Saturday 17^th January – Memorial of St Anthony, Abbot

Reflection: Mark 2:13-17

JESUS IS HERE FOR YOU

Beloved in Christ, the more we recognize our emptiness without Jesus, the more we encounter him in every sphere of our lives. This takes a re-orientation of self in admitting that all we have and are, all we have achieved and will ever achieve is made possible by the grace of Christ’s presence in our lives. Many are living today with a wrong conception of Christianity because they have allowed the devil to lure them in believing that they are righteous by their works only and not by God’s grace. We are children of God because God made it to be so.

Our reading today shows us the only criteria that Christ’s seeks from us in order to walk with Him. Levi left his office to follow Christ promptly. This seemingly simple act is what we all must do to allow Jesus to work his miracle of redemption in our lives. This would take away everything from us except Jesus whom have chosen to follow. This was what the young rich man could not do in Matthew 19:16-22 when Jesus said; “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me”. Jesus is here for you today; he wants to dine with you just like he did with Levi. He is not here to accuse you of your sins but to cleanse you by his powerful presence in your life.

Let us approach God with confidence today with the readiness to encounter him and with a determination to do as He says. His grace and mercy are more than sufficient for us. Jesus is here for you and I. He beckons on us as He did to Levi. Are we ready to follow Him?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I thank you for calling me to yourself I am ready to deny myself of every pleasure of life to follow you, please help me to be faithful to your calling. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 354 – Can people be forced to believe in God?

No. No one may force others to believe, not even one’s own children, just as no one may be forced to be an unbeliever. A person can make the decision to believe only in complete freedom. Christians, however, are called to help other people, by word and example, to find the way to faith.

HIDE A TREASURE: “I am the bread of life, those who come to me will never be hungry; those who believe in me will never be thirsty”. John 6:35 GNB

Readings for Today: Hebrews 4:12-16; Psalm 19:8-10, 15; Mark 2:13-17