Thursday 22nd October – Thursday of week 29 of the year

THE GIFT OF GOD

Romans 6: 19-23

The quality of a gift depends on the worth of the giver and the love for the recipient. You cannot give what you do not have goes a popular saying. A primary question we need to ask ourselves as Christians is: “what have I come to the Lord to receive?” To some people it is material blessings and life’s comfort; to another set of people it’s healing and deliverance from one sickness or affliction; while many basically seek God to make ends meet.

But is any of these the best of God’s offer to us? Was the primary purpose of Christ’s crucifixion to bring us greater wealth and comfort in life? Certainly not! The offer and love of God to us clearly surpasses all that. Christ came to offer us eternal life (John 10:10). And eternal life is to know the only true God and Christ Jesus whom he sent (John 17:3). We cannot know God except we seek for him (Jeremiah 29:13). The knowledge of God comes with revelation of himself to us. And He readily reveals himself to those who sincerely desire a relationship with him. As a Christian, to know what is foremost in your heart, just examine what characterises your daily prayer. Is it a constant petition for material blessings or a daily quest for the kingdom of God?

When we seek God first, other blessings automatically follow as fringe benefits (Matthew 6:33). When we decide for Christ, it is at a cost and sacrifice, nevertheless, the benefits far outweigh the cost. This is our consolation from today’s gospel reading and gospel acclamation (Philippians 3:8-9). Having come to know Jesus, St. Paul found other attractions to be worth nothing but rubbish!

Prayer: Make your primary gift, eternal salvation, foremost in my heart oh Lord! Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 3 – Why do we seek God?

God has placed in our hearts a longing to seek and find him. St. Augustine says, “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” We call this longing for God. 
A person is not completely himself until he has found God. “Anyone who seeks truth seeks God, whether or not he realizes it” (St. Edith Stein).

HIDE A TREASURE: “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life – life in all its fullness” John 10:10 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Romans 6:19-23; Psalm 1: 1-4, 6; Luke 12: 49-53