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

These commandments must remain in their proper order. Love of God is the vertical pillar of the Cross; love of neighbor extends horizontally from it. Only when God comes first do we receive the grace and strength necessary to love ourselves and our neighbors properly.

St. Luke illustrates these commandments through two unforgettable accounts. The Good Samaritan reveals what love of neighbor looks like through sacrificial mercy. Mary of Bethany, sitting attentively at Christ’s feet while Martha is distracted by many concerns, reveals that loving God remains the one thing necessary.

This Byzantine Catholic homily also presents a direct invitation to anyone who may be discerning monastic life, priesthood, or religious consecration. God’s call may not arrive through an audible voice. It may begin with the desire and freedom to give Him an undivided heart.

Could God be calling you to give Him everything?

Love God, love your neighbor, carry Christ’s treasure into the world, and fly wherever these two wings lead you.

0:00 Treasure in earthen vessels
0:54 The life of Jesus Christ within us
1:14 Letting others see Christ in us
1:34 The two wings of the Christian life
2:00 Love God with your whole being
2:09 Love your neighbor as yourself
2:32 Keeping the commandments in order
2:47 The Cross: love of God and neighbor
3:13 Why loving God must come first
3:20 We cannot love through our own strength
3:31 Putting on the new man in Christ
4:28 The Gospel of St. Luke
4:43 The Good Samaritan and love of neighbor
5:25 Mary and Martha reveal love of God
5:51 Worried and distracted by many things
6:02 Only one thing is necessary
6:26 Loving God comes first
6:45 Carrying Christ’s treasure to others
7:04 Loving God with everything we possess
7:17 The call to monastic and religious life
7:53 When God asks for an undivided heart
8:34 What is preventing you from responding?
9:03 Sell everything and follow Christ
9:26 How a religious vocation may begin
9:50 Natural abilities and freedom to discern
10:08 Could God be calling you?
10:21 The joy of total consecration
10:37 Fly with the two wings
10:55 The treasure you can take with you
11:17 Sensus Fidelium app
11:24 Sponsor message

#LoveGod #CatholicHomily #ReligiousVocation #ByzantineCatholic #SensusFidelium

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