Today’s Readings:
Acts 2:36-41
Psalm 33:4-5,18-20,22
John 20:11-18
Dear brother and sister in the Lord, This little letter is for you because I want you to be encouraged. I used to think that everyone in the Church was a saint. I once thought that everyone in Church had a fair knowledge of why they were there. By “fair knowledge” I mean that they know that as baptised Christians, they are in a relationship with God, and in the words of Saint Paul, “Old things have passed away…” (2 Corinthians 5:17). I presumed that all who receive the Holy Communion/Eucharist understood that Christ now dwells in them and has taken possession of their mind, soul and body. I presumed that the love of God and neighbour is now their ultimate guiding principle (Matthew 22:37-40). I presumed also that it is my duty, as a priest, to correct someone I see to be going the wrong way because I don’t want them to be lost. I presumed everyone in the Church is striving for holiness in their relationships because “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). Alas, that is not the case.
We are all from different backgrounds, with different family values and different things we consider important to us. And some people are in Church to lead others astray. And those who care for others are sadly in the minority. Your concern for the spiritual well-being of others means that you mean well to them—you should be proud of that. Sadly, because family values are lacking, people cannot discern and choose those who mean well to them. A lot of people come from backgrounds where faith is not the most important value. Some are coming from homes where their parents are hypocritical—saying one thing in public and living a completely different life in private. Do not be too hard on yourself when you receive push-backs because you raise concerns about the moral lives of others. If they engage in lewd and lustful practices, raise alarm. When they act selfishly and speak proudly, call them to order. If they are wasteful of common resources, demand accountability. Take a leaf from Saint Peter. During Jesus’ trial and torture which led to his crucifixion, Peter denied him three times. But after his encounter with the Holy Spirit (insert speaking in tongues if desirable), he suddenly became a different person, one who could not be silent in the face of evil. And then he went on to preach to the Jews. ‘You MUST repent,’ Peter declared. ‘Save yourselves from this perverse generation.’ And 3,000 people were baptised and became believers. All because Peter spoke up.
God has called all of us into His church but not everyone in the Church is living out God’s call. So, yes, you need to remind them of the imperative to be holy and perfect as our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:48). And I pray that just as Peter and the Apostles recorded 3,000 converts, you will draw at least one straying soul back to God every time you speak or share God’s word with them.
Peace be with you.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord”.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, give me the courage to speak up against evil and the grace to give a good example by the manner of life I live through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, grant me the gift of tears for my sin, give me the courage to speak up against evil and the grace to give a good example by the manner of life I live through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A blessed new day to you, in Jesus' name.
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