Monday, 6th January – Monday after Epiphany

Reflection: 1 John 3: 22- 4:6

ASKING TO RECEIVE

Having welcomed the new year in different colourful celebrations, we probably by now, have set out or are setting out some goals to be achieved in the year. This is important as there is wisdom in the saying “he who fails to plan, plans to fail”. Life is too precious to be left to chances. We may be quick to ask ourselves what became of the “resolutions” or action plans, if there were any, of the years past. The answer to this lies in the basis of these resolutions and our commitment to them.

Today comes this reassurance to you and I: whatever we ask Him, we shall receive because we keep His commandments and live the kind of life that He wants (1John 3:22). Hence, we need to ask ourselves: As we make our resolutions and set our goals, do we do all that outside of God? Our God is a God of purpose (Isaiah 46:11; Jeremiah 29:11) and it is by His mercy that we are alive to see this year. It is only when we acknowledge this and align our requests, aspirations, plans and resolutions with His glorious purpose for our lives that we can perfectly fulfill them and find satisfaction in our hearts (James 4:3-4). To achieve this, we must necessarily have time to commune with Him in prayer.

If we have asked well, we must also walk well so as to receive well. We must keep HIs commandments and live the kind of life that He wants. Beloved friends, this is a demand that we cannot fulfill at no cost. It essentially calls us to live a life of self renunciation – the Christ-like life! (John 8:29; John 12: 24-26). Though challenging, it is not impossible as we cooperate with God’s grace in our lives (Matthew 19:26; Mark 9:23).

PRAYER: My Eternal Father, I resolve to obey and please you in all things. Please help me keep my resolution and grant me a greater experience of your goodness. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH

YOUCAT 479: What can we learn from the way in which Mary prayed?

To learn from Mary how to pray means to join in her prayer: “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Prayer is ultimately self-giving in response to God’s love. If we say “Yes” as Mary did, God has the opportunity to lead his life in our life.

HIDE A TREASURE: “And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him” 1John 3:22 RSV-CE

Readings for today:

1 John 3: 22 – 4:6;

Psalm 2:7-8, 10-11;

Matthew 4: 12-17, 23-25