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 NEW LEVELS

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • 54 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

Today’s Readings:

2 Kings 5:14-17

Psalm 98:1-4

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Luke 17:11-19

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Saint Ambrose once said, “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” Our readings today all pay tribute to those who recognised God’s gift to them and, in turn, gave thanks. Naaman, the Syrian general, washed his leprous body in the Jordan, at Elisha’s command, and he was healed. The ten lepers obeyed Jesus’ instruction to go and show themselves to the priests. On the way, they found out that they had been healed. Their physical healing was only a first level. The gratitude of Naaman and the Samaritan leper unlocked a new level of blessings. Naaman was converted, and he professed faith in the true God (2 Kings 5:17). The healed Samaritan returned to thank Jesus, who declared that his faith had won him salvation (Luke 17:19). In these two foreigners, the words of the Psalmist are fulfilled: “The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.” (Psalm 97). We, too, have received salvation in baptism. We have been cleansed repeatedly of our sins in repentance and confession of our sins. Have you returned to offer thanksgiving?


Here are some steps you must take to secure the two levels of divine blessings:

  • Break up with the spirit of ingratitude.

  • Be faithful to Christ. Do not be like those who, once they receive their miracle, simply walk away.

  • Turn back to Christ in thanksgiving.

  • Celebrate what God has done for you by the extent of your thanksgiving. The one who has received much should give more (Luke 7:47).

  • Stop and count your blessings and be truly grateful.

  • Never take God’s blessings for granted. Everything you have is a gift from God (James 1:17).

  • You can give something. Decide in your heart what you will offer today in gratitude to God.


Gratitude lies at the very heart of being a Christian because our entire life of faith begins with receiving: the gift of creation and the gift of our lives. To be a Christian is to live in constant awareness that everything is received, and so the most authentic response is thanksgiving: Eucharistia. In the Eucharistic sacrifice, it is your gift that is offered up to God. Your offering is laid on the altar in the form of bread and wine. The priest blesses it and offers it to God. He then says to you: “Pray brethren, that my sacrifice and YOURS may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father”. Knowing this, will you offer a worthy sacrifice to God today?

                                                                                    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! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Eternal Father, thank you for the gift of new life and new blessings today.

  2. Help me to realise that you have blessed me and your blessings are new every morning.

  3. May I offer a worthy gift of my time, talent and treasures to you today and always through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
 
 

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