Wednesday 16th September- Memorial of SS Cornelius, PP& Cyprian, B.M.

THE FREE GIFT OF SALVATION

Luke 7:31-35

When a stranger offers you something, you think twice before accepting because you need be certain it won’t have any negative effect on you. If then you choose to reject it, then you are convinced that it is not safe and would sometimes find flimsy excuses not to accept it. This is different from when a friend offers you something to eat. There are however times when a stranger’s hand of help is just the perfect thing we need.

This is the case in our reading today when the Pharisees rejected Christ’s message. The choice to either accept or reject the true message of Christ lies in our hands. It is a decision that we have to make consciously to determine the salvation of our soul. What are the excuses we give today especially in professing the dictates of our faith? What contends with the truth we have come to know in our walk with Christ? The scripture says: “How, then, shall we escape if we pay no attention to such a great salvation? The Lord himself first announced this salvation, and those who heard him proved to us that it is true”. (Heb. 2:3).

Beloved in Christ, the Kingdom of God would only be established in our lives when we accept the free gift of salvation and work earnestly to preserve and cherish it with our last breath. Freedom in Christ Jesus which he lavished on us comes with responsibility and service to keep the flame of faith alive. Believing in the Gospel would turn into a great salvation when we use what we believe as a standard which guides our daily existence. Let us today ask God to grant the grace to hold on to the truth we have heard so that we would not be carried away by the enticing but evil gift of Satan.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to always reference you that I may accept your gift of salvation to me. Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 199– Is baptism in fact the only way to salvation?

For all those who have received the Gospel and have heard that Christ is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6). Baptism is the only way to God and salvation. At the same time, however, it is true that Christ died for all mankind. Therefore all men who have had no opportunity to learn about Christ and the faith but seek God sincerely and live according to their conscience also find salvation.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him”. Col.2:6 GNB

Today’s readings: 1 Tim 3:14-16; Ps 111:1b-6; Luke 7:31-35