Today’s Readings:
1 Kings 10:1-10
Psalm 37:5-6,30-31,39-40
Mark 7:14-23
A Chinese proverb says, “The one who blames others has a long way in his journey to go. The one who blames himself is halfway there. And the one who blames no one has already arrived”. We are all responsible for the good or calamity we see in the world. Jesus tells us that evil emerges from the heart as well as good. As a person’s heart is, so is their action—and your actions have consequences. The heart here refers to the centre of reasoning and intentionality—the mind. Your heart or mind is filled with:
Fornication or chastity
Theft or covetousness
Murder or care
Adultery or fidelity
Avarice or contentment
Malice or forgiveness
Deceit or honesty
Indecency or modesty
Envy or admiration
Slander or praise
Pride or humility
Folly or wisdom
Just as light and darkness cannot coexist, these opposites cannot coexist in your mind. And it is what fills your mind that you give to others. Be likewise Solomon who enriched the Queen of Sheba with his insights and understanding. The best way to change the world is to change yourself—start by changing how you think of yourself and how you think about others. Do not just complain—do what you can. Do not just point fingers at others—show them how to be better. Do not just blame others—chart a way forward. The hardest person to change is yourself. If you change yourself, you will certainly change the world.
May God grant you the serenity to accept the things you cannot change, the courage to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.
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 believe and 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 above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.
Touch my heart and fill me with grace.
Touch my flesh and free me from every disease.
Touch my mind and cure my anxiety.
Fill my heart with purpose and strength to touch others and heal them through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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