From Lukewarm to Intimate
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
Revelation 3:15-22
I know your works, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were either hot or cold. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,’ as though you did not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may be clothed and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. Be earnest, therefore, and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me. I will give the victor the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I myself won the victory and sat with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Grace Prayed For
The grace to hear Jesus’s voice knocking at the door of my heart and the courage to open it, allowing Him to transform my lukewarm faith into a passionate, intimate relationship with Him and the entire Trinity.
Reflection
Jesus, you know my heart completely. You see the parts of my life that are lukewarm, those times when I am just going through the motions, neither fully committed to you nor completely separate from you. I confess, there are times I think I have it all together, believing I am rich in my own efforts and wisdom. Yet, you, in your infinite love, see me for who I truly am—wretched, poor, blind, and naked without you. This isn’t a scolding; it’s a profound invitation from a heart that loves me deeply.
You tell me to come and buy from you true riches, white garments, and eye salve. You want to clothe me in your righteousness, heal my blindness, and enrich my soul with the gold of your presence. This is the intimacy you long for. You knock on the door of my heart, not as a demanding lord, but as a loving friend who desires to share a meal with me. A meal is the most intimate of shared experiences. To share a meal with you, Jesus, is to share in your very life—to sit at your table, listen to your voice, and be known and loved completely. This is the ultimate victory you promise—not just a seat at the table, but a place on your throne. You won this victory for me, not so I would stay lukewarm, but so I could have a share in your divine life and mission. This love is what compels me to go out into the world and invite others to open the door to you, so they too can experience this sacred feast.
Announcing Jesus in Our Lives
Evangelizing in My Daily Life
My mission of sharing the Gospel is rooted in my personal relationship with you, Jesus. It’s not about grand gestures but about being a living testament to your love. My everyday life is the mission field.
Restoring Creation: I can partner with you by taking care of the environment, respecting the dignity of every person, and working for justice. This reflects my Baptismal call to restore all of God’s creation, from the smallest human encounter to the largest global challenge.
Sharing My Story: I can simply tell a friend about how your love has changed my life. I can share a moment when I felt your presence or received your grace, making the Gospel real and personal.
Loving My Neighbor: I can show your love through simple acts of kindness—offering a listening ear to a co-worker, helping a family member, or smiling at a stranger. These small acts can be a witness to your love.
Praying for Others: I can pray for people I encounter, whether I know them or not, asking you to touch their hearts and lead them to you.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post