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IS THERE ANOTHER WAY?

Writer's picture: Olufunmilayo AdekusibeOlufunmilayo Adekusibe
 

Today’s Readings:

Hosea 11:1-4,8-9

Psalm 80:2-3,15-16

Matthew 10:7-15

 

 

Recently, former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo faced backlash on social media for wearing a modest wedding gown at her marriage ceremony with American football star Christian McCaffrey, who is an outspoken Christian. Stating in a later interview with Vogue she said, “I didn’t want it to exude sex in any way, shape, or form.” Her views tell me that she has found another way of thinking and acting in a world of opposing values. This renewed way is what Jesus taught his disciples when he said, "As you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge" (Matthew 10:7). The renewed way is placing God's agenda above every other concern. This agenda, according to Saint Paul is founded on three pillars:

  • Righteousness without which no one can see God (Hebrews 12:14,15).

  • Peace which the world and all its noise cannot give (Philippians 4:7).

  • The joy is a fruit of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the soul (Galatians 5:22, John 16:22).

 

Saint Benedict founded Western monastic life on these values. He wrote in his rule: “Whenever you begin any good work, you should, first of all, make a most pressing appeal to Christ our Lord to bring it to perfection; that he, who has honoured us by counting us among his children, may never be grieved by our evil deeds. For we must always serve him with the good things he has given us in such a way that he may never – as an angry father disinherits his children or even like a master who inspires fear – grow impatient with our sins and consign us to everlasting punishment, like wicked servants who would not follow him to glory.”


The renewed way is not difficult; it is only costly. Ask yourself, is it a price I am willing to pay? St John Paul II says, “Do not be afraid to be saints. Follow Jesus Christ who is the source of freedom and light…We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures, we are the sum of the Father’s love for us.”

                                                                                                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! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.


 

Prayer:

  1. Renew your unction and anointing over my life, O Lord.

  2. May I spread Your kingdom agenda by words, thoughts and actions today through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

  3. Lord, help me to desire the holiness of life.

  4. Lord, help me to flee every temptation and occasion of sin.

  5. Lord, let my actions be defined by Your values and not by the world.

  6. Lord, give me the strength to do what is right.

  7. Lord, help me to spend time with You in prayer.

  8. Lord, help me to detach from necessary distractions.

  9. Lord, free me from worries of all kinds.

  10. Lord, uncover the plans of the evil one in my life.

  11. Lord, give me contentment and self-discipline.

  12. Lord, help me to serve others with my time and resources.

  13. Lord, may I never be separated from You in life and death. Amen.

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