Today’s Readings:
Exodus 14:5-18
Exodus 15:1-6
Matthew 12:38-42
There is someone greater than any problem or situation you have ever encountered. He is greater than your pain and fears, greater than all hurts that caused you trauma; greater than things that prevent you from making another attempt because you are afraid of being hurt. There is something greater at play. In the first reading, we see that God has the upper hand. Pharaoh threatened the Israelites with over 600 horses and chariots which made the Israelites afraid. However, the words of Moses will forever stand as a source of inspiration and reassurance to people who find themselves in impossible situations. He said, ‘Have no fear! Stand firm, and you will see what the Lord will do to save you today: The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will do the fighting for you: you have only to hold your peace and keep still.’
It takes great faith to keep still in the face of turbulence, danger, fear and oppression of evil people. However, the truth is that fear kills faster than failure. It is important that you remain still. And the grace to be still will come from God. The grace of courage and not become overly excited or overly afraid is from above. Therefore, call upon God to be with you. Call on Him in your personal prayers. Call on Him when you turn to the Scriptures for inspiration and edification. Turn to God in the sacraments where you are nourished regularly with Christ’s precious Body and Blood. Go for spiritual direction with a priest you trust.
Do not try to test God like the Pharisees did in the Gospel reading. ‘Master,’ they said, ‘we should like to see a sign from you.’ And Jesus replies that, ‘It is an evil and unfaithful generation that asks for a sign!’ A faithful generation remembers the wonderful deeds of God. They remember God’s success story in their lives, because we are all success stories. God has used us in past situations to bring about His glory and praise. And even though you do not remember the situation as a glorious one, remember the fact that God will always be faithful, and He will forever entrench Himself in history as the Greatest of all time. Continue to hold on to Him and believe that God will always be there. God does not just show up – He is always there.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen wake but in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so he gives his beloved sleep.
As you kneel at the feet of His divine majesty this moment, I pray that God will be there for you in joyful and sweet moments.
He will fight your battles and give you victory over your enemies.
He will strengthen you in your moments of distress and lift you up to the heights of favour, bless your undertakings, give you peace and cause for celebration, joy and everlasting happiness, in Jesus name.
Father, visit every Christian home with Your love and mercy, awake every couple to their divine responsibilities, in Jesus name.
Lord unite the body of Christ with Your love, empower them to harmoniously preach the Gospel of truth, in Jesus name.
Lord, take charge in our nation, and move the nation forward, in Jesus name. Amen.
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