Readings:
Joshua 24:1-2,15-18
Psalm 34:2-3,16-23;
Ephesians 5:21-32
John 6:60-69
Jesus gives a hard teaching that compels us to make a hard choice. Jesus invites us to believe in who He is (“The Holy One of God” given as Bread from heaven) and what He offers us (His own Body and Blood for eternal life). Our belief must go beyond mere words. It must become the lived conviction of choosing to stay with the Risen Christ and remain in Him. The alternative choice is to do things your own way, be self-centred and live a life of sin which leads to death and eternal damnation.
What are some of the practical implications of choosing life in Christ?
See your frequent reception of the Eucharist as a continual choice to dwell in the Risen Life and flee from the bondage of sin and death.
Following Christ is a choice that affects the entire direction of your life —it compels you to surrender your best business, career and vocational plans to God and seek His will in ALL things.
The way of Christ is one of constant self-giving and sacrifice that imitates His death and resurrection—if you are unwilling to risk the death of your plans, you will never find true life.
You are not alone in making the choices that will keep you close to Christ. The Holy Spirit will enable you make the right choices (“Holy Spirit, lead me to make the right choices”).
Consecrate yourself daily to Jesus and ask Him to dispose you to listen to Him as He speaks to you throughout the day.
Participation in the Mass, reception of the Eucharist and Eucharistic adoration are a threefold invitation to “Taste and see that the Lord is good”. Are you duly disposed to taste and see?
You can only make the right choices in your vocation, career, business and relationships if you understand the Eucharistic life (The Eucharist draws together our relationship with Jesus as well as with one another in lives of self-giving).
Without a proper understanding of Christ’s self-giving in the Eucharist, you cannot have a deep, lasting and meaningful relationship with another human being—our best attempts will only lead to shallow and superficial situation-ships.
For those seeking happiness in marriage, a model is set before you—Love that woman sacrificially; submit to that man wholeheartedly. If you are truly Eucharistic in your spirituality, you will trust God with your choices.
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 report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, I am ready to taste and experience You today.
Lord, I lay all my plans before You.
Lord, I reject my sins and submit to You.
Lord, I choose You and all Your plans for me.
Lord, I need You in all that I do.
Lord, I will always be true to You.
Lord, I believe You have all the answers to my questions.
Lord, I trust in You. Never let me be put to shame. Amen.
I choose You, Lord, the true source of life, joy and peace. Let my actions henceforth be directed by Your inspiration and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Submit, and God will use you to turn impossible situations around through Christ our Lord.
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