Tag Archives: discouragement

DO NOT GIVE IN TO DISCOURAGEMENT

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Friday 1st May – Memorial of St Joseph the Worker

Reflection: Matthew 13: 54-58

DO NOT GIVE IN TO DISCOURAGEMENT

While growing up I knew a young man who when he began pursuing a career in soccer, was considered an unserious and irresponsible person who did not know what to do with his life. He was not spared from such negative reputation even in his own family. Several times he was beaten by his parents after returning from the field because they saw what his was doing as a waste of time and other times, because of his stubbornness, Yet, his passion for soccer kept him going and today he is a great footballer who plays for the Nigerian national team. Emmanuel Emenike is now the star of his family and a pride to the nation at large.

As young people, we sometimes experience similar situations. We are in a revolutionary age and have a desire to make decisions in every area of our lives – socially, culturally and in our spiritual lives. Sometimes, pursuing our passion can lead to rejection or lack of encouragement and support from our loved ones. Jesus suffered something similar in his own life on earth. He was rejected even by his own people who could not see anything extraordinary about him.

Beloved, we must never stop striving for excellence in our calling and passion in life as long as it will be bring glory to God. Never forget Jesus’ words: “A prophet is not respected in his hometown.” Ask the Lord to help you recognize your purpose so that you may truly live to please Him and never give in to discouragement as you pursue your God-given dream.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, give the determination and passion I need to accomplish my purpose in life. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1806: “Prudence is the virtue that disposes reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it;  ‘the prudent man looks where he is going.’”

HIDE A TREASURE: “The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all.” Psalm 118:22 GNB

Today’s Readings: Gen 1:26- 2:3 Psalm 90:2-4, 12-16; Matthew 13:54-58

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DON’T GIVE UP!

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Friday 10th April – Friday of the Octave of Easter

Reflection: John 21:1-14

DON’T GIVE UP!

There were ten Islanders searching for a treasure – a small bag of gold hidden near a big tree. Whoever found the treasure was to own it. They all started the search but after several hours, they became tired. Some became impatient and quit while three islanders continued with the search. About ten meters to where the treasure was, two islanders also quit. The last islander continued with the search and in about five minutes, he found the hidden treasure. He was so happy that he forgot all the struggles he underwent during the search. His level had changed. He had made it! He was now a billionaire!

Do you find yourselves in the shoes of the disciples in today’s reading? They were yet to recover from the whole episode of Jesus’ Death and seeming Resurrection and decided to go fishing to get away from it. But they encountered failure. They must have been very discouraged by dawn. But just before they quit, Jesus was at the shore and His presence and word made all the difference.

Has your toil failed to produce the desired fruit? Do not give up dear friend.  Do not throw in the towel! Your miracle is at hand.  Have you been trying to live a holy life but do not seem to be improving? Do you find yourself falling again and again into the same sin? Like the last Islander, keep up the search until you obtain the treasure of eternal life. Ask Jesus for direction. Remember, His presence made the difference for the disciples. It will also make the difference for you. It is His grace we all rely all. Simply live in sincerity with Him and keep marching forward to your promised land.

PRAYER: Dear God, please grant me the grace to keep holding on to you. Raise me from the state of discouragement and failure. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 525 – What does it mean to say, “Lead us not into temptation”?

Because every day and every hour we are in danger of falling into sin and saying No to God, we beg God not to leave us defenseless in the power of temptation.

HIDE A TREASURE: I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 GNB

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118:1-4, 22-27; John 21:1-14