Fanning The Flame of faith Catholic Adoration Prayer Ministry Auchi

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Fanning The Flame of faith Catholic Adoration Prayer Ministry Auchi A Priest From The Diocese Of Auchi Edo State

03/03/2025

A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS THROUGH THE WORD-THE DABAR YHWH. TUESDAY WEEK 8TH IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C (SIRACH35:1-12, MK10:28-31).

THEME: BEHOLD, WE HAVE LEFT EVERYTHING AND FOLLOWED YOU

What have you left behind to follow Jesus? To travel with Jesus, one must leave something precious behind for something more precious than gold. Jesus says if you must follow me, you should deny yourself and pick up your cross and follow me(Mk9:34-38). Following Jesus is not always on a smooth journey. Jesus didn't have it nice, neither the apostles nor shall we, too.

At Lystra and Iconium and Antioch, Paul and Barnabas strengthened the disciples and encouraged them to remain firm in the faith, saying, "We must go through many trials to enter the kingdom of God"(Acts14:22). We must let go of one thing for another. Ben Sirach said, "My son, if you have decided to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Keep your heart upright and remain resolute; do not be upset in the time of adversity. Hold fast to the Lord and do not separate yourself from him so that you may be successful to the end of your days..."(Sir2:1-10).

During the call of Elisha, Elijah just passed by him and cast his cloak over him, and Elisha took a radical and quick decision to follow in the path of the Lord. Elisha gave up everything to follow Elijah in answering the call of the kingdom's demands (1Kings19:19-21). When Jesus called Matthew the levite, he didn't hesitate but left whatever he was doing to follow. What have you left behind to follow God in the path of eternity?

A young man ran and knelt before Jesus and asked master, "What must I do to receive eternal life?"(Mk10:17). Though, he religiously claimed that he had fully observed the ten commandments without an iota of mistakes. Jesus praised his courage though he displayed self-righteousness, yet Jesus said you are not far from the kingdom of God. Does that qualified him to enter the kingdom of God? No, it wasn't.

And Jesus said, for you, one thing is lacking. Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me. " On hearing these words, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth" (Mk10:17-22). He couldn't give up his wealth for eternity sake. "Do not store up treasure for yourself here on earth where moth and rust destroy it, and where thieves can break in and steal it. Store up treasure for yourself with God, where no moth or rust can destroy nor thief break in and steal it. For where your treasure is, there also your heart will be"(Matt,6:19-21). He forgot that the scripture says, seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and every other thing shall be added to you(Matt6:33). He didn't have the required faith as a prerequisite for entering heaven. What a collosal lost, filled with materialism!

In the case of the would-be followers, a teacher of the law approached him and said, "Master, I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man does not even have a place to lay his head." Another disciple said to him, "Lord, let me go and bury my father first." But Jesus answered him, 'You follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead'"(Matt8:18-22). These are different set of people who probably had the mind to leave everything but were not fully committed to their decisions, and they couldn't follow Jesus. What would heavenly posterity say about you?

The demands of discipleship are costly but highly rewarding dear friends(Luke 14:26-27). What good is it to anyone to gain the whole world and lose his own self? And what can he offer to buy his own self back?(Mk8:36). Those who don't want to let go can never grip the Lord firmly. Then Jesus said to the people, "Be on your guard and avoid every kind of greed, for the quality of your life does not depend on the possessions you have, however great they may be"(Luke 12:15).

Beloved in our Gospel text, Peter reasoned as a man for fear of the unknown. "Behold, we have left everything and followed you"(Mk10:28). Jesus reassured Peter and the others not to be afraid because great rewards and fulfilments await those who left everything and followed him. For those who left families, houses, businesses, properties, children, parents, and all mundane things et cetera, they will receive a hundredfold blessings now in this earth and in eternity to come. Giving up everything for the sake of the kingdom can bring about persecution and trials, but perseverance to the end matters.

In our first reading, Ben Sirach encourages us to remain in the path of righteousness and do away with every iota of unrighteousness. He says the offering of a righteous man anoints the altar, and its pleasing odour rises before the Most High. The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable, and the memory of it will not be forgotten. God repays those who give generously. Giving of oneself is far better than material giving. For the apostles gave up everything to follow the Lord. God needs our true and sincere heart and not just our material prowess.

In conclusion, the road to eternity is a very narrow one, and only those who left everything for the sake of the kingdom will eventually enter it(Matt 7:13-14). What are you leaving behind today, dear friends in Christ? Is it money, paganism, materialism, landed property, Yahoo plus, rituals, sexual immorality, family, or what? Everyone will answer his or her name on the last day since salvation is personal and must be worked out with fear and trembling (Phi2:12).

May God grant us the grace of detachment and the spirit of total commitment to the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.

CHILD OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY-MATER MEA FIDUCIA MEA (A slave of the BVM and a servant of Jesus Christ, aka A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS).

02/03/2025

A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS THROUGH THE WORD-THE DABAR YHWH. MONDAY WEEK 8 IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C (SIRACH17:24-29, MK10:17-27)

THEME: BE COMMITTED TO THE DEEDS OF GOD'S KINGDOM

Christianity is not about being religious or the observation of the ten commandments alone. It is not just going through the rituals of the liturgy. It is more than that. It is all about total commitment to the kingdom's demands. You may go through the rudiments of the Church's magisterium, yet you are not a committed Christian. Hence, you must be born again. Commitment is about total faithfulness, dedication, and love for the deeds of God. For instance, the choice of the man in today's gospel text gives the true nature of an authentic Christian. What image are you portraying? Are you so committed to the kingdom, or are you making a show of religiosity? Externalities do not take a man to heaven but true and sincere worship of God.

In the Gospel text, a man ran up and knelt before Jesus and asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"(Mk10:17). In fact, he asked a good question, but when Jesus told him what God's kingdom entails, he opted out sadly because he could not fulfil the demands of the kingdom. It is better to say that he has no faith in Christ Jesus and is also not willing to forgo the things of the world for the sake of the kingdom. Of course, he was a religious man but not committed to the deeds of the kingdom. He is far from heaven because he lacks heaven's merit, though he claimed to know and observed the ten commandments with all seriousness.

And Jesus looked upon him and loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing..."(Mk10:21-22). That is, he lacks heaven's merit. He so much depended on his ability to live a moral life without recourse on faith. The man lacks faith. He thinks that the kingdom of God is by mere observation of the ten commandments without total commitment. He never believed in the person of Jesus and bolted himself out of God's kingdom. He allowed the beauty and wealth of this world to deceive him, and he missed it. When the disciples asked who can be saved and Jesus replied, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God"(Mk10:27). Everyone is qualified for salvation if only we believe.

In our first reading, Ben Sirach tells us that those who repent, God grants a return and accorded them the lot of truth. This was exactly what the man in the gospel text never realised but was preoccupied with transient things of this world. What a pity and a huge loss! We all need to turn to the Lord in prayers for the forgiveness of our sins. Furthermore, he encourages us not to tarry in the waywardness of the ungodly and give thanks before death. We shouldn't waste our lives and lose our souls for the mundane things because the dead can not praise God except the living.

In conclusion, the demands of the kingdom of God compel all to be committed unwavering. We shouldn't waste our lives on the pleasure of this passing world but to hold on to our faith till the end. For those who turn to the Lord, salvation is assured. Succinctly, Ben Sirach says, "How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness for those who turn to him!"(Sirach17:29).

May God create in us the true heart of total commitment to the deeds of the kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.

CHILD OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY-MATER MEA FIDUCIA MEA (A slave of the BVM and a servant of Jesus Christ, aka A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS)

01/03/2025

A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS THROUGH THE WORD-THE DABAR YHWH. EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C (SIRACH27:4-7, 1COR15:54-58, LUKE6:39-45).

THEME: THE CONTENTS OF THE HUMAN HEART

The content of the human heart is filled with deep mysteries, which can not be comprehended by man himself. The human heart is like an ocean filled with so many creatures, both living and inanimate objects. In the sea, numerous things are in there, which, if drawn up it becomes obnoxious and surprising. The heart is the centre of man's life. It is the control point in the human body. For without the heart, there is no human being. It is the life-wire of the body. It is where life is situated in man. It is where the soul and spirit of a man is located and intertwined. The soul and spirit are invisibly visible in the heart. It is the breath of God in man. "Then the Lord God took some soil from the ground and formed a man out of it; he breathed life-giving breath into his nostrils and the man began to live" (Gen2:7). It is the pumping station of man. Once the heart stops functioning, then man simply departs from the planet earth, and the soul/spirit returns back to the Creator.

It is through this human heart that one worships God in spirit and in truth(John 4:23-24). It is the centre of a true sacrifice unto the Lord. It is where a true and sincere conversion takes place. Salvation is assured through the heart(Rom10:8-13). St Paul says, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Ph2:12). The heart is the seat that needs real transformation and renewal. "...but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind...(Rom12:1-2).

The heart contains the good and the bad. To keep the heart pure, man must constantly meditate upon the word of God. "How can a young man keep his life pure? By obeying your commands. With all my heart, I try to serve you;...I keep your law in my heart,...I study your instructions;... I take pleasure in your laws; your commands I will not forget"(Psa119:9-16). "... My brothers fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable..."(Ph4:8-9).

In our first reading, taking from the book of Sirach, we observed Ben Sirach being existential to what humans are. For he says, "When a sieve is shaken, the refuse remains; so a man's filth remains in his thoughts "(Sirach 27:4). If you have ever observed women filtering pap, cassava flour, and others, you will observe that what remains in the filter is so dirty. Those filters are sometimes being discarded or further used for something else. So is the mixture in a man's heart. There is so much debris in the heart of man if thrown out, which will cause disharmony.

It was Battista Mondin who once said, "Man is a mystery unto himself." Man is deep even unto himself. Man can not be fully understood except God. Man is a complex being. God took enough time to create man, unlike the other creatures, which he just says let there be, and there was. It is only man that resembles God among all creatures and the most sophisticated being.

Man's heart not informed by God is filled with evil intents. And that is why God regretted creating man when man worked against God-man's wickedness (Gen6:5). God knows that from the early stage of man, his thoughts are evil (Gen8:21). Man's evil thoughts propelled him to say there is no God (psalm 53:1).

The way you think shows your character just as surety as a kiln shows any flaws in the pottery being fired"(Sirach 27:5). These verses speak of testing to find one's real character. The book of Proverbs says, as a man thinks, so he is. Man's characters can be deduce from the way he thinks. But sometimes tribulations can equally make man to think otherwise. Some people can speak well but can't act well. Some people can be deceptive even in words and deeds. This is why man needs discernment spirit through the help of God to know exactly the productivity of man's heart.

The fruit discloses the cultivation of a tree; so the expression of a thought discloses the cultivation of a man's mind"(Sirach 27:6). Do not praise a man before you hear him speak, for this is the test of men(Sir27:7). The Gospel of Matthew says, "A good tree bears good fruit, but a poor tree bears bad fruit. A good tree can not bear bad fruit, and a poor tree can not bear good fruit... So then, you will know the false prophets by what they do"(Matt 7:17-20). By their fruits, we shall know them. Through the actions of a man, you will know his makeup. Jesus said that even though you do not want to believe me but believe in the works I do. These very works that I do bear witness that the Father has sent me..."(John 5:36-40). Jesus says also, I am not seeking human praise; but I know you too well; you have no love of God within you..."(John5:41-47).

In our second reading, St Paul speaks about the resurrection morning where the perishable shall put on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on the immortality-this indicates our victory over death. This text speaks about the true state of a man on the last day. Man whose heart is renewed and transformed towards God will enjoy the beatific vision of God on the last day. God is the end of man. Man does not end on his own. Thus, St Paul gives a strong assurance to man by saying, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be standfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain"(2Cor15:58). This is my consolation in working with and for the Lord, not minding what men say.

In the Gospel text, Jesus made a series of parables in order to bring closer the message of the kingdom of God to the people, yet they put on unbelief. What a collosal discouragement! "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit"(Luke6:39-44).

Man, as a mysterious being, is unpredictable. Most times, without being informed by God, he judges wrongly from a human point of view. He makes every attempt to accuse his fellow man without properly considering how frail himself is. Prophet Jeremiah, in his word, declared, "that the heart is the most deceitful of a thing, it is corrupt to the core, who can understand it?"(Jer17:9-10). Man follows the stubbornness of his own heart(Jer18:12). See how Jeremiah described the intents of a man(Jer9:2-8). Man is pretentiously wicked. Man pouring out his filthiness as described by Ben Sirach in our first reading. Man's deceitful acts against his brother (Jer12:5-6). Fear man, trust no man but trust in God firmly. Man is a woe unto man. Good people are known by their works and actions. Do not be quick to judge and condemn a man, but check out his works and actions.

The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks"(Luke6:45). The heart as a sea contains a lot of different things, both good and bad, except sanctified by the Spirit of God. Man's instability (Matt12:33-39).

No wonder Jesus quoted Isaiah, "How right Isaiah was when he prophesied about you! You are hypocrites, just as he wrote: "These people, says God, honour me with their words, but their heart is really far away from me..."(Mk7:6-7). The content of the human heart is amazing. Thus: from a person's heart, come the evil ideas which lead him to do immoral things, to rob, kill, commits adultery, greediness, and do all sorts of evil things; deceit, indecency, jealousy, slander, pride, and folly..."(Mk7:14-23). St Paul equally made an allusion to the content of human heart: immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; in worship of idols and witcraft. Jealous, angry, ambitious, envious, having or**es etc.

In conclusion, man who is supposed to be the true image and likeness of God becomes evil inclinated through his deeds. His thoughts work against God's original tenents for him. Hence, the true character of man is revealed in his words and actions. Man's ways can only be pure through constant meditation on the word of God (psalm1, Joshua 1:8).

May the word of God we hear every day purify our intentions and make us better human beings through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.

CHILD OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY-MATER MEA FIDUCIA MEA (A slave of the BVM and a servant of Jesus Christ, aka A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS).

01/03/2025

A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS THROUGH THE WORD-THE DABAR YHWH. SATURDAY WEEK 7 IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C (SIRACH 17:1-13, MK10:13-16)

THEME: THE LORD MADE MAN IN HIS OWN IMAGE

Man is the Imago Dei in its true sense. Among every created thing, God gave man special attention and love because man is the only resemblance of God. In the book of Genesis, God says, "Let us make man in our image and likeness"(Gen1:26). No wonder St Anselm says, "Man fully alive is the glory of God." Man is the true glory of God, the crown of God's creation. After the creation, God placed man in the highest position where man was given the privilege and authority to named every other created things apart from himself.

Man was given the authority and power to take dominion and subdue the earth. Wow! What a rare privilege accorded to man! It was St. Paul, who says that Jesus is the visible image of God, the sacramental presence of God(Col1:15). Does the fallen nature of man take away his resemblance of God? though not at all because the birth, passion, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ restored man completely to his original state. Man was redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ. Man will continue to enjoy this unmerited favour of God if man remains connected with God.

The book of Sirach in our first reading tells us that God created man out of earth and made him into his own image; he turned him back into earth again but clothed him in strength like his own(Sirach 17:1ff). Genesis chapter two verse seven says, after creating man out of dust, he breathed upon his nostril and life entered man. Man will be eternally grateful to God and own his life to God. Without God's presence in a man's life, man goes into oblivion forever. Jesus says, "Apart from me, you can do nothing"(John15:7). Man needs to continually abide in Christ, or else man dies.

God gave man everything that could make him comfortable and enjoy the awesome presence of His. Sin has been the problem of man that continually derailing man from the presence of God. And he said to them, "Beware of all unrighteousness." Sin brings about alienation of man. Man must make frantic efforts to do away with sin through the grace of God. St. Paul says I can do all things through Chris that strengthens me(Phi4:13).

In the Gospel text, Jesus was indignant because the disciples rebuked the children that they brought to him. Whether a child or an adult, all bears the image and likeness of God, hence no one should be put off from God's presence. Jesus welcomes the children to himself and says, for such belongs to the kingdom of God. We must receive the kingdom of God with the childlike attitude, or else we miss it.

In conclusion, man was made for God's glory. Man should reciprocate that kind of love God showed him. Man must humble himself and assume the childlike attitude towards making heaven. Heaven is met for those who see themselves as God's children and not as God's equals. Humility is the mother of all virtues, and it pays. Be humble, you creature of God, for God is mindful of you (psalm8).

May God continue to forgive us our sins and see us always as his own image through the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary amen.

CHILD OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY-MATER MEA FIDUCIA MEA (A slave of the BVM and a servant of Jesus Christ, aka A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS).

28/02/2025

A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS THROUGH THE WORD-THE DABAR YHWH. FRIDAY WEEK 7 IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C (SIRACH 6:5-11, MK10:1-12).

THEME: A FAITHFUL FRIEND IS BEYOND COMPARISON

"Once again, Jonathan made David promise to love him, for Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself "(1Sam20:17). Dearly beloved in Christ, this exermpt from the first book of Samuel gives a vivid understanding of what a true friend ought to be. You could see a deeper love between Jonathan and David. You could see sincere and true love between two of them. You could see that that kind of friendship is not a fairweather friend-friendship of convenience. A faithful friend is a sacrificial friend and not a friend of deep-rooted hatred, envy, and jealousy. It is a friend who wants your progress and is determined to see you succeed. Be careful of who you call your friend. A bad company ruins good morals (1Cor15:33).

Many false friends have turned to be unsuspicious betrayals who betray their so-called friends. Judas Iscariot was one of such friends of Jesus who betrayed him with a kiss. When you look through the eyes of your friend, then you will know if he is truly your friend. Many are wolves in sheep clothing. Out of jealousy and envy and hatred, many friends allow the beast in them to manifest to the detriment of their friends. Run far away from a friend who is jealous and envious, such can kill.

A faithful friend like Jonathan is beyond comparison. They are rare and not easily far-fetched. It takes the grace of God to get such one. A genuine friend supports every good idea you bring forward. He encourages you to pursue your dream and not the one whose eyes are always reddish towards your progress. Any friend that is always weeping, regretting, and saying you are more lucky than me, you are enjoying more favour than me, and never satisfied; please run away from such a monster because he or she can poison you to death. We have heard of friends who secretly murders others and bury them. We have seen friends fighting because of money. Just be careful and prayerfully choose Jonathan's kind of friendship. Don't be too quick to pick a friend. Don't be too quick to open your mind to everyone. I have been a victim severally because of my transparency and when I thought that others could see and reason things the way I am. It's quite unfortunate to make a friend that would turn back to stab you. It is better to stay alone than to be with friends who secretly slaughter you.

The first reading of today encouraged us to be careful about how we choose our friends. It speaks about being at peace with all but choosing a few advisers. Friendship should be tested and approved and not to trust hastily. See the characteristics of a false friend: a fairweather friend who will not stand by you when you are in trouble, a friend that changes into an enemy, who discloses a quarrel to your disgrace, a table companion, a friend only in your prosperity and turns against you when you are brought low and hide himself from your presence. The book.of Sirach says keep yourself far from your enemies, and be on guard towards your friends.

Let's also see the characteristics of a true faithful friend: a faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure. A true friend is a genuine supportter. An encourager. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence. He is an elixir of life; and those who fear the will find him.

In the Gospel text, Jesus taught about faithfulness in marriage between a couple. Marriage is not just a contract but a sacrament with a sacramental bond or seal that can never be broken. Hence, there is no divorce in God's law of marriage but to stay faithful until the end. A true and sincere marriage is a faithful friendship that is beyond comparison. In the book of Genesis, the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to live alone. I will make him a suitable companion to help him"(Gen2:18). Marriage has the characteristics of an eternal friendship. This can be depicted with the analogy of God and the Israelites in terms of marriage connotation. "... what therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder"(Mk10:6-9).

In conclusion, gaining a faithful friend that is beyond comparison depends on faithfulness to God. Hence, whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so is his neighbour also. Succinctly, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom for choosing true and faithful friends(Pro1:7). Marriage covenant stays longer and more successful when partners see themselves as faithful friends.

May God help us to choose good and faithful friends who will rather lead us to God and not to the path of destruction through Jesus Christ our Lord amen.

CHILD OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY-MATER MEA FIDUCIA MEA (A slave of the BVM and a servant of Jesus Christ, aka A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS).

27/02/2025

A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS THROUGH THE WORD-THE DABAR YHWH. THURSDAY WEEK 7 YEAR C (SIRACH 5:1-8, MK9:41-50)

THEME: DO NOT DELAY TO TURN TO THE LORD

It was prophet Baruch who said if you strayed from the Lord, turn to him as much as ten times. God is always ready to receive us back at any time we are willing to accept his will. He is a merciful and loving God who wipes away our sins and iniquities of a thousand generations (Psalm103:). Do not delay to turn to the Lord because delay is dangerous to our salvation. Salvation of one's soul shouldn't be postponed because no one knows exactly where he or she will depart from this sinful world. It was St. Paul, who says, work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phi2:12). Dear friends in Christ, salvation is personal.

There is no point in relying on one's might because your might will fail you. It is only reliance in God that is absolutely guaranteed. The book of Sirach discourages us from trusting on human flesh and the provisions of the mundane things. Below are litanies of wise sayings from Ben Sirach in our first reading: "Do not set your heart on your wealth, nor say, I have enough." Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart. Do not say, "Who will have power over me?" or "Who will bring me down because of my deeds?" Do not take the mercy of God for granted, do not depend on dishonest wealth, for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity" (Sirach 5:1-11).

The Psalmist says it is foolhardy to trust in oneself and says there is no God. Most often than none the way and manner we live our life determines our intimacy with the Lord. The Lord is always willing to receive us back. The synoptic gospel of Luke explicates this assertion without any qualm of doubt. It is the story of the prodigal son. In fact, it should be rather called the story Prodigal Father because it was the father who actually lavished his love on the wayward son(Lk15:32ff). God is always loving and forgiving. In the prophecy of Isaiah, the sacred scripture says that the hands of the Lord are always open to accepting us back(Isaiah 65:1-2).

This life and all its empty promises are illusory that are ephemeral. It is deceptive to love and to rely on this transient world of ours. It is gainful to rely on God than this passing world of ours. Nothing on earth that is permanent. Everything under the earth has an expiratory date. There is time for everything says the Preacher(Eccl3:1-11).

I have heard people saying I will repent when I am very old because life is too sweet to be denied. Man must enjoy. Life is for the living. Yes, we know, but life without Jesus becomes a misery. Do you know whether you will die today or tomorrow? What gave you the assurance that you will live up to a hundred years? It is God who determines who enjoys longevity and not man. Many people have landed in hell, and so many are on their way to hell, especially our youths, simply because of the wreckless abandon of the way they are living their life. Life has no duplicate. It has no photocopy of its own or carbon copy. It is once and for all in this material world. There is an abundance of continuation of life after the physical only for those who rely on God absolutely. Most times, I weep because I didn't know God earlier enough, and that is why I went through tough times, why I was growing up, but now I wouldn't joke with my God.

In the Gospel text, Jesus spoke about detachment from this transient world of ours. He encouraged generosity and the act of sincere charity. He encouraged us to assist one another towards salvation and not to lure away any of the little ones on the path of God. Great danger is pronounced upon anyone who leads God’s child away from the path of salvation. He encouraged us to put away anything that might hinder us from following the path of God. He encouraged us to practically distance ourselves from occasions of sins. Our deeds will be salted with fire. There is a test awaiting everyone on the last day. Just as gold is tested through fire to be refined, so also shall we be tested for purification and refinement. We shouldn't lose our saltiness but have salt in ourselves and to be at peace with one another.

In conclusion, dear friends in Christ, we shouldn't postpone our salvation. If today you hear the word of God hardened, not your heart(Heb3: 7-8). Succinctly, the words of St. Paul will better bring us to a good landing. "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling "(Phi2:12).

May God help us to rely on him rather than relying on our might through Jesus Christ our Lord amen.

CHILD OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY-MATER MEA FIDUCIA MEA (A slave of the BVM and a servant of Jesus Christ, aka A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS).

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