53. Tuesday- 2nd week - long 7

53: More Than Meets the Eye: The Mighty Reality of Catholic Citizenship

53:In appearance, the Catholic may seem insignificant; in reality, a holder of heavenly citizenship.

Christusway Daily Missal Reflection.

In appearance and by worldly standards, a Catholic may seem insignificant in their own eyes and to others, but there is a mighty reality underneath: the LORD has anointed you with heavenly citizenship. Catholic citizenship has its own privileges and moral obligations.

1 Samuel chapter 15 verse17, Samuel said to Saul : “Though little in your own eyes, are you not chief of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king of Israel.

A Catholic is anointed with  Sacred Chrism on the forehead during Confirmation. An annotated person is a present reality of God.  Anointing is divine empowerment. It enables believers to fulfill God's purposes, breaking yokes, overcoming obstacles, and performing supernatural acts beyond human ability.

1 Samuel chapter 16 verse 12 LORD said: 'Anoint David'. and verse 13 Then Samuel, anointed him with oil, and from that day on, the spirit of the LORD rushed upon David.

The anointing empowers, aligning our lives with grace toward righteousness. To live in conformity with this anointing, one must actively live a Catholic life to grow  in alignment with grace and blessing. This  growth leads to growth in full potential of  kingdom of God.

Humans are inherently subject to societal pressures, an invisible force shaping behaviors, beliefs, and identity through norms and expectations from family, peers, and culture. Anointing force and mold a person to righteousness. When an individual prioritizes shifting cultural norms, traditions, or societal pressures over divine guidance, it can lead to spiritual compromise and a loss of that distinct, empowered state.

The framework of Catholic customs and practices is rooted in the conviction that the Church is built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. Matthew chapter 16 verses18, Jesus states, building his church upon Peter.

Catholic traditions are designed to live out the teachings handed down from Jesus and the Apostles. The Magisterium is the Catholic Church's teaching authority, vested in the Pope and bishops in communion with him, tasked with authentically interpreting Scripture and Tradition, ensuring teachings remain faithful to the "Deposit of Faith," and guiding the faithful. It serves the Word of God, teaching infallibly on matters of faith and morals when defining doctrine definitively, acting as Christ's voice on Earth through ordinary preaching, catechisms, and solemn pronouncements

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Luke 22:19 shows Jesus instituting the Eucharist. Matthew 28:19 gives the command to baptize and make disciples. John 20:23 describes the authority to forgive sins. Luke 4:18-19 and Matthew 5:17 indicate Jesus fulfilling the prophets and the law. 1 Timothy 3:15 identifies the Church as the pillar and foundation of truth. Luke 10:16 states that listening to the apostles is listening to Jesus. 

1 Samuel chapter 16 verse 4, When Samuel entered Bethlehem, the elders of the city came trembling to meet him.

This shows an inherent sense of awe and fear in God's presence. Proverbs chapter 9 verse 10, that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Awe is the beginning of wisdom; awe at God's presence precedes His will and actions.

1 Samuel chapter 16 verse 12 LORD said: 'Anoint David'. and verse 13 Then Samuel, anointed him with oil, and from that day on, the spirit of the LORD rushed upon David.

Realization and experience of anointing helps to enjoy Freedom.

Mark chapter 2 verse 25, Jesus said to them, when David was in need and he and his companions were hungry he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?”.

Mark chapter 2verse 27, Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.  The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.” 

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Citizenship in Heaven (Philippians 3:20): While living in the world, a Catholic's primary allegiance and true home is in heaven. This is not just a future hope, but a current reality bestowed at Baptism.

Anointed and Sealed: Through the sacraments—specifically Baptism and Confirmation—a Catholic is "anointed" and marked with an indelible spiritual seal that identifies them as belonging to Christ, giving them a divine dignity that cannot be washed away.

"In the World, But Not of It": Catholics are called to be in the world (working, living, and contributing) but not to be defined by its standards or values. The world may view someone as insignificant, but God sees their soul and their potential for eternal life.

The "Mighty Reality" Underneath: Despite appearing ordinary or insignificant (sometimes even to themselves), a baptized person is a member of the Body of Christ, a temple of the Holy Spirit, and an heir to eternal life.

Ambassadors of Heaven: Being a citizen of heaven means acting as an agent or ambassador of God's kingdom on earth, bringing Gospel values of love, justice, and truth into a world that often ignores them. 

"Christian" comes from the Greek Christos, meaning "anointed one," derived from the Hebrew Mashiach (Messiah). While Christos (Christ) means "anointed one," the suffix "-tian" often translates to "little," making "Christian" literally "little anointed ones," referring to followers who are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be like Christ, the Anointed King.