Friday 11th September – Friday of week 23 of the year

WHO ARE YOU FOLLOWING?

Luke 6: 39-42

What would you think if you saw a blind man holding on to another blind man for direction and trying to walk through a busy street? You will probably see it as the height of foolishness. Yet, spiritual blindness is even worse than physical blindness. When one is physically blind, it is obvious – both he and everyone around him know of his condition. A spiritually blind person on the other hand can easily go unidentified, may be ignorant of his state and is easily a source of deception and misdirection to others.

Every young person is in a formative stage. Our choices and the examples we follow play a great role in determining what kind of adults we will turn out to be and consequently what kind of lives we will live. Where do we turn to as we seek answers to the questions of life? Whom do we look up to as guides and role models? Whose example are we willing to follow? Just as it is for physical blindness, if we look up to people who are not spiritually enlightened we are bound to fall into the pit of falsehood, sin, unhappiness and lack of fulfilment.

Let us not allow the glamour of this world distract us from seeking that which lasts beyond this passing world. Let us not allow the fleeting happiness that comes from selfishness, avarice, indecency, sexual immorality and other vices that seem to attract other young people rob us of the lasting joy that comes from honouring God with our lives. In addition, let us not fall into the unfortunate condition of spiritual misdirection. God offers us all that we require to be happy and to live holy lives in His Church. Let us make a commitment to know our faith and live it out to the fullest.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please enlighten me and fill me with your grace so that I may always be guided by truth. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 348 – “Teacher, what… must I do to have eternal life?” (Mt 19:16)

Jesus says, “If you would enter life, keep the commandments” (Mt 19:17). Then he adds, “and come, follow me” (Mt 19:21). Christianity is more than a correct life and keeping the commandments. Being a Christian is a living relationship to Jesus. A Christian unites himself deeply and personally with the Lord and with him sets out on the way that leads to true life.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: 1 Timothy 1: 1-2, 12-14; Psalm 15: 1-2, 5-8, 11; Luke 6: 39-42