Monthly Archives: May 2015

LIVE AS A DISCIPLE

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Sunday 31st May – Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Reflection: Matthew 28: 16-20

LIVE AS A DISCIPLE

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”

As we read these words of today’s gospel reading let us focus on ourselves as disciples who have been “made” as Jesus instructed. We, who have been baptized in the name of the Trinity are an evidence that Christ’s first disciples truly carried out the great commission. Yet, our discipleship is not manifested simply in being members of the Body of Christ. Our discipleship calls us to an entirely different way of life – a life that reflects our conversion. Are you living as a disciple of Christ?

Today’s readings reveal what our lives should entail as disciples:

  1. Obedience to God’s laws: In the first and gospel readings, Moses and Jesus call for God’s people to be obedient to His laws. Living as disciples entails living in total obedience to God in ALL situations of our lives.
  2. Sharing Christ’s suffering: St Paul reminds us that our sharing in Christ’s glory as his co-heirs must be preceded by sharing in His sufferings. When we stand up for truth and purity despite opposition from peers; when we decide to obey God no matter the cost, we share in Christ’s sufferings and truly live as disciples.
  3. Trust in Christ’s presence: Jesus promised His disciples His ever abiding presence. As His disciples, we must trust in Jesus’ abiding presence especially in the difficult moments of life. His presence is manifested in a special way in the Sacraments. He gives Himself to us in the Eucharist and raises hands of mercy and forgiveness over us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As we avail ourselves of these live-giving encounters with the Lord, we grow in grace to live as true disciples.

Dear friend, St Paul tells us that only those moved by the Holy Spirit are sons of God (Rom 8:14). Ask the Holy Spirit today for the grace to truly live as a faithful disciple always.

PRAYER: Thank you Jesus for the gift of my faith. Please help me to live in obedience to you and to trust you in every situation of my life. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 205 – What happens in Confirmation?

In confirmation the soul of a baptized Christian is imprinted with a permanent seal that can be received only once and marks this individual forever as a Christian. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the strength from above in which this individual puts the grace of his Baptism into practice through his life and acts as a “witness” for Christ.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” Matthew 7:21 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Deut 4: 32-34, 39-40; Psalm 33: 4-6, 9, 18-22; Rom 8: 14-17; Mt 28: 16-20

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SEEK WISDOM

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Saturday 30th May – Saturday of week 8 of the year

Reflection: Sirach 51:12-20

SEEK WISDOM

“To get wisdom is better than gold; to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver” Proverbs 16:16

Each day of our life presents us with a myriad of choices. As soon as we wake, we have the choice either to rise up and start the day in thanksgiving or to lie in bed and complain that the night has been too short. All our words, attitudes and actions are a function of the choices we make. Bearing in mind that all our daily choices have consequences, the need for wisdom cannot be overemphasised.

Our first reading recounts the efforts the author made in his quest for wisdom. Such efforts included: ceaseless prayer, humility, hard work and perseverance. You and I need wisdom, especially as we make important life decisions as young people. Yet, we must be weary of embracing the wisdom of this world which is often contrary to the wisdom of God and will not lead us to live out our Christian call effectively.

Dear friends, let us ask the Lord each day for wisdom and open our hearts to the various ways through which He desires to teach us…through His word, life experiences, our parents and teachers and through other people around us. Let us be guided by His wisdom and we will find joy and fulfilment in life ultimately.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please grant me your wisdom so that I can make choices that please you always. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 310 – What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. With these the Holy Spirit “endows” Christians, in other words, he grants them particular powers that go beyond their natural aptitudes and gives them the opportunity to become God’s special instruments in this world.

HIDE A TREASURE: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity” James 3:17 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Sirach 51:12-20; Psalm 19: 8-11; Mark 11:27-33

WHAT ARE YOU KNOWN FOR?

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Friday 29th May – Friday of week 8 of the year

Reflection: Sirach 44:1, 9-13

WHAT ARE YOU KNOWN FOR?

Abraham is known for his faith, Solomon for his wisdom and David for his numerous songs of praise and his contrite spirit. What are you known for? What you live for is what you are known for. As young Christians, as we strive for excellence in various fields of interest, there is nothing more important than living for Christ, whose name we bear. We must sow seeds of righteousness; good works that will never be forgotten (cf Sirach 44: 10).

Always remember beloved that every moment of your life is part of your history and our final judgement will be based on how we have spent each of those moments. Today, take time to examine yourself; what kind of history are you writing? Is your life worthy of emulation? In what way will your today influence your generations after you? The heroes of faith and the saints remain a source of inspiration to us several centuries after they lived. Write your own history in a way that will outlive you for good.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, let me live only for you and your glory always. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 471 – Why is Abraham a model of prayer?

Abraham listened to God. He was willing to set out for wherever God commanded and to do what God willed. By his listening and his readiness to make a new start, he is a model for our prayer.

HIDE A TREASURE: “The days of a good life are numbered, but a good name endures forever.” Sirach 41:13 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Sirach 44: 1, 9-13; Psalm 149:1-6, 9; Mark 11:11-26

BE PERSISTENT

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Thursday 28th May – Thursday of week 8 of the year

Reflection: Mark 10:46-52

BE PERSISTENT

An attitude of persistence in seeking God reveals a deep faith in Him. Bartimaeus had heard about Jesus and all he was doing. Though his vision was impaired, his ears and minds were active and he sought an opportunity to meet Jesus. It was this faith that Jesus could heal him that made him keep shouting, “Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!”. Despite the discouragement he got from the people around he was not going to allow this opportunity to be healed pass him by. His persistence paid off – He got the Master’s attention and the healing he desired.

Beloved in Christ, what is your attitude to seeking God? What is your attitude to prayer? Our Lord is ever faithful. He is close to those who seek Him sincerely and perseveringly. Continue to seek God until He reveals himself to you. Do not give in to discouragement. He will definitely consider your request and bless you beyond your imagination. Let us apply this same attitude of perseverance in our day to day activities – at work, at school etc. Persist in speaking the truth, persist in doing what is right and you will be happy in the end.

PRAYER: Jesus, son of David! Have mercy on me. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 515 – Where do we get the confidence to call God “Father”?

We can be so bold as to address God as Father because Jesus has called us to a close relationship with himself and made us children of God. In communion with him, “who is in the bosom of the Father” (Jn 1:18), we are privileged to cry, “Abba, Father!”

HIDE A TREASURE: “He takes notice of our every thought and hears our every word.” Sirach 42:20 GNB

Today’s Readings: Sirach 42:15-26; Psalm 33:2-9; Mark 10:46-52