Today’s Readings:
Jer. 20:10-13
Ps. 69:8-17,33-35
Rom. 5:12-15
Matthew 10:26-33
Somewhere in our heart, we fear that people will discover that we feel horrible about ourselves. And this is because sometimes we really feel horrible. We are discontent what who we are, what we have and where we are in life. We wish we had more money, more material things or a great body because we equate them with confidence and happiness. The truth is that none of these things will make you feel better about yourself – no created thing can. You are special because of who you belong to.
You belong to God. Let that sink in for a bit. You belong to the Creator of the world and all it contains. He made you for Himself and no one but God alone can satisfy the hunger in your heart (Psalm 37:4). The question you should be asking yourself is “What must I do to realise how special I am?” Our readings today provide an answer. Be a person of Prayer – My most recent definition of prayer is “involving God in every matter”. Whatever the situation, involve God in it and do not do anything where you do not consult God to know what He thinks you should do. From the beginning of your day to the day’s end, remain in prayer. Befriend the Holy Spirit. Let your first prayer every morning by an invocation of the Holy Spirit (“Come, Holy Spirit, fil the heart of the faithful…”). Nothing kills your confidence and hope faster than acting without consulting God in prayer. Two scripture passages come readily to mind: Proverbs 16:25 – “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.” The second passage is connected to my next point about what you should do to attain the knowledge of how special you are to God.
Trust God (God is always in control). Proverbs 3:5,6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your path.” Do you trust God? Do you trust in His ability to grant you the desires of your heart (so long as they accord with His will for your life)? With God is never about how but when. Trusting God includes trust in His time, that His time is the best. So trust Him. Rely on God's grace (through the Sacraments). We are often quick to speak about God’s grace, to attribute our successes to God’s grace and that is a good thing. But the greatest thing that God ever did for us is give us sanctifying grace through the death and resurrection of Christ. Sanctifying grace is what frees you from sin, makes you holy and equips you to help others find salvation. Your main hustle on earth is to gain your salvation and the salvation of others. This is one of the most special things about you. Your actions are capable of transforming the world forever. What you say, what you write, what you post mindlessly on social media, what you commit to art, create through science and technology, one bad example to your child, the way you treat your spouse has the power of altering history forever. That’s how powerful you are. Knowing how power you are, how will you live your life?
Do not be Afraid. Three time in today’s Gospel, Jesus says “do not be afraid”. Our fear diminishes our self-worth. Fear causes us to doubt God’s power over ourselves. It keeps us from trying to be better. Fear cripples us ever before we make any effort. Do not be afraid to say, “I am a Christian”. Be bold to express your faith in your work, in your relationships, in your craft and in your decisions. Our moral choices are never neutral. You are either keeping God’s command or breaking it. You are either showing love or being indifferent. You are either witnessing to God’s love or you are giving a bad example. Never be afraid of being called names because of your faith in Christ. You will be all that God has created you to be. You will succeed beyond the limits that people set for you. They are not your god. God is alive to your situation. Do not be afraid to stand for Him.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people
Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him; talk ye of all His wondrous works.
Father, let your kingdom come, in Jesus name.
Lord, thank You for showing me that my worth comes from my relationship with You. Help me to be courageous in the face of those who are opposed to my faith, in Jesus name.
Protect me from those who seek to harm me, in Jesus name.
Keep me always close to you, in Jesus name.
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