REDISCOVER FREEDOM
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 50 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Galatians 6:14-16
Psalm 16:1-2,5-8,11
Matthew 11:25-30
The most important day of your life is when you find out your mission on earth. No jokes. So many people go through life without discovering God’s mission for them. Most people just roll with the crowd, chase clout, seek validation from their peers, react to criticisms, and respond to pressure but never really live and never truly taste freedom. This must all be sad to hear at the start of the day. But this is a wake-up call because you deserve better. You can be more. Recently, the Church honoured Saint Francis of Assisi. When I became spiritually aware, I read about Saint Francis and wanted to be a Franciscan. Recently, I listened to a dramatized version of his story on “The Saints Podcast” (you should check it out on Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts!) and here are some of the things that made him unique. They will certainly help you discover your mission on earth and lead you to true and lasting joy.
The illusion of wealth — Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (Francis’ birth name) was the son of a cloth merchant. He was born into wealth. He felt entitled, like most people born into wealth would be. But he grew to realise that material wealth gives a false sense of security, promotes selfishness and can become a god we worship. Francis returned all he had received to his father and clung to divine providence by begging for his food. The Prayer of the Grown — “The day a person wakes up is their morning.” Francis woke up after his military troop suffered a brutal loss in battle. He was confronted with the question of the purpose of life. He directed his question to God in prayer, “Lord, what do you want from me? What do you want me to do?” The day you ask this question is the day you grow up and embrace your new dawn. Listening to God’s Word — After gathering some followers, Francis wanted God’s guidance on the direction for his new group. With the help of a priest, he was directed to three scripture passages that formed the tripod of his religious Order. Matthew 19:21 speaks of attaining perfection by renouncing material wealth. Mark 6:8 speaks of depending on divine providence. Matthew 16:24,25 speaks of self-denial and embracing the Cross. What passages of Scripture speak to you? Have you made them your motto yet?
In love with God’s world — The love of God cuts us off from the world, purifies us and grafts us back into it to renew the world from within. You cannot save a world that you hate, and you cannot truly love the world and hate God (it is His world, after all). There is a revival that is sweeping across the world, young people ablaze with the love of God. They are expressing it in art, politics, social justice, ecology and science. You, too, will catch the fire if you come close to God’s Word and the sacraments. You are specially favoured by God. True joy, peace and love shall be yours always as you open your heart to Christ who loves you beyond measure. Enjoy God's blessings always.
Stay humble. The devil has no power over 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 meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, free me from undue attachment to material things.
Lord, set my heart ablaze with Your love.
Lord, give me the courage to shine your light in the world.
Lord, cut me off from the desire for worldly validation.
Lord, keep me humble, holy and happy.
Lord, may nothing ever separate me from You. Amen.
Comments