Today’s Readings:
Acts 9:1-20
Psalm 117
John 6:52-59
Your whole life can change in a split second. It doesn’t matter if you are successful or suffering, ready or ruined, God can change your life in a split second. Just take a look at Saint Paul. As Saul, he championed the persecution of Christians. But then, on his way to Damascus, everything changed. He had a vision of Christ who told him, “You are persecuting me”. Paul went into a crisis—he had lost his sight and he fasted from food and water for three days. He remained in prayer until God sent him Ananias. In the end, he became Paul and started preaching vigorously, “Jesus is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20). You too will testify that Jesus is God and be filled with joy forever. Amen.
When we are persecuted, what do we see? Do we see the handwork of the Devil or God’s plan? Ananias saw the handwork of the evil one in Saul’s activities. But God sees otherwise. He said to Ananias, “This man is my chosen instrument to bring my name before pagans and pagan kings and before the people of Israel; I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:15). Ananias’ role of healing and baptizing Paul was meant to complete his conversion. May God use your difficult situations to transform your heart, mind, soul and body in Jesus’ name. The successes in our lives are part of God’s plan. Our failures are ways He calls us back to what is most important. Our restoration after failure is our elevation to a new understanding and renewed relationship with God. We do not take suffering well because we look around and see people seemingly succeeding even though they are not as good morally as we are. Your life is in God’s hands—turn to Him all the time and never try to live outside His providence. You will overcome the difficult phases of your life through prayer, thinking about solutions, planning and submitting your plans to God for His decisions. This is the way forward. There is one more secret ingredient.
Jesus in the Eucharist is the secret ingredient. An encounter with Jesus who is really, truly and substantially present in the Eucharist is the game-changer. Very few of us take Jesus at His words when he says, “For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I live in him” (John 6:55). Communion in the Body of Christ is the perfect nourishment for the soul. Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is a deep moment of intimacy, clarity and refreshment. Celebration of the Mass renews you uniquely and intimately. Make out time from your busy schedule to be with Jesus in the Eucharist. You will learn humility and self-surrender. All your failed plans will receive new life if you give Jesus a chance in your life.
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:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the secret ingredient to success. By Your special grace flowing through the Eucharist, transform my life and help me to trust in Your providence and plan for my peace and joy. Amen.
Lord, I place all my plans in Your hands. Nourish me with Your Body and Blood and renew me. Turn my woes into wins, my frowns into crowns and my tears into cheers in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
All-powerful and ever-living God, your only Son, suffered and died to defeat death and give us eternal life. In your goodness, raise us who were buried with Him in baptism, to be one with Him on our pilgrim journey through the changing seasons of life and share His glory in the eternal life of heaven. Amen.
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