Today’s Readings:
1 Maccabees 4:36-37,52-59
1 Chronicles 29:10-12
Luke 19:45-48
The Devil’s game-changing plan is to make us believe that we have no worth. In place of our God-given human dignity, we have money as the source of wealth and worth. In place of self-respect, we have the illusory world of social media where likes and follows define self-worth. We have the world of cosmetics where breasts and butts are the definition of feminine beauty. In plain terms, it is a lie from the pit of hell to believe that you are valuable because of what you have. Before you ever had a penny to your name or even knew who you were, you were precious in God’s eyes; you are His perfect work of art (Ephesians 2:10). You are worth more than all the beautiful birds of the air that God ever created (Matthew 10:33). Your value cannot be measured or quantified in material things.
What then does our worth consist in?
We receive our worth from God who made us in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27).
We do not lose our value to age, ill health, poor educational or social standards.
Our value does not fluctuate like the situation of our currency.
We are valuable because the Holy Spirit dwells in us as His temple.
We are valuable because we can create beautiful, rich, and useful things if we apply our mind's skills positively.
We are valuable because God uses us to bless and influence others for good.
Our value grows as we practice our faith and serve others with our gifts.
We preserve our value by receiving Christ in the Eucharist and adoring His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
Those who treat others fairly in commerce and relationships receive special blessings for recognizing the dignity and value of others.
Do not listen to the lies of the devil:
When he suggests that you end your life because you are not adding value to others.
When he suggests to you that your looks are what make you beautiful.
When he suggests that God does not love you and will not forgive your sins.
When you are pressured to use evil, immoral, and illegal means to become rich and popular.
Do not give in to selfishness because others have treated you badly.
Do not harbour hatred and unforgiveness.
Be consoled by the words of Saint Paul Le-Bao-Tinh (one of the martyrs of Vietnam whom the Catholic Church celebrates today): “Amid these torments, which usually terrify others, I am, by the grace of God, full of joy and gladness, because I am not alone – Christ is with me.”
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for creating me beautiful, inside and out.
Help me to see daily that I am worth more to You than every created thing.
Help me to respect the dignity of others.
By your grace, may I place my gifts and my whole being at Your service and the service of my brothers and sisters. Amen.
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