Sunday 31^st August – 22^nd Sunday of the year

Reflection: Romans 12: 1-2

LIVING SACRIFICE

A deep reflection on Jesus’ messianic destiny and how He attained our salvation calls us to embrace its meaning and purpose. Jesus Christ died that we may live (John 10:10). He sacrificed his kingly authority and became humble even to his accepting death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Though sinless, he took upon himself all our sins and suffered the death that was our due. Why did Christ do all this? He did this to redeem us from slavery to sin and death; to restore us to friendship with God. The costly price of his blood was paid for our ransom. (1 Peter 1:19)

Beloved in Christ, in response to the great mercy God has shown us (Romans 12:1), we are called to rededicate ourselves to him by offering ourselves as a living sacrifice to Him. Just as burnt offerings were used in the days of old, our lives too must be pleasing to God; drawing others to Christ through a sweet smelling aroma (2 Corinthians 2:15). We must daily fan into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit in us so as to renew our minds and be conformed to godly standards rather than the standards of this world (Romans 12:2). Do you know the will of God? Do you know what is pleasing to him and what is prefect? All this can be assessed by an offering of oneself to the God who leads us and calls us to follow his steps in the path of peace.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I offer myself to you today; take and sanctify me for honor O Lord. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 303 – What does it mean to have fortitude?

Someone who practices fortitude perseveres in his commitment to the good, once he has recognized it, even if in the extreme case he must sacrifice even his own life for it.

 HIDE A TREASURE: “For we are like sweet smelling incense offered to God, which spreads among those who are being saved and those who are being lost” 2 Corinthians 2:15 GNB

Readings for Today: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63: 2-9; Romans12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27

Saturday 30^th August – Saturday of week 21 of the year

Reflections: Matthew 25: 14 – 30

HE WHO WILL BE ENTRUSTED WITH MORE

When politicians seek re-election into political offices or aspire to higher political posts, it is common place to hear expressions like: “Tested and trusted”, “One good turn deserves another” etc. This clearly illustrates a truth: how well you have managed or are currently managing the resource or assignment committed to your hands determines how much can be further committed to your trust.

Despite our apparent knowledge of this truth we seem not to have imbibed the lesson therein. As our politicians seek our votes for re-election or political advancement so do we many times demand more from life with little or no result for that which it has already committed to our trust. Much as our politicians come up with excuses for non-performance or under-performance, so do we; for we are both products of the same society.

Today’s Gospel reading clearly tells us that God, the just rewarder surely entrusts more to only those that have proven themselves faithful in little matters. Promotion is a reward for well executed responsibilities.

Beloved, do you desire elevation in any area of life? Examine the way you execute seemingly little assignments of life. Heaven and earth appreciate dedication, honesty and excellence in “little things”. And he who is ineptitude in life’s minor assignments will surely be when the major duties call. The disciples of Christ were men dedicated to their secular work before our Lord called them; so was young David a dedicated shepherd before he was anointed king over Israel. In fairness to all, I believe God shall grant us all significant opportunities in life, though they may come in various forms. The big question is: would you and I have adequately prepared ourselves through life’s “minor” events to capitalize on the big opportunities? History will not mark us out for the numerous work averagely done but for thee few outstandingly executed.

PRAYER: Dear Father, you have called me the salt of the earth and light of the world. Please help me to give my best to all that you have committed to my trust that my life may honour you better. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 318 – What are vices?

Vices are negative habits that deaden and dull the conscience, incline a person to evil, and habitually prepare him for sin.

Human vices are found in connection with the capital sins of pride, avarice, envy, anger, lust, gluttony, and sloth (or acedia, spiritual boredom).

HIDE A TREASURE: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your Master” Matthew 25: 21 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: 1 Corinthians 1: 26-31; Psalm 33: 12-13, 18-21; Matthew 25: 14-30