Sunday 5^th October– 27^th Sunday of the year

Reflection: Isaiah 5:1-7

GOD’S HEDGE AROUND US

A city without clear borders is open to numerous invasions and robbery. What makes a land secure are its watchmen who monitor its boarders and are capable of protecting its occupants from attack. Once the watchman is away, the land becomes unsafe. That is what happens when we fail to produce good fruits as vines in the vineyard of the Lord. In this unsecured state we are open to attacks and oppression from the enemy of our soul, the devil.

The Psalmist says the Lord surrounds His people just as the mountains surround Jerusalem (Psalms 125:2). The question then is: what could make the shield, the protective hedge of God to be lifted from us? The answer is iniquity (Habakkuk 1:13). We cannot continue to wallow in sin and expect God’s grace to abound (Romans 6:1). Yes, God is infinite in mercy; nevertheless He is a just God. This is clearly evident from the dealings of God with the Israelites in today’s First reading.

Dear friend, are you in any way frustrating the grace of God over your life? Are you deliberately wallowing in any particular sin, only to console yourself with the statement “God understands”? Are you one of those persistently abusing the sacrament of Reconciliation? Such individuals readily frequent confession but show no corresponding resolve or effort to break away from sin. We must keep in mind that we do not have eternity to make heaven, after death comes judgment (Hebrew 9:27)!

Let us approach God today and ask for His forgiveness in many times we have failed to appreciate His love and mercy. He can restore all that the enemy has stolen from us and prune us yield greater fruits to His honor.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, don’t abandon me to my faults. In your love, help me to be faithful to you and continually to shield me from danger. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 9: How does God reveal himself in the Old Testament?

God shows himself in the Old Testament as God, who created the world out of love and remains faithful to men even when they have fallen away from him into sin.

 HIDE A TREASURE: “You bless those who obey you, Lord; your love protects them like a shield” Psalm 5:12 GNB

Readings for Today: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:8, 11-19; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43