Why do you need a savior?

We all have a need for God in our lives. Whether we recognize it or not, each of us needs a Savior. Only God frees us from sin and brokenness, from limitedness and death, from meaninglessness and emptiness. Only God offers us reconciliation and healing, mercy and hope, liberation and eternal life. Our relationship with God cannot truly grow until we know that we need him, and maybe even begin to have a sense of why we need him. Why do you need a Savior? This week, several members of the pastoral team, a handful of parishioners, a pope, a couple of musicians, and even some saints share their reflections on their own need for God.

Why do you need a Savior?

Augustine (saint):
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.

Casey (parishioner):
I need my Savior because my Savior needs me.

Charley (music director):
I need a Savior because salvation from sin is a universal need.

Denise (music minister):
I need a Savior because I am flawed and need forgiveness, refuge, and strength.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (pastor, theologian, and martyr):
I am lonely, but You do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with You there is help;
I am restless, but with You there is peace.

Francis (pope):
I am a sinner, but I trust in the infinite mercy and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jodi (parishioner):
I need a Savior because I need his loving example for how to try and live my life.

Sr. Kathleen (associate minister):
I need a Savior because good intentions are not enough. As much as I try to overcome my shortcomings, I cannot do it without the grace God gives.

Kathy (assistant to the leadership team):
I need a Savior because I have only scratched the surface of the person God is calling me to be.

Kathy (coordinator of volunteers):
I need a Savior because my life is imperfect and I need to ask for help every day, while being grateful for the times of joy.

Mary (administrative assistant):
I need a Savior because without the guidance and loving care of our Savior, I would not be fulfilling his call to continued conversion and holiness, which brings joy, peace, fulfillment, and happiness to me and to God.

Matt Maher (musician):
Without You I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart

Paul (saint):
I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. (Romans 7:18-20; The Message translation).

Rachel (associate minister):
I need a Savior because my perspective is so limited, and on my own I am selfish and afraid--I need Christ to show me what really matters and to teach me to give generously and love courageously.

Sidewalk Prophets (musicians):
I’m completed
When you are with me

Fr. Thom (pastor):
I need a Savior because, even though many people may not realize it by observing me, on the inside I don't feel like I can manage many things in my life, and I depend on the Lord’s help every day.

Tony (parishioner):
I need the Savior’s strength to be the person God wants me to be.

Take your next step: What about you? Why do you need a Savior? Listen to the song “Lord, I Need You,” and finish this sentence for yourself: “I need a Savior because…”

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