Friday 5^th December – Friday of the 1^st week of Advent

Reflection: Isaiah 29:17-24

YOUR FUTURE IS SECURED IN CHRIST

As young people, we are passing through the phase of life that largely determines what our future will be like. The various choices we make at this time contribute immensely to who we will be tomorrow and in many ways our lives are also influenced by other circumstances that may not be our making – circumstances around our families, society and country. Sometimes when we think of the future, we may wonder what it would be like. Will I get a job on time? Will I be wealthy or poor? Will I be happy and fulfilled or barely coping with life? Will I marry a good spouse and will my marriage work? Is my future really secure?

Dear friend, you have a great and glorious future in Christ. A future in Christ Jesus is a future of hope, joy, peace and fulfilment. Just as God promises restoration to His people in today’s first reading, He is ready to heal our wounds and those of our families. He has promised to restore all we have lost due to sin and setbacks. All we need do is to submit ourselves to him in faith. We must trust God and cooperate with Him by living in obedience if we desire to be partakers of this glorious future he has for us. There is no need to be afraid of tomorrow, simply trust God!

PRAYER: Eternal Father I thank you for giving me a hope in Christ Jesus. I ask today for your healing, restoration and that you bless my future. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 509 – Isn’t praying a flight from reality?

Someone who prays does not flee from reality; rather, he opens his eyes for reality as a whole. From Almighty God himself he receives the strength to cope with reality.

Prayer is like going to a gas station where we get free fuel for our long journeys and extreme challenges. Praying does not lead out of reality but, rather, deeper into it. Praying does not take time away from other things but, rather, doubles the remaining time and fills it with intrinsic meaning.

HIDE A TREASURE: “I ask that your minds be opened to see his light, so that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people.” Ephesians 1:18 GNB

Readings for Today: Isaiah 29: 17-24; Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Matthew 9: 27-31