Readings:
Jonah 1:1-2:1,11
Jonah 2:3-5,8
Luke 10:25-37
The story of Jonah is proof that it is impossible to go through life without God or even run away from His presence. He was running away from his assignment which entailed speaking to the people of Nineveh, so that they may turn away from their wickedness and be saved. His attempts put his life and the lives of others in danger. We can try to exclude God from our plans, we can make excuses for doing things our own way refuse to join the faith community in the celebration of the liturgy and refuse to do charitable works, but all of it will amount to meaninglessness.
The meaning and purpose we derive from life are inspired by the answer to the question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The answer is simple: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” God must always hold first place in your heart and in all that you do. In the same way, too, you have to create a space in your heart for compassion.
Here are some ways to enjoy your day:
Prayer and thanksgiving should be the first thing you do when you wake up.
Create a plan for the day and hold yourself accountable for how and what you spend your time on.
Be conscious of what you let into your mind. The content of your thoughts will be evident in your words and actions.
Look out for opportunities to do things for other people. Listen to them and assist in whichever way you can.
Create times in the day for silence and being by yourself. This is a good way to recharge and re-launch into the rest of your day.
Be quick to forgive and point out to others what they are doing wrong.
Give alms. It will make you less preoccupied with yourself and more sensitive to the plight of others.
Be grateful to God for all that has happened during the course of the day.
Do not go to bed angry.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
May God's perfect will and blessings be upon us all and prosper us through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart this day. Be the inspiration for my thoughts, the motivation for my words and the guide for my actions, so that all I think, say and do today will be filled with compassion and love for the glory of God and for the salvation of souls, in Jesus name. Amen.
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