Today’s Readings:
Acts 22:3-16
Psalm 117
Mark 16:15-18
The strongest Christians are those who have had dramatic experiences which have significantly altered the course of their lives. Saint Paul is the chief among these saints. Today’s first reading is a dramatic retelling of Paul’s conversion experience, of how he went from being a terror to Christians, to being blinded by the light of the risen Christ and ended up as a missionary and author of 13 letters in the New Testament. Not all of us will have a dramatic conversion experience, which should not hinder us from possessing a formidable faith.
The stories of conversion we hear should enlighten us and strengthen our faith. A wise person learns from the experiences of others (not only from their experiences alone). The core of what makes us strong Christians is given to us through the channels of grace in the Church:
We are baptised into Christ and made members of His church.
The Lord speaks to us through the Scriptures, calling us away from sin and into the light of grace.
We receive healing and deliverance from our spiritual sickness by confessing our sins and receiving absolution/forgiveness.
We receive strength in the Eucharist to do good works and lead others to Christ by our good actions.
In our daily challenges, we receive grace to dispel darkness and spread the light of God’s presence through what we think, say, do and refrain from doing (fleeing the occasions of sin).
In our unique ways (through our relationships and daily activities), we witness the resurrection just as Saint Paul was.
If we are faithful to Christ (and fear to offend Him through deliberate sin), miraculous works will flow through us. Jesus says: ‘These are the signs that will be associated with believers: i) in my name they will cast out devils; ii) they will have the gift of tongues; iii) they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; iv) they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’ (Mark 16:17,18). These are signs that you in your state of life and vocation can do because God has given you the power to do so. God’s Holy Spirit living in you will accomplish these good works but there is a warning.
Ephesians 5:18 Amplified Bible (AMP)— Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him. Invite the Holy Spirit daily to fill you and guide you, your choices, your plans and decisions. God, who is always with you, will bless you, He will guide you keep you away from the path of evil (with your cooperation) and bless you abundantly in Jesus’ name. 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:
Lord, thank you for choosing me and saving me from sin and the works of darkness.
Show me each day what I must do to spread the light of Your presence in all I do and dispel darkness from all my relationships and activities in Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.
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