Today’s Readings:
Romans 8:18-25
Psalm 126
Luke 13:18-21
Jesus uses familiar images to describe God’s Kingdom. It is like a mustard seed that is sown in the ground, it dies, germinates and grows into a tree. Similarly, we who are subjects of God’s kingdom are sown into this world, we spend our lives serving God and our neighbours. This comes with self-discipline and self-denial. By putting to death our selfish desires, we can live for something greater than ourselves. We turn ambition into a vocation and impact the lives of others such that we begin to live through them just as Christ continues to live in the world through our exemplary lives. Where our personal goals conflict, our decisions should always reflect a desire to grow in love with God and serve Him so that He is seen in all we do.
The second image Jesus uses is that of yeast that is mixed in with three measures of flour till it is leavened all through. Although yeast is imperceptible in bread and other confectioneries, it causes them to rise to their full potential and gives flavour and softness. God’s grace and presence in our lives make a difference. Without God’s grace, we are hardened in sin and stone-like in our disposition towards true beauty and goodness. Grace beautifies us from the inside out. It also gives us the courage to beautify others with our words, actions and kind thoughtfulness. Sometimes silent service is far more impactful than visible presence. Dispose yourself to be used by God as He will. This is the true meaning of growth.
Jesus established God’s kingdom on earth through his life, teaching, suffering, death and resurrection in obedience to God His heavenly Father and because He loves us. His life is the pattern and example of how we too ought to live to impact people positively here on earth and attain eternal happiness in heaven. We share in Christ’s status as children of God by our Baptism. We have died to sin and risen with Christ. We have put to death the old life of sin and embraced a life of sacrifice and grace. We live no longer for ourselves but for others (as difficult as this may be sometimes). We desire greatness in Christ more than comfort in this imperfect world. This is the agenda we must push daily.
We must constantly struggle against and overcome:
Fear
Indecision
Comfort in sin (and addictions)
Bad company that corrupts good morals
Reluctance to repent
Laziness
Despair
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
For I have said, Mercy shall be built up forever; thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
Lord, grant me growth in mind, soul and body. Help me to put to full use the grace which you afford me each day.
May all that I think about, say and do cause me to grow to my fullest potential and be united with you forever, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May you grow from your pains and struggles into a beautiful, gracious, kind and great person all to the glory of God in Jesus' name. Amen.
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