Today’s Readings:
1 Peter 5:5-14
Psalm 98:2-7,16-17
Mark 16:15-20
As a young person, I was fascinated with Church activities, especially activities of the pious societies I belonged to. And I attended this one retreat that changed my life. We had this young man (a member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal) who gave us a talk. And he spoke about something I had not heard until that day. He used an adjective to describe a Christian’s life. He said that the world needs “firebrand” Christians. Firebrand! I kept thinking about that word. Why firebrand? He explained what firebrand means. He meant that you are on fire with the love of God. And you are aflame with the desire to spread the Word of God wherever you are.
Anyone who has been in love understands the emotional sensation of being on fire. You are uneasy, you are so happy and bubbly that you just want to know how your lover is doing because they fills you with so much joy, and you feel like with them all things are possible—the possibilities of love are endless. But of course, we are talking about the Spirit. So, imagine if you transpose that level of commitment, joy and energy that you have for a mere human being towards God, you will be a firebrand. Yes, God deserves all our love. The reason we are not on fire with the love of God is that we do not know God and we have not encountered him in a transformative way. If you are in a relationship with God, you will be on fire for Him. Saint Catherine of Siena famously said, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Just imagine that for a second; that you are so flammable that everything you come in contact with bursts into flame with love.
Jesus commanded no less when he commissioned his disciples in authority to go and preach the Gospel:
Baptise people and save them.
Cast out devils in Jesus’ name.
You will speak in tongues and edify others.
You will be unharmed by snakes or deadly poison.
You will heal the sick.
When the disciples went in the authority that Jesus gave them, they did great things. The same thing will happen to us if we consciously claim our relationship with Jesus. We will kick down spiritual doors that are locked without breaking a sweat. When you know who is behind you, you will act in authority and win victories. Where are you in your spiritual life? Are you doing big things or are you just cold? You are called to do big things and change the world, to bring people to their knees in the name of Jesus, so that our world will be transformed.
If you look around you and people are not thinking about or speaking about God because of you, there is a very big problem. See it as your duty to bring others to God—if this is not your agenda, you are leading them away from God. May God have mercy on us in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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:
Eternal Father, help me know the authority that you have bestowed on me in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Make me a firebrand that will set the world ablaze with your love through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal Father, set my heart ablaze with the love of the Holy Spirit and make my thoughts, words and actions bring others closer to you and transform our world, all for Your glory through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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