Today’s Readings:
Isaiah 29:17-24
Psalm 27:1,4,13-14
Matthew 7:21,24-27
I recently saw this picture of spectators at the stadium watching a match and they were all covered in snow. And the caption read, “And these people won’t go to church”. I think we take the gift of faith for granted. We underestimate the fact that we believe in God and that we are drawn to Him when we find ourselves in a fix or difficulty.
Two blind men in today’s Gospel heard that Jesus was going somewhere and they chased after him screaming, ‘Take pity on us, Son of David’ (Matthew 9:27). It takes faith to know that you are blind. A lot of people are blind but they do not realise it, just like the spectators at the stadium covered in snow or those who presume they know that they should go to church.
We too can be blind and in need of faith:
We put other things before God in our lives.
We use God’s name in vain and use curse words freely.
We fail to pray or say our prayers poorly, failing to see how it draws us closer to God.
We fail to honour our parents and elders.
We speak lies freely.
We have turned sex into a commodity in the way we present ourselves to others.
We bear false witness and slander others.
We take the lives of the unborn and put our lives in danger through drug and substance abuse.
We envy the good of others and wish them harm.
For all these, we need repentance and grace to remain faith-filled and faithful to God.
Faith is the key that unlocks the door of God’s blessings. So, ask Him to renew this precious gift in you. A spirit-filled and faith-filled year begins with rootedness in faith and divine love.
When you are celebrating, do so in Jesus.
If you are going through difficulty, run to Jesus.
Always look to Him for answers.
Ask him for forgiveness for your sins.
Call on the Lord and He will answer you.
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.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of faith which allows us to know you, one God, three persons.
Give sight to our blindness, grant favour to our good works, grant healing for our many ailments and fill us with peace and joy through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May Faith be your shield, your refuge and your source of healing.
May it lead you to seek God's face and obtain for you renewed grace, in Jesus’ name.
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