Saturday 16^th August – Saturday of week 19 of the year

Reflection: Ezekiel 18: 1-10, 13, 30-32

THE UPRIGHT IS LAW ABIDING AND HONEST

Righteousness, Scripture says, exalts a nations but sin is a reproach to any people (Psalm 14: 34). Our country Nigeria is one of the most religious countries of the world. Rarely can you go through a street in our towns and cities without finding religious houses here and there and leaders and followers alike openly profess their faith in God. However, taking a critical look at the state of things in our land, can we truly say it is “exalted”? The level of insecurity and unlawful killing in our county is quite alarming. Majority of the population lack food and potable water, the rate of corruption is staggering and there is massive unemployment in the land. More young people are losing faith in our nation and daily leaving its shores in search of greener pastures. We seem not to be getting it right in too many areas of our national life. Unfortunately we seem to be quick at passing blames to each other.

Beloved, if this country will truly be great as it has the potential to be, all of us have important roles to play. As young Nigerian Christians, how law abiding and honest are we? Do we sabotage merit through examination malpractices, certificate forgery or racketeering? Do we demand for financial inducement before conducting our lawful responsibilities? How well do we respect the queue and orderliness in public places? How readily do we desecrate and pollute the environment though indiscriminate dumping of refuse? How good is you respect for time and appointments?

Dear friends, the list is endless and you and I surely find ourselves guilty at one point or the other. The upright is law abiding and honest. If we are truly upright in the practice of our Christian faith, our society must necessarily find us law abiding and honest citizens. Our collective destiny as a nation lies with you and I and the quality of our government is a reflection of the quality of the citizenry. Let us as Christians stand up for the change we desire for our country.

PRAYER: Dear Father, please help me this day that my way of life might match the commands of thy word. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 376 – What duties do citizens have toward the State?

Every citizen has the duty to cooperate loyally with the civil authorities and to contribute to the common good in truth, justice, freedom, and solidarity.

A Christian, too, should love his homeland, defend it in various ways in times of need, and gladly offer to serve civil institutions. He should exercise the right to vote and even run for office and not shirk the duty to pay just taxes…

HIDE A TREASURE: “Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord God of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonour through me, O God of Israel.” Psalm 69:6 RSV-CE

Readings for today: Ezekiel 18: 1-10, 13, 30-32; Psalm 51: 12-15, 18-19; Matthew 19: 13-15