Tag Archives: storms

BUILT TO LAST

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Thursday 3rd December – Memorial of St Francis Xavier, Priest

Reflection: Matthew 7: 21, 24 – 27

BUILT TO LAST

To every skilled builder, of utmost importance is the integrity of the foundation. The increasing incidence of collapse of buildings under construction in our county is a reflection of what happens when standards are not followed. Sadly, these are often fatal.

Our public life is a reflection of our inner life and convictions. What beautifies our inner life is nothing but the TRUTH (John 8:32; John 14:6). The truth counsels us against mediocrity (Proverbs 18:9), inordinate love for money (1Timothy 6: 10) and sexual immorality (1Corinthians 6:17-20), to mention a few.

As youths, we are in the spring of our lives and we will not remain youths forever. There is no better time than now for us to pay the discipline for sustainable knowledge. It is a time to concretely invest in ourselves, in order to chart a glorious future for ourselves. A time to steadfastly pursue this aim, consistently saying NO to the shortcuts and distractions that seek to jeopardise our future. TRUTH calls us to excellence in our foundation building. Excellence speaks! So give it an expression in your character, academic pursuit, outlook (dressing) and in your service to God and humanity. It in fact, seeks an expression in ALL that is good (Philippians 4:8).

We probably might temporarily succeed in making others believe that we are what we are not but in the long run, we must live with the consequences of our actions and inaction. An enduring foundation is needed to prevent us from being victims in life. Let us be rooted in the truth; let us be rooted in Christ Jesus, for He is the only foundation that grants stability to life and guarantees us a home in heaven.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are the sure foundation that holds all things together, as I build my life on you, please keep me through the storms of life that my life may glorify you. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 59 – Why did God make man?

God made everything for man. Man, however, who is “the only creature on earth that God willed for its own sake” was created in order to be blessed. This happens when he knows, loves, and serves God and lives in gratitude toward his Creator.

Gratitude is love that has been acknowledged. God wishes us to acknowledge his love and even now to live our whole life in relation with him. This relationship lasts forever.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock” Matthew 7:24 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Isaiah 26: 1-6; Psalm 118; Matthew 7: 21, 24 – 27

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IT IS I, DO NOT BE AFRAID

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Saturday 18th April – Saturday of the 2nd week of Eastertide

Reflection: John 6:16-21

IT IS I, DO NOT BE AFRAID

In Mark’s account of today’s gospel reading (Mark 6:45-50), it was our Blessed Lord Himself that told the apostles to sail across the sea to the other side. Why did He ask them to sail when He knew there would be a storm, you may wonder. He was well aware that the sea will be turbulent, yet He told them to go. He could have prevented the storm but did not. When the going became tough, there was Jesus walking right beside them. For while they sailed He was watching them and when they needed Him, he was right there for them. The solitary crew was not as solitary as it thought after all.

Our God is more ready to help us than we seek to be helped. We have been created to sail through the sea of life with its storms and our Creator who knows what lies ahead of us still urges each of us to go on.  He does not promise us an easy path but He assures us of a safe landing if we hold on to Him. For though our trials as His children may be many, He has promised to deliver us from them all.

To successfully sail on the sea of life we need to rest all our faith in God who tells us, “Courage, I have overcome the world”. For if He who has overcome the world is with us, we can be sure of our triumph too. The difficulties we experience are exactly what He uses to build our trust and commitment to Him. Never focus on the winds, your difficulties, challenges and weaknesses, rather trust in the power of the Master and keep your eyes on Him as He tells you today, “It is I, Do not be afraid.”

PRAYER: In all my difficulties and troubles, help me come to you Lord with humble trust saying: Jesus Help me and never leave me. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2743 – It is always possible to pray: The time of the Christian is that of the risen Christ who is with us always, no matter what tempests may arise. Our time is in the hands of God.

HIDE A TREASURE: “You will have troubles in the world; but, courage! I have overcome the world” John 16:33 CCB

Today’s Readings: Acts 6:1-7, Psalm 32:1-5, 18-19, John 6:16-21