Readings:
Romans 12:5-16
Psalm 131
Luke 14:15-24
Heaven is heaven. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with creating heaven on earth. We have been given gifts that when brought together in harmony will establish a reign of peace, joy, and prosperity for everyone. Saint Paul shares his vision of such a world when he says:
“All of us, in union with Christ, form one body, and as parts of it, we belong to each other. Our gifts differ according to the grace given to us. If your gift is prophecy, then use it as your faith suggests; if administration, then use it for administration; if teaching, then use it for teaching. Let the preachers deliver sermons, the almsgivers give freely, the officials be diligent, and those who do works of mercy do them cheerfully” (Romans 12:6-8).
Notice that there is no mention of ethnicity political leanings or interest. There is no mention of selfishness and greed. What is required is that we allow Christ a space in our hearts so that we are united with Him and by Him, be connected.
The hindrances to a better world are as follows:
Greed instead of generosity
Selfishness and lack of concern for others instead of self-sacrifice.
Self-hatred which leads to hating others instead of self-respect.
Lack of respect for the dignity of human life instead of being pro-life.
Disregard for the dignity of human labour instead of paying a fair wage.
Connivance for evil instead of collaboration for good.
Godlessness instead of praying and nurturing a relationship with God.
Sexual liberation instead of personal holiness and self-control.
Preferential treatment on grounds of ethnicity and religion.
Secularism and disregard for God instead of faithfulness to God.
Hypocrisy and use of religion for personal benefits.
Lack of patriotism and concern for the polity.
We all know the problems of our communities, our nations, and our world but there seems to be a lack of moral will to do anything which we are not immediate beneficiaries of. There is a wise saying that goes, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit”. Wisdom is a gift from God and those who seek it and possess it will not wait until they are old before they start doing the right thing. The subjects of God’s kingdom are wise because they make hay while the sun shines. Jesus hints at the necessity of being wise by stating the parable of the kingdom in which those who are invited fail to show up and those who were uninvited become the guests. Let it not be said of us that we lost a chance to be great here on earth and eventually make heaven because we were preoccupied with personal interest and selfishness.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, may Your name be glorified.
Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give me the grace in our time to make a difference in my life and let the world be a better place because of your grace working through me. Amen.
Lord, shower Your grace and blessings on me.
Use me as Your willing vessel of positive transformation in the world around me in Jesus' name. Amen.
Grant, O Lord, that by my thoughts, words, and actions today, I may truly be a temple of Your grace and a reflection of Your glory in Jesus' name. Amen.
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