Tag Archives: our helper

A HELPER CLOSE AT HAND

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Tuesday 8th March – Tuesday of the 4th week of Lent

Reflection: Psalm 46

A HELPER CLOSE AT HAND

We live in a world full of different experiences, good and bad alike. Some of the difficulties we experience may be as a result of our own inadequacies, laziness or negligence while so many others are certainly no fault of ours. However, in the midst of the difficulties of life, we have an assurance we can hold on to: God is a refuge and strength for us. The Psalmist, speaking from his own experience reassures us today that God is a helper close at hand in time of distress.

As young Christians, we may be tempted to see our difficulties as insurmountable and our trials can easily overwhelm us. We must not give in to fear. If we simply hold on to God’s promise that He will be with us even when we pass through fire and through water (Isaiah 43: 2), we will have the peace that comes from God and eventually experience victory over those difficult situations.

Dear friend, what is that impossible situation that you are going through? What is that difficulty that is making you consider compromising your faith? Remember Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers and seduced by his master’s wife; remember Daniel’s three friends who were cast into the fiery furnace; remember Paul and Silas who were thrown into prison. Their trust in God paid off in the end.

Hold on to God in faith, call out to Him in prayer and commit yourself to obeying Him no matter how difficult it seems. Even if the earth should rock and the world seems upside down, God is there for you as a refuge. Be still and know that He is the supreme God (Psalm 46: 2, 10)

Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for the assurance You give me today. Please help me to trust You absolutely and let my trust lead me to obey you always. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 476 – How did Jesus pray as He was facing his death?

When face to face with death, Jesus experienced the utmost depths of human fear. Yet He found the strength even at that hour to trust his heavenly Father: “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; remove this chalice from me; yet not what I will, but what you will be done” (Mark 14:36)

HIDE A TREASURE: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12; Psalm 46; John 5: 1-3, 5-16

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THE HOLY SPIRIT INTERCEDES FOR US

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Sunday 20th July – 16th Sunday of the year

Reflection: Romans 8: 26-27

THE HOLY SPIRIT INTERCEDES FOR US

The Holy Spirit is a free gift of God to his children to help us and to teach us among other things (John 16:13) All Christians should have the fullness of the Holy Spirit in them if they are truly live out their Christian identity.

It is the Holy Spirit who helps us in our weaknesses; strengthening us in so that we can live according to God’s standards. As humans, we are limited even in understanding the right way to communicate with God the Father, we are deficient in the right words to use in prayer but the Holy Spirit goes before us to the Father to plead on our behalf because He (The Holy Spirit) knows the deepest parts of the heart of men, He therefore intercedes on our behalf. The Holy Spirit knows the most perfect way to express our needs and feelings. No wonder those who have a relationship with the Holy Spirit feel fulfilled each time the Holy Spirit comes at work in them.

Beloved, do you really desire to live out the fullness of your faith as a Christian? Do you want your prayers to be acceptable to God the Father always? Then seek a living relationship with the Holy Spirit whom you have received at Baptism. He is every ready to strengthen us on our faith journey.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Spirit. Please help me to always be open to His leading. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 120 What does the Holy Spirit do in my life?

The Holy Spirit makes me receptive to God; he teaches me to pray and helps me to be there for others.

HIDE A TREASURE: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:15 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Wisdom 12:13,16-19; Psalm 86: 5-10, 15-16; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13: 24 – 43