Today’s Readings:
Philippians 2:12-18
Psalm 27:1,4,13-14
Luke 14:25-33
There is more than one way to be a parent. A person can become a parent through the ideas that they birth. Gregor Mendel is the father of Genetics. Louis Braille is the father of the reading system for the blind of the same name. Louis Pasteur is the father of Vaccines and pasteurization. Georges Lemaitre formulated the Big Bang Theory. One thing that these men have in common is that they are all Catholics. I bet you did not know that. But then all of us have gifts. These gifts are meant to change the world for the best; to shape it in a way that leads it to God, the ultimate end of all things.
Saint Paul explains that our gifts impose a responsibility because God is the one working in us to see that we accomplish the purpose for our gifts. In his words, “It is God, for his own loving purpose, who puts both the will and the action into you” (Philippians 2:13). God has put whatever good you are capable of and the will to do it into you. So do not say, I don’t have the resources, support or backing. God has sent you and He is more than enough backing. He knows that if you move, things will happen. If you do not move, nothing changes. Be afraid because if you do not use the gifts you have received for God’s purpose (for the benefit of others), you are going to be in trouble. Working out your salvation in “fear and trembling” is fulfilling your purpose in this world—to know, love and serve God with the gifts you have received, so that you will be with him forever in heaven.
There are actually two things you can do (and it is not action or inaction): you can either do good or evil. So, if you use your gifts the right way, you are going to impact people’s lives. If you abuse your gifts or abandon them, the world is definitely going to keep moving but the absence of your gifts will lead to some catastrophic consequences for which you will be held responsible. “I didn’t sign up for this!” You might say. But you are here, right? So, pessimism won’t help you. The only way forward is understanding that you have a life-changing role to play. Let me make it simple for you: if you use your gifts well, for the good of others, people will become richer in thought and in fact because of you. If you use your gifts well, people will be led to God. People will learn to praise God because of you. They will respect constituted authorities because of you. They will learn obedience and due process. They will respect the dignity of their fellow human beings. They will be faithful to their promises and vows as a result. They will see God in others and speak well of them because of you. They will respect people’s opinions and treat them well, without malice. They will appreciate the good in themselves rather than envy others and plot their downfall, if you use your gifts well.
Our world is in its current state of anarchy because “good people” choose to do nothing or worse still do evil like others. If you do not use your gifts well, the world will never be the same. And you will not be spared because you had the opportunity to shape people’s mind in goodness, beauty and truth. It is your choice to either give life or death. Give life (not death) by your actions today. There are no small actions, just petty people. Speak with love, act with mercy and seek peace with everyone, and favour will follow you always. 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 meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, you are my light and my help.
Lord, I depend on your grace.
Lord, be the stronghold of my life.
Lord, drive away laziness and sin from my life.
Lord, use my gifts and strengths for your mighty purposes.
Lord, never let me be a party to evil and open my eyes to some measure of the good my actions are doing.
Lord, help me to make the right choices that shape my life and eternal destiny. Amen.
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