Readings:
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Psalm 149:1-6,9
Luke 6:12-19
We are not angels. This is pretty obvious. But sometimes, we expect angelic traits from humans, like when we think that priests and religious persons are holy and perfect beings who do not sin. Yes, they are called to be perfect just like you but none of us is perfect. We are not angels. In fact, Saint Paul says that we are meant to be higher than the angels: “Since we are also to judge angels, it follows that we can judge matters of everyday life” (1 Corinthians 6:3). This is a shocking revelation because often we behave like people in the world who celebrate their imperfections and hold themselves to lower moral standards. We fight with one another; our quarrels even stretch into malice and sometimes they turn violent. This is not to be said of you.
Here is what the Scriptures say about you which can guide your choices today:
Jesus calls you to walk in perfection (despite your weaknesses) just as He called his twelve Apostles.
Do away daily with sin in all its forms and run away from all suggestions to it.
God has washed you in Baptism, sanctifies you through the Eucharist and Confession, justified you in Confirmation and marked you for heaven.
All who choose to remain in sin, make themselves lesser than human (they are slaves to their passions): people of immoral lives, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunks, slanderers and swindlers.
Call people away from sin and do not encourage them in wrong-doing.
The water of Baptism is thicker than the blood of birth. See your brothers and sisters as a part of you and treat them with respect.
You can break free from any sin by consistent effort and the power of prayer.
Jesus gives us the model of potent prayer —location (mountain), intention (prayer), duration (all night). Choose a place, avoid distractions and spend time with God.
Every great decision is preceded by powerful prayer. So, pray before every decision.
From the mountain you have a clear view of your surroundings. From the heights of prayer, we have a clear view of God’s plan for us and for our future.
Create a “Prayer Bank” for everyone you are connected to and that you will ever be connected to—family members, friends, spouse and future spouse, children and even grandchildren and everyone they will be associated with.
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 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 pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, you have called me by name in Baptism. Help me to be true to my name.
Lord, when I fall, help me to rise again, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, never abandon me in my sinfulness.
Lord, deliver me from the company of evil-doers.
Lord, help me to rise and stand firm in prayer and draw strength from You.
Lord, give me courage to walk on the path of righteousness that you prayed for.
Lord, lead me on to eternal life. Amen.
Lord, we are not angels. Help us to realise that by the power of prayer and full commitment to our relationship with You, we can rise to the topmost heights of grace and enjoy your favour forever, in Jesus name. Amen.
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