Today’s Readings:
Rev 3:1-6,14-22
Psalm 15:2-5
Luke 19:1-10
Salvation has come to you today. In Zacchaeus (in today's Gospel reading), we catch a glimpse of what can happen to us if we allow the world—its love, its interests and its desires—to fill up our hearts. When worldly concerns fill our hearts, we become self-sufficient and a shadow of who God has created us to be. The Book of Revelation describes our human condition as similar to those of the churches of Sardis and Laodicea.
To the Church in Sardis: "Wake up; revive what little you have left: it is dying fast. So far, I have failed to notice anything in the way you live that my God could call perfect, and yet do you remember how eager you were when you first heard the message? Hold on to that. Repent. If you do not wake up, I shall come to you like a thief, without telling you at what hour to expect me…Those who prove victorious will be dressed in white robes; I shall not blot their names out of the book of life but acknowledge their names in the presence of my Father and his angels" (Revelation 3:2-5).
To the Church in Laodicea: “I know all about you: how you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other, but since you are neither, but only lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth. You say to yourself, ‘I am rich, I have made a fortune, and have everything I want’, never realising that you are wretchedly and pitiably poor, and blind and naked too. I warn you, buy from me the gold that has been tested in the fire to make you rich, white robes to clothe you and cover your shameful nakedness, and eye ointment to put on your eyes so that you can see. I am the one who reproves and disciplines all those he loves: so repent in real earnest” (Revelation 3:15-21)
What then must we do to accept the salvation which God offers us in Christ?
OPENNESS: Open the door of your heart to Him.
REPENTANCE: Admit to yourself the sins you are struggling with and go to confession.
DESIRE: Desire to do the will of God.
JUSTICE: Act in Justice towards God (worship) and your neighbour (charity).
DETACHMENT: Give up your preoccupation with material concerns and focus on service and making others better by the work of your hands.
SEEK GRACE: Fill your heart with the wealth of God’s grace through prayer and good works.
SPEAK LESS: Do not slander others or paint them in a bad light (this is a sign that darkness fills your heart).
TRUTH: Speak the truth always, to yourself first, and then to others.
RESPECT: Treat people with love and respect, regardless of their faith, ethnicity or political leanings.
INTEGRITY: If you have made a pledge or promise, redeem it.
If you do the above listed, you shall stand firm.
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.
Salvation has come into my house and blessings too, and I share the same with others.
Prayer:
Today, salvation has come into my house. May God grant me and my household pardon for our sins, cleanse us of all that defiles us, restore to us the glory of salvation and grant us the courage to do all that is good, noble, beautiful and true.
May God grant me the grace to stand firm under the banner of righteousness all the days of my life through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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