Today’s Readings:
Acts 6:1-7
Psalm 33:1-2,4-5,18-19
John 14:1-12
1 Peter 2:4-9
Is suffering a sign that you are the worse sinner in the world? No, it is not. Is prosperity a sign that you are the most righteous person on earth? I don’t think so. From our experience, good people suffer, and evil people prosper. But then good people themselves prosper and some evil people suffer for the wrongs they have done. So, what is going on here? God does not deal with us as we deserve. As Jesus says: Matthew 5:45: "For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
Suffering is not a sign that you are evil and enjoyment is not a sign that you are holy. It is erroneous to think that because you pray, pay your tithe or give offering, fast and attend Masses and church programmes, you are immune from suffering. No, the good you do equips you to face the sweetness and bitterness of life in union with Christ. Going through life in union with Christ is what the Church describes as the “Paschal Mystery”. What does this term mean? The Paschal Mystery is God's plan for the salvation of mankind, as fulfilled in the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. In simpler terms, it is the work Jesus Christ did to save us. And we partake in this work of salvation by uniting our daily joys, sufferings and pains with that of Christ so that we will eventually attain glory in heaven with Him.
Romans 8:17-18: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Here are some things to keep in mind when you find yourself going through the difficulties of life:
Have a good reputation. Always be known for and associated with goodness;
Possess the Christian traits of faith, wisdom, be filled with the Holy Spirit (by staying in a state of grace) and long to serve others;
Be faithful to your baptismal promises and resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
Always unite yourself with Christ. If you go through life on your own (without Christ), you are on your own.
Resist the temptation to go anywhere in search of spiritual answers or solutions to your problems;
Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God and listen to Jesus in His Church and in the words of Scripture;
There is only one way, one truth and one who is the fullness of life. He is Jesus;
You belong to God. You are a royalty, a priest(ess), your body is God's temple, and nothing can take you from Him;
Imitate Jesus’ love, His service, His good works and you will truly be like Him and do even greater works than Him;
Hold on when things get tough. Don't blame anyone for your misfortune. Challenges are a part of life. Do what is right and place your confidence in God.
Remember the words of Christ always: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name, in Jesus name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, in Jesus name.
May the grace and peace of Christ strengthen me in times of adversity, reassure me in times of peace, humble me in moments of joy and peace and lead me ultimately to eternal life in heaven, through Christ our Lord.
Lord, purify my body, soul and spirit with Your holy fire and preserve me till the coming of our Lord , in Jesus name.
Lord we commit our children, youths and young adults in to Your fatherly care, keep them as the apple of Your, in Jesus name.
Father Lord, release into Your vineyard, faithful, committed, dedicated, obedient and humble labourers, in Jesus name.
We come against the spirit of the anti-Christ working against our nation and we command it to be permanently frustrated, in Jesus name. Amen.
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