Today’s Readings:
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Psalm 118:1-2,15-17,28
Luke 7:36-50
I have always felt like Simon the Pharisee in today’s Gospel where Jesus finds himself in a very awkward situation with a woman who was a public sinner and was kissing his feet. Simon was disgusted with this sight. He thought to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who this woman is that is touching him and what a bad name she has” (Luke 7:39). Jesus confronts him (as if confronting me) saying, “FriarJay, I came to your house and you did not offer me water for my feet, you didn’t welcome me with a kiss. You did not offer me a hug in welcome. This woman has come all the way to welcome me by weeping on my feet, wiping them with her hair, anointing them and kissing them. What does that say to you?”
It says to me that I am ungrateful; that I take God for granted. Often, I am entitled because I feel that all that I am doing is by my own strength and not by God’s grace. I forget that I have been forgiven a lot. Yes, I look down on people like the sinful woman, calling them “sinners”, “no good”, “condemned”. That is what I do. But I must become like Saint Paul who acknowledged, “By God’s grace, I am what I am, and the grace that He gave me has not been fruitless” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Do you realise that you are who you are and where you are by the grace of God? I am a priest of the Catholic Church and a member of the Order of Preachers by the grace of God. Who are you?
Here are some things you should remember today:
You are a Christian by the grace of God.
Your work should reflect the fact that you are a beneficiary of God’s grace.
Use the grace of God to glorify Him and not to do useless work.
Always be clear about where you stand in your relationship with God, so you do not confuse or mislead people.
Never look down on those who are struggling with sin, self-esteem or addictions. Pray for them instead.
Continue to walk in the grace of God daily; keep your prayer up, stay close to the sacraments, daily Bible study, regular spiritual direction, reject sin in all its forms and stay humble.
I am a beneficiary of God's grace. Are you? If you are struggling with health or Your finances, Divine Providence is sending help from on High, and healing that renews and restores in the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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, help me to grow in love with You daily.
Lord, help me to turn away from my sins.
Lord, grant my good heart’s desires.
Lord, prosper the works of my hands.
Lord, never let me stray from you in pursuit of fame or wealth.
Lord, crown all my efforts with success.
Lord, grant me the best gift of all —salvation and eternal life forever. Amen.
Lord, I have achieved all that I have purely by Your grace. May the same grace speak for you in every moment of need and bring me to eternal life through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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