Monday 22nd June – Monday of week 12 of the year

Reflection: Genesis 12: 1-9

THE EVIDENCE OF FAITH

Man generally feels secure with the familiar; with the unknown comes some degree of uneasiness. To move from certainty to uncertainty would undoubtedly provoke some fears. However, the ability to act on our convictions, despite our fears is what truly stands us out. Abraham is widely acclaimed as the Father of Faith; today’s first reading illustrates a major attribute that stands him out – obedience.  He was a man that demonstrated his trust in the Lord through uncommon acts of obedience (Genesis 12: 1-9; Genesis 22: 1-19). He left the comfort and security of his father’s house for an unknown destination purely out of faith in the Lord.

Beloved in Christ, again and again we sing that song: “Abraham’s blessings are mine..;” we claim the heritage and blessings of Abraham; we profess our faith in God and affirm ourselves to be His children but how obedient are we to Him? Is our obedience hinged on convenience or conviction? Is our obedience partial or complete? Do we delay or are we prompt to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit?

As the body is dead without the spirit, so is our faith dead without work (James 2:26). The works we do must express our obedience to the Lord’s precepts; ones that bring Him glory (Matthew 5: 16). Otherwise, our faith cannot be said to be genuine and it stands no chance of leading us to heaven (Matthew 7: 21-23).

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, make me obedient to your ways grant me the courage to stay on your path. Open my ears to hear your voice and follow your commands. Sing Catholic Hymn 61

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 49: Does God guide the world and my life?

Yes, but in a mysterious way; God guides everything along paths that only he knows, leading it to its perfection. At no point in time does something that he has created fall out of his hands.
God influences both the great events of history and also the little events of our personal life, without reducing our freedom or making us mere marionettes in his eternal plans…

HIDE A TREASURE: “The Lord takes care of those who obey him, and the land will be theirs forever. They will not suffer when times are bad; they will have enough in time of famine” Psalm 37:18-19 GNB

Today’s Readings: Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 33:12-13, 18-.22; Matthew 7:1-5