Today’s Readings:
Isaiah 65:17-21
Psalm 30:2-6,11-13
John 4:43-54
Our quality of life matters to God and it should also matter to us. We must never settle for just the barest minimum. We should not have to depend on others when we have the strength to work and earn a living. There should be a healthy life-work balance that creates the possibility of rest. There is also a need for a shift from merely existing to fully living. This is what it means to be a human person with dignity.
The Prophet Isaiah speaks of this when he talks of a "new heaven and new earth" which God will create. God's creation will be a cause for joy and gladness. Weeping and sorrow shall be no more and there shall be no memory of former days. Life expectancy shall rise to over a hundred years. And all who work shall eat the fruits of their labour and be landlords. All these sound like fantasies in our time of economic recession. But this is not a political manifesto. It is a divine decree which shall come to pass. But there are conditions. What are the conditions?
The condition for receiving God's blessings is captured by the prophecy of Amos: "Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and that the Lord God of hosts may be with you" (Amos 5:14).
To seek good is to welcome Jesus into your life:
Trust in the power of God over your life.
Listen to the Word of God which takes effect in your life by faith.
Dwell daily in sacramental grace through the Eucharist and confession.
Bring healing to others by your forgiveness and care for them.
Be gentle with your words and kind with your actions.
Do your work diligently.
Smile at someone and wish them well.
Tame your tongue.
Pray more than you complain.
Remain always in the presence of God and it shall be well with you.
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 believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart, keep me from all evil, and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord!
If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest, as the case may be.
Prayer:
May this day be a time of a new beginning, of God’s blessings and joyful news.
May God turn your frowns to cheers and your fears to crowns of favour and testimonies through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God turn your frowns to cheers and your fears to crowns of favour and testimonies through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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