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ONLY THE WAY

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Jun 28
  • 3 min read

Today’s Readings:

Acts 9:1-20

Psalm 117

John 6:52-59

 


Allow God to conquer your heart. Saint Paul was converted by the risen Christ on his way to Damascus to persecute the followers of ‘the Way’. Before they were called “Christians”, the Church was referred to as the followers of “the Way”, a reference to Jesus, who is “The Way, The Truth and The Life” (Acts 9:2; John 14:6). Saint Paul’s story sounds unbelievable. He was overpowered by the Risen Christ, and he turned into a fierce promoter of Christianity.


Paul’s conversion gives me hope. In my line of vocation, it is easy to lose hope in people. The reasons abound. I serve people every day. I write daily reflections, offer Masses and counsel so many people. It matters little if my personal life is okay or not; I have to be there for others. Most of the time, my challenges and worries are not about me; they are about the people I serve. I share in their joys, I feel their sadness, and I am not oblivious of their challenges, pains, aspirations and fears. I have created strong bonds of friendship with some of the people I minister to. But then it is sad and disappointing when I find out that all I know of some of them is in stark contrast to who these people are. This can create confusion and lead to pessimism. This is the human side to my vocation.


Saint Paul’s conversion teaches us to be hopeful, to remember that we are all works in progress. Each of us is a mystery, a journey and an unravelling. Some just take a longer time to arrive at the truth, which is Christ. You might have begun on a hopeful note, and you got sidetracked. Others may be battling demons they are afraid to share or admit. Do not give up on yourself or others.


Here are some things to help you be more hopeful and courageous in your walk with God:

  • You possess an inherent divine dignity and self-respect.

  • You are in search of truth and meaning.

  • Learn to forgive yourself and others as quickly as something happens.

  • Do not project your past hurts on others.

  • Your relationships should first be spiritual —you owe others your prayer.

  • Read a portion of Scriptures daily—it will make you wise.

  • Receive the Eucharist regularly—it is Jesus’ presence and power in you.

  • Pray first and seek God’s will in all things, and you will never go wrong.

  • Flee from noisemakers and evil people disguised as friends (the ones who lead you into sin).

 

Christ is the only way to true and lasting hope, peace and joy.

                                                                                                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 look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Eternal Father, I recognise that you are the only way to true and lasting joy. Thank you for never giving up on me. I place myself and all that I care about into Your loving hands today, and always. Do with me as you will. Amen.

  2. Father, you are the only way to true joy, peace, truth and meaning which my heart craves. Give me the courage to walk away from any and everything which displeases you and hurts my soul. Amen.

 
 
 

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