Readings:
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10,16-18
Psalm 128:1-2,4-5
Matthew 23:27-32
"By the labour of your hands you shall eat. You will be blessed and prosper" (Psalm 128:2)
Saint Augustine of Hippo was born on 13th November 354 in Tagaste (modern-day Algeria). He is one of the most influential theologians and philosophers in the history of Christianity. Augustine was a “bad boy”. His early years were marked by partying, sin and a quest for truth through various philosophical and religious systems, including exploring heresies such as Manichaeism (an ancient dualistic religion founded by the prophet Mani in the 3rd century, which claims that there is a cosmic struggle between the forces of good and evil).
His mother, Saint Monica, persistently prayed for his conversion. Augustine eventually encountered the works of Saint Ambrose of Milan and was profoundly influenced by him. This led to his dramatic conversion to Christianity in 386. He was baptised by Saint Ambrose in 387. Augustine later returned to Algeria, where he became the Bishop of Hippo. His extensive writings, including Confessions and The City of God, have left an indelible mark on Christian thought. Saint Augustine’s feast day is celebrated on 28th August, the day of his death in 430.
Saint Augustine once said, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you”.
Here are ten things to keep in mind about work:
Good work is a cooperation with the on-going creative genius of God and reveals His glory.
Work is meant to make people’s lives better.
Work builds character, discipline and self-reliance.
An excellent work is its own reward because it reflects the beauty and creativity of the worker.
“Can I offer this work up to God?” This is how to measure a good work.
If you do your work excellently well, you will never go hungry.
There is always room for improvement even in the best work.
If you work purely for material gains (wealth, fame, building a career), you are a slave.
Do not spend the time meant for work praying and do not spend the time meant for praying working (you need wisdom to decode this).
Use some of the fruits of your work to support the needy and a good cause.
Only God can give you what you truly desire. If God blesses you, no one can stand against
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 report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, prosper the work of my hands.
Lord, help me to choose work which glorifies You.
Lord, may I never do any work which promotes sin and evil.
Lord, deliver me from laziness and selfishness.
Lord, bless all those seeking good jobs.
Lord, provide for the needy from the work of my hands.
Lord, may I never labour in vain, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God bless and prosper the works of my hands through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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