16/03/2026
Journey with the Lord
Monday, 16 March 2026, 4th week of Lent
First reading: Isaiah 65:17-21
Psalm: 29:2, 4-6, 11-13
Gospel Acclamation: Amos 5:14
Gospel: John 4:43-54
God will turn your mourning into dancing.
1. Facing trials as you follow God in the application of social teachings of human dignity, common good, participation, solidarity and you are thinking of quiting because of the evil one? Remember, He'll turn mourning into dancing (Psalm 29:2, 4-6, 11-13) for the upright but the opposite with the evil one and those who have refused to partner with God (Psalm 72 [73]). Partner with God to restore all in Christ; there's a new heaven and earth, joy and gladness. No more weeping or cries in the land. To die at hundred will be dying young; not living to hundred, a curse. They'll build houses, inhabit them, plant vineyards, eat their fruit (Isaiah 65:17-21). Seek good, not evil (Amos 5:14). Work towards a better tomorrow for one another, the church, family, state, community and nation. God, has given the world new life by mysteries which are beyond our grasp. Provided we are not deprived of earthly help we will make progress by the strength of the eternal gifts of faith, hope, charity. God's teachings will transform this world.
2. Be like the court official (John 4:43-54): persistent faith for others' dignity and good as he did for his son. The court official applied the principle is subsidiarity. He trusted the power and decision of Christ despite his rank as a court official. This is the Catholic social teachings as called out by the Laity week's theme of the laity Council of Nigeria, 2026: "The Application of Catholic Social Teaching in Contemporary Nigeria" - applying faith in action. Let's serve as agents of peace and justice. No just in Nigeria but in the world at large. The week-long celebration, scheduled from March 15th to March 22nd, 2026, focuses on bringing faith into action by applying the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) to daily life and national development. Key aspects of the 2026 theme include: ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT: Encouraging the lay faithful to move beyond words and embody their faith in action, particularly in politics and public service. CORE PRINCIPLES: Focusing on upholding human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ROLE: Urging Catholics to serve as agents of peace, justice, and transformation in Nigerian society, our nations and the world at large. ACTIVITIES: The week includes special Masses, interactive sessions between priests and laity, lectures, and community service. The application of these principles will bring about renewal and life anywhere it is applied. The son of the court official lived again. We too shall live again if we apply these principles. Let God be God and humans be humans.
3. Be diligent in peace and blamelessness (2 Peter 3:14) as well as faith. If you have faith like a mustard seed (Matt 17:20); mountains will move. God plans better for you than you plan. Trust Him. Faith is a gift enabling belief without doubt. With faith, command mountains to move (Matt 17:20). May mountains move in your life and land; so that God will turn your mourning into dancing. Don't give up; God has a plan.
Shalom.
Good day
Have a Spirit filled day.
Fr Akpenpuun Sesugh SP, VC
