Sunday 17^th May– 7^th Sunday of Easter

Reflection: Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26

THE CONSULTATION THAT MATTERS MOST

For political observers, the political scene becomes more interesting as elections draw near. It is not uncommon to hear political aspirants say: “after due consultation, I hereby offer myself to run for the office of…” Although we might have reasons to doubt the sincerity of this statement, nevertheless, there is a wisdom we can pick out of this – The recognition of the need for consultation before taking major decisions in life. As the Apostles took steps to replace Judas Iscariot, though they had two credible nominees (Barsabbas and Matthias) before them, they recognized the need to ask the only one who knows man through and through -the need to as for God’s guidance.

Beloved, when you find yourself at the crossroad of life, what guides your decision? Do you seek for counsel or simply take actions based on your personal evaluation and reasoning alone? We all see partly! Much as there is increased risk of regret for whoever would run the race of life on personal revaluation alone, experience has shown that the seemly best of human advice may not always lead to the desired success or expectation. The way that seems best to us humans at times ends in nothing but heartache and setback (Proverbs 16:25).

Dearest in Christ, are you at the brink of making a major decision (eg. choice of life partner)? Perhaps you have done thorough personal evaluation and consultation on this. These are undoubtedly commendable steps. However, have you prayed about it? Do you have an assurance of the Lord’s approval on that step you are about to take? This is the consultation that matters most! This does not mean running helter-skelter from one prayer house or mountain to the other. It simply involves going to God with hearts full of faith and devotion; with an open disposition to accept whatever He decides best for us. He is a faithful Father who rightly guides His loving children who cling to Him in sincerity.

PRAYER: Please open my eyes to see your blessed will Lord; my ears to hear your loving counsel. Grant me the faith to make a choice of your will and the endurance to lovingly persist in it. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 469 –What is prayer?

Prayer is turning the heart toward God. When a person prays, he enters into a living relationship with God.

Prayer is the great gate leading into faith. Someone who prays no longer lives on his own, for himself, and by his own strength. He knows there is a God to whom he can talk. People who pray entrust themselves more and more to God….As strange as it sounds, prayer is a gift one obtains through prayer.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things which you have not known” Jeremiah 33: 3 RSV-CE

Readings for today: Act 1: 15-17, 20-26; Psalm 103: 1-2,11-12,19-20; 1 John 4: 11-16