Readings:
Acts 16:22-34
Psalm 138:1-3,7-8
John 16:5-11
Throughout the Easter Season, all the teachings in the Church instils one very important lesson and set before our eyes, that our Lord Jesus Christ, who was truly born, truly suffered and truly died, should be recognised as having truly risen from the dead. May the power of the risen Christ always be active in you. Why is it important to remember the resurrection? It is important because by Christ's death and Resurrection and his glorious Ascension, our human nature has been raised to a dignity which exceeds those of the angels and archangels. God has raised us so high to the degree that we have a special seat at the heavenly table because our human nature has been united to Christ. Heaven is where we are headed even as we journey daily through this world. This idea sounds funny to the world and it was a cause of ridicule for Saint Paul when he preached in Athens. You will never know shame because of your faith in Christ.
Athens was the intellectual centre of the world in Paul’s day. It was the centre of philosophy, science, mathematics, art and religion. Athens had a body of tradition but lacked a soul which gave it life. Saint Paul capitalized on this and introduced them to “The Unknown God” whom he reveals is the source of all that we have and are. In Paul’s famous words: “It is in him that we live, and move, and exist” (Acts 17:28). He had their attention until he spoke of the resurrection which made them laugh dismissively. Paul learnt from this experience and declared to the Corinthians: “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified …And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
May the power of Christ dwell in you and grant you wisdom, knowledge and discernment in Jesus’ name. Here are some things to keep in mind today:
Thank God for the gift of your faith.
Keep your mind set on heaven where God has prepared a wonderful place for you.
Do not seek to win the world’s approval since they are set on very different values than those of Christ.
You need a balance of faith and worldly knowledge to have a rounded view of life (faith alone leads to superstition; worldly knowledge alone leads to pessimism).
Repent of your sins daily and never lie to yourself about any wrongdoing.
Invite the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, to enlighten you and help you make sense of life.
Seek spiritual direction with your priest and be in the company of good Christians, so you never fall away through sin.
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 reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, fill me with your wisdom and preserve me from the temptation to align myself with the thinking and mindset of the world. Let my heart be set on your heaven kingdom even as I journey through life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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