Today’s Readings:
Genesis 37:3-4,12-13,17-28
Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 21:33-43,45-46
Why do good people suffer? Good people suffer because, through them, God wants to show us the extent to which evil has eaten into our collective destiny and how desperately we need to be saved from our sins and shortcomings. The goodness of one person can bring out the worst in others. It can shine a light which can disrupt the works of darkness. Goodness can create envy and jealousy. And wherever there is darkness, and someone tries to turn on the light, some people will want to shut you down.
The beautiful thing is that we know what light is. We know what goodness is. No matter how hard you try, you cannot shut goodness down because it persists and will never die. If you are doing your best to shine the light wherever you are, in politics, in business, in family life, in faith, in your spiritual journey, in your relationship with other people, know that you have a precious jewel that others are envious of. In your goodness, you are walking in the footsteps of great people; people like Joseph who was named “the man of dreams”. His dreams led his whole family to safety and abundance in Egypt after famine struck their land.
You are also walking in the footsteps of Christ who was sent by the Father to redeem us from sin. Romans 8:32 says, “God did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” God will bless us because of the sacrificial death of Christ who shone light on our darkness. He will also bless the world because we shine our lights too. You are also walking in the footsteps of the Apostles and the saints. And you are marching to heaven.
May God bless you every day of this new month as you take these strides, despite the difficulties and challenges unto victory and salvation, through Christ our Lord. 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 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 pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Renew, O Lord, your grace in me. Help me to shine Your light of grace in all that I do and use me as your chosen instrument to change the lives of others for the best through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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