Today’s Readings:
Isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-18
John 5:17-30
I am fascinated that we never get tired of talking about God, whether for good or ill. Ironically, those who claim they do not believe in God or religion seem more vested in it. You can tell by the sheer volume of tweets, posts and comments that is created on the subject. But those who claim one form of religious belief or the other are often lukewarm and indifferent. Remember what Jesus says about being lukewarm: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot…because you are lukewarm, I shall spit you out of my mouth” (Revelations 3:15-18). Rather graphic, don’t you agree?
Now that we know how God feels about those who are indifferent to Him, how should we approach our relationship with Him? Jesus is the key and he says: ‘My Father goes on working, and so do I’ (John 5:17). And there is more: “The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees the Father doing: and whatever the Father does the Son does too” (John 5:19). Jesus’ relationship with the Father is founded on pretty much the same principles as any relationship—Intimacy, Communication, Quality Time, Communion and Acts of service. The reason we do not look like Christ is because we do not spend time with Him. The reason Christ touched and changed the world was because He spent a lot of time with the Father in prayer. His words and actions bore the very imprint of God. As Saint Peter puts it, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38). In Baptism, we are introduced into the spiritual life. In the Eucharist, we dine and wine with God. In Confirmation, we are anointed and given a voice to speak for God in private and in public by our way of life. How far? Do people feel a Godly vibe when they are around you?
If you stay close to the scriptures, if you are aware of God’s presence in and around you, if you speak to Him in prayer, if you receive Him in the sacraments and adore His Eucharistic presence, hang out with the right set of people and see Him in the least of your brothers and sisters, there is no way that you will not catch and spread Godly vibes.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud, “Father, I acknowledge my sins 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 pastor or priest, as the case may be.
Prayer:
May God grant you the openness to experience and be transformed by God’s peaceful and reassuring presence, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Father, reclaim once more in me Your divine image, which has become coated with the filth of sin.
Fill my heart with Your holy presence and spread Your joy and peace through me in Jesus' name. Amen.
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