Today’s Readings:
Rev 10:8-11
Psalm 118:14,24,72,103,111,131;
Luke 19:45-48
Your life is a song. Let its melody be sweet, pleasant and long. Our lives are played on the major key of our relationship with God. The minor keys are the people God has put in our lives (family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances). They serve only as embellishments and must never displace the original tune of your life. People enter into the music of your life as accidental notes, staying with you for a reason, a season or a lifetime. But they must never derail your reason for living which is to know, love and serve God all the days of your life. Events such as marriage, religious life, service with your gifts or career are not the goal of your life. They are minor keys that serve your major mission. So, do not major in that minor and do not get carried away with the stress and tension of life's changing phases that you forget why you are here.
You have God's word as your guide. Like Saint John, you ought to consume it daily. Its sweet taste will console you in times of sorrow and despair. But its sour rumblings in your stomach will remind you that you have to contend with the world's opposing culture where sin, selfishness and darkness are the order of the day. Let the light of God's word guide your choices, especially in matters of faith and morals.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalms 119:105)
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life." (Proverbs 6:23)
May God's word which you study daily be your guiding light to salvation through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Jesus disrupted the religious cacophony of his day which was a convolution of false piety and greed. ‘My house will be a house of prayer. But you have turned it into a robbers’ den,’ he said (Matthew 19:45,46). God's word gives us the courage to take a stand against sin and evil, malice and envy, backwardness and spiritual laziness, barrenness and spiritual manipulation. The same strength will be yours if you "hang on every word" that Jesus says (Matthew 19:48).
To get your life back on track do the following:
Make every word you say into a prayer (for yourself and for everyone you meet).
Guard against foul talk; let your words be for the improvement of others, as occasion offers, and edify your listeners, otherwise, you will only be grieving the Holy Spirit of God.
Never have grudges against others lose your temper, raise your voice to anybody, call others names, or allow any sort of spitefulness.
Be friendly and kind.
Forgive others as readily as God forgave you in Christ.
You only live once. So, live well in a spirit of holiness and away from the occasions of sin.
Seek advice from trusted and knowledgeable sources when you are confused about what to do.
Say the Hail Mary often and sign yourself with the Cross to ward off temptations and intrusive thoughts of sin.
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, preserve me in holiness and peace. Defend me against the onslaught of evil and the wickedness of our ancient foe. May my thoughts, words and actions today give You glory and bless the works of my hands, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
My life is a song, I sing it well, in Jesus’ name.
May the sweet melody of God's grace initiate my celebration and orchestrate my blessings, protection, promotion and endless favour unto Eternal life through Christ our Lord. Amen.
I praise God with every breath of my being. Lord, let me not waste it on worrying and complaining; bless me always as I share this word with others, in Jesus’ name.
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