Thursday 8th October – Thursday of week 27 of the year

Reflection: Malachi 3: 13-20

SEEKING TRUE BLESSINGS

The picture painted in today’s first reading mirrors the situation in our country today. Like the prophet said “…we have reached the point when we call the arrogant blessed; yes, they prosper, these evil-doers; they try God’s patience and yet go free.” (Mal 3:15). Corruption has become the order of the day and shows itself in a variety of ways, ranging from exam malpractice and “buying” of marks amongst young people and giving out bribes in order to get a gainful employment to the massive embezzlement of public funds by government officials that has crippled our economy and hindered development in our nation.

It has become a norm for students to seek out “expo” for exams and many have lost the desire for learning and the quest for knowledge that education brings. The temptation to join in this evil act reaches its peak when we see the apparent “success” of those who engage in such malpractice while the honest students struggle to barely pass the exams. Are we going to sacrifice our Christian faith because of the difficulty inherent in swimming against the tide of evil? Are we going to give up on our quest for holiness and join our counterparts in doing evil?

God reminds us today that true blessing is found not in wealth and success obtained through unrighteous means; rather true blessing comes from God and is reserved for those who truly fear Him. True blessings are for those whose names are written in God’s book of remembrance – those who fear Him and take refuge in His name (Mal 3:16). While worldly success offers transient happiness, true blessings bring lasting joy both in this world and for eternity. Beloved, make a decision today to follow the path of righteousness. Put your best into your studies and work and trust God with all your heart and like He has promised in today’s Psalm, “you will be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that yields its fruit in due season…and all that you do shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3)

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please strengthen me to follow the path of righteousness always and not be influence by the evil around me. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 455 – What does it mean to be truthful?

Truthfulness means that one acts sincerely and speaks honestly. The truthful individual guards against double-dealing, misrepresentation, malicious deception, and hypocrisy. The worst form of untruthfulness is perjury.

HIDE A TREASURE: “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.” Malachi 4:2 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Malachi 3: 13-20; Psalm 1: 1-6; Luke 11: 5-13