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BE FEARLESS

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Today’s Readings:

Romans 4:1-8

Psalm 32:1-2,5,11

Luke 12:1-7 

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Who gave the name “Catholic” to the Church founded by Jesus Christ? It was Saint Ignatius of Antioch (bishop of Antioch from 70-107AD). He was the first person in Christian literature to attribute to the Church the adjective "catholic" or "universal": "Wherever Jesus Christ is (not just where He is mentioned)", he said, "there is the Catholic Church" (Letter to the Smyrnaeans, 8: 2). Antioch is also where the followers of Christ were first called “Christians” (they seem to be gifted with giving names). Ignatius was sent from Syria to Rome, and became food for wild beasts on account of his testimony to Christ. Along the way, he fortified the parishes in the various cities where he stopped by homilies and exhortations, and warned them above all to be especially on their guard against false teachings, and exhorted them to hold fast to the tradition of the Apostles.


No Church father has expressed the longing for union with Christ and for life in him with the intensity of Ignatius. He implored the Christians of Rome not to prevent his martyrdom since he is impatient "to attain to Jesus Christ". And he explains, "I should die on behalf of Jesus Christ than to reign over all the ends of the earth.... Him I seek, who died for us: him I desire, who rose again for our sake.... Permit me to be an imitator of the Passion of my God!" Saint Ignatius also worked for unity. He often said that God is unity and that in God alone is unity found in its pure and original state. Unity to be brought about on this earth by Christians is no more than an imitation as close as possible to the divine model.


Today’s readings reinforce Ignatius’ legacy in the following ways:

  • Be fearless against worldly persecution. No one has power over your life and your soul except God.

  • Your faith is your biggest treasure. It is a gift from God. Hold on to it and never give it up.

  • History sides with you about your Christian faith. Be proud of the rich heritage you have been blessed with.

  • Do not be a hypocrite. Be a child of God in secret as in public.

  • Be a peacemaker. Create an atmosphere of unity and forgiveness wherever you find yourself.

  • Share your faith everywhere. If you wish to be shameless, let it be for the sake of the Gospel.

  • Be soft-hearted. Do not allow your heart be hardened by sin and stubbornness.

  • Show proof of your faith by the way you love and serve everyone God places in your path each day.

  • Live each day with a view to living with God for all eternity and to enjoy the blessedness of heaven.

  • Beware of the prosperity Gospel that condemns every form of suffering and promises heaven on earth.

                                                                                    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! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.



Prayer:

1.      Eternal Father, make me fearless in the face of persecution. Keep my eyes fixed on You and on doing all things for Your glory, fully confident that You are worthy of trust through Christ our Lord. Amen.

2.      May Almighty God strengthen my arms to do battle against sin, the world and your strongest temptation to satisfy yourself. May the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts, inform your words and motivate your actions for His glory. Amen.

 


TASK FOR THE DAY:

Pray for the people struggling with anxiety.

 

 
 
 

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