Today’s Readings:
Isaiah 41:13-20
Psalm 145:1,9-13
Matthew 11:11-15
From a tender age, we are taught that to be great is to excel in life and never bring shame to your family. The average Nigerian parent will ask you if your classmate has two heads if you fall behind in your grades. While aiming for perfection is good, staying grounded is better. As great as John the Baptist was in his mission as a forerunner and herald of the Messiah, he is not the greatest person to ever live. Jesus claims that He is greater than John the Baptist because He is our source of life, strength and Salvation. All of history and everyone who will ever exist look to Him as their final accomplishment and destination. By our baptism, Confirmation, and relationship with Christ, we have a unique privilege and assurance that our struggles, trials and tribulations will ultimately be crowned with victory in Him. Amen.
Advent season prepares us to welcome Jesus into the crib of our lives and enthrone Him there forever. These weeks of spiritual preparation leading up to Christmas help us confront some common misconceptions we have about our identity and mission here on earth. Saint John of the Cross encourages us to, “Take Christ for your spouse and friend and walk with him continually, and you will not sin and will learn to love, and the things you must do will work out prosperously for you.” If we journey alone and unaided, by divine grace, we are on a long and impossible mission.
How do we ensure that we remain grounded and on the right path?
God has already destined you for heaven, so you cannot fail.
Make God’s glory the goal of actions daily—not yourself.
Always say “Thank God”.
Pray and seek God’s approval before making anyone your friend.
Give fear and doubt no place in your life.
Do not date sin; the result is death and destruction.
Renew your commitment to God daily and rely on grace.
Lead others to the water of the Gospel from which you ought to drink daily yourself.
Let the world know that God is responsible for every favour you receive.
Keep your faith simple and true and you will capture hearts for God.
Do not be afraid. You are greater than any mountain of challenges because you are standing
on God’s shoulders.
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 meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, I know that you have created and destined me for greatness, the greatest of which is to live with You forever in heaven. Give me the grace and strength I need each day to accomplish all that You have put me in this world to do, for Your glory and honour, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God has vested me with greatness and I shall never fail in all that He has placed in my heart to accomplish through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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