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WHAT DO YOU GIVE THEM?

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Dec 28, 2024
  • 3 min read

Today’s Readings:

Galatians 3:1-5

Luke 1:69-75

Luke 11:5-13

How much is a litre of fuel in your area? A couple of days ago, I met a lot of angry faces and I could tell that people are stretching beyond their elastic limit at this point. There is still something we can do even as we pray and hope for things to change. When you meet people, give them Jesus. Yes, Jesus is the only thing worth giving to anyone right now. Material things will fail. Fuel prices will rise and fall. Pleasures will lose their taste but Jesus remains the same today and always. But how can I give Jesus to others? What does it even mean?


The second Joyful mystery explores the Blessed Virgin Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth her cousin and the mysterious exchange that took place on this occasion. As you reflect on this mystery today, consider the ways in which you too can bring Jesus to others.

  • Say Yes to the Spirit. Mary said ‘yes’ to God and the Holy Spirit overshadowed her. By saying yes to God, we accept his love for us, express our desire for His presence and He comes to dwell in our souls. (Luke 11:13)

  • Jesus dwelt in Mary’s womb because she prepared her soul. Your soul becomes God’s dwelling place when you renounce sin and are purified by sanctifying grace, making you the first recipient of God’s gift of Himself.

  • Desire good for others. Mary went to assist her cousin as she approached her time of delivery because goodness has found a home in her. When goodness (which is a fruit of the Spirit) fills your heart, you want to share it.

  • The Holy Spirit wants to guide you. Mary served by disposing herself to be the Spirit’s vessel. She greeted Elizabeth and the latter was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). If you dispose yourself, the Holy Spirit will show you how to be of service to those in need.

  • We respond favourably to goodness. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit when Mary greeted her and she responded with gracious words of affirmation and blessings (“Of all women you are blessed…”, Luke 1:42). Your kind words can inspire and strengthen someone today.

  • Insist on charity. There are two kinds of people—fountains and drains. Fountains give of themselves. Drains do the expected—they continue to take. Be a fountain where others can drink from and be nourished. Nobody wants to be drained.

  • Stay in Prayer. Sometimes, we run out of steam. Even fountains can become dry. But if you stay in prayer, you will be renewed. When you feel overwhelmed at any point of the day, pause and say, “Lord, I need you”. God shows up.

  • Ask for help. Life can become tough and you cannot do everything by yourself. Reach out to those in your circle who can lessen your burden and replenish you; ask them to pray for you.

  • Be resourceful. Ask yourself each day, “How can I be of help today?” Giving of yourself is an often-underestimated virtue. When you are focused on service, you grow in capacity and capability, people trust you with responsibilities and blessings begin to flow even from unexpected sources.

  • Be joyful. No one wants to see a sad face; this only brings others down. You cannot give yourself joy. God alone can do that. So, pray that the Holy Spirit in you will bring forth the joy you need each day, so that you are constantly aware that God is in control and everything will be fine in the end.


The password today is FOUNTAIN. Pour into others the gifts which God has given you and you will never lack the joy of the Holy Spirit.

                                                                                    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.” 

Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet with the pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Remember to pray for social workers, health and medical workers, traffic wardens, police, military and para-military persons, media persons, broadcasters and actors, caterers, waiters and all those in the hospitality sector. As they serve others with their gifts, may they reflect the face of Christ. Amen.

  2. May the joy of the Holy Spirit which nothing can steal, flow ceaselessly from your heart, enrich you and strengthen you and may God bring joy and peace to others through your words and actions today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 
 
 

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