Today’s Readings:
Deuteronomy 6:4-13
Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51
Matthew 17:14-20
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Yet sometimes, when the world seems to be in crisis all around us, resting in the Lord seems nearly impossible. With the global economic crisis, civil unrest, news of war on every news headline, and stress and anxiety levels higher than normal, how can we turn our focus to the Lord and find our hope in Him?
Here are five steps to help us rise to the next level of our faith, even in times of crisis.
Pray (Connect with God always): As a person, our ultimate hope lies not in the people and circumstances around us, but in God who is above it all. Prayer is the most powerful connection we have, yet it is one we tend to ignore. When facing serious issues, we may feel as though we have no words left. That is not a problem for God. Remember, Romans 8:26 says that the Holy Spirit makes intercession on our behalf. When we are at the crossroads, we should invite the Holy Spirit to intercede for us with the Fathe. Repeat the words, “Holy Spirit fill me and overflow in me.” Also, you can make the sign of the Cross as often as you can; or repeatedly call on the name of Jesus; it is a very powerful prayer. When you find a little more strength, say prayers from Scriptures like Matthew 6:9-13 or Luke 1:28,41-42. Praying builds up our faith and helps us to keep our eyes on God.
Meditate on the word of God (Be Aware of God’s presence): Meditation is powerful. It is allowing God’s word which you have read, and has been written on your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:6). So how do you do this? Find a quiet place with your Bible a notebook and a pen. Invite God's presence and focus your mind on a passage of Scripture. Memorize the passage. You can copy a verse that stands out for you into a notebook. Think deeply about the passage and how it applies to what you are dealing with in life. Clear your mind of other cares and concerns while you are practising meditation. End with a prayer, asking God to help you live out what you have learned.
Talk to Someone you can trust (You are not Alone): Times of crisis are extremely taxing emotionally and spiritually. Sometimes, you will need someone else to help you sort out what you are feeling. It is okay to seek help. Talking to someone else who can help you prioritize your life. Find a trusted family member or friend to help you sort out your thoughts and feelings. Your spiritual director is someone you can turn to. Sometimes, if your anxiety and feelings of turmoil are extremely high, you may need professional counselling.
Scripture and Sacrament/Holy Communion (Calm Your Anxiety): As you immerse yourself in God's word daily, you will find your anxieties start to calm. The more familiar you become with the Scripture, the less worried you will feel about what is going on around you. Jesus describes his disciples as a “faithless and perverse generation” because they relied on their strength rather than resting in God. You cannot do life on your own. Start your day with God’s word, confess where you have erred, and take communion/Eucharist as often as possible.
Stay Active (Exercise): Taking care of your physical body improves your spiritual and mental health. Exercising releases endorphins, which are the "feel good" hormones that boost your mood. In times of crisis, exercise regularly to keep negative feelings at bay. Choose something you enjoy doing that gets the heart pumping. Put on your running shoes and go for a walk or a jog. It will clear your mind and soon you are ready to tackle the next challenge.
In the Gospel Acclamation, we pray, “May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our mind, so that we can see what hope his call holds for us” (Ephesians 1:17,18).
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
May God open my eyes to my true needs and grant them to me through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve at night in the house of the Lord.
Lift your hands toward the sanctuary, and praise the Lord.
Father, as we preach the Gospel, help the body of Christ to lay aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, all evil talk; help us to desire the pure milk of your word, so that we would grow and see that the Lord is gracious, in Jesus name. Amen
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