We Sing Praises in His Name

"For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord to you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: "Therefore I will promise you among the Gentiles and sing praises in your name."     Romans 15:4-9

This scripture is meaningful in many ways. It shows a side of Scripture that

many overlook until it is right in front of them. We are put to the test and many fail because they are not well-prepared for the challenges God throws at them.

''For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that

the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.''(Romans 15: 4) Stories are told to entertain, to enlighten or to teach lessons. Stories told in Scripture serve all three purposes. These verses specifically enlighten the reader of how God wants them to act. We are meant to cherish one another and acknowledge that everyone is blessed by God. Jesus came to us as a servant of the Jews and God's promises to the patriarch's were kept. The messiah had finally arrived and his glory was acknowledged, is acknowledged and will be acknowledged until the end of time.

When we are in our darkest times and need God's guidance, we are meant to

look at these lines and realize God gave you the same gifts that he gave everyone else. The difference between a wise person and an intelligent one is knowing how to use these gifts to benefit others around you as well as yourself. Look to yourself for self-reliance and look to God for the guidance to accept others and to praise the Word of God. We are meant to find hope in the midst of suffering and adversity.

Paragraph 166 of the Catholic Catechism says, "Our love for Jesus Christ and for our neighbor impels us to speak to others about our faith. Each believer is thus a link in the great chain of believers. I cannot believe without being carried by the faith of others, and by my faith I help support others in their faith." This goes along with the passage because it is God granting us to think in harmony with one another to praise God the Father of Jesus Christ. God gave us Scripture for endurance and strength but he also gave us each other for endurance and strength. He wants us to work together to praise his name. 

One of Archbishop Hoban High Schools core values is Zeal. According to Hoban High, Zeal means “A hunger for mission, a passion to continue what Jesus of Nazareth began through His life, teaching, and example.” In Romans 15: 4-9, God is encouraging us to achieve and find the endurance to keep moving. This is also a good core value because we really are created in the image and likeness of God. We follow in His teaching and in His examples. During the time of exams, how can we support and encourage one another?  How is prayer a source of strength during stressful times?  While holidays are sources of happiness, many of the Hoban community will be experiencing difficult times.  How can we extend Christ’s love and care to one another?  

Prayer for Strength and Energy

My Lord and my strength,

I pray that I may possess that expectancy which comes in joyous hope

and have the endurance that is controlled by courage and energy.

Grant in the future that I may be less concerned about my living and more anxious

for what I make of my life. 

Amen