A WORD FOR TODAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2019

A WORD FOR TODAY

There is always a disparity between the things of heaven and the things of this earth. This is why saint Paul reminds us in the first reading of today to seek the things that are above since we have been raised with Christ. The things of the earth are carnal and could hold us down not to focus on the things of heaven which are spiritual and glorious.

Anyone who wish to follow Jesus must be ready to let go the old way of life and put to death what is earthly in us, such as impurity, immorality, passion, evil desire, idolatry, anger, jealousy, malice, slander, foul talk and so on and put on the new nature which is characterised by holiness, kindness, joy, peace, gratitude, love and so on.

The life we live in Christ must be different from the life we lived when we have not known Him. If there is no difference between the two, then we are not yet ready to follow Jesus in truth and in Spirit. If we truly belong to Jesus as we profess it on a daily basis, then it must be shown in the way we live our life. We will love and cherish more to do the things that will please God and bring glory to His name and not the things that will make us glorify the devil.

If we focus our entire mind on the things of this life it will stop us from seeing that there is life after here and the things we will enjoy in heaven is much better and beautiful that what we have here. Nothing can compare with it, because we will enjoy the beatific vision in God's presence. We shall truly see God as He is and we will have the eternal reward of Joy and peace in His kingdom.

The beatitudes (blessings) are what those who persevere in this life till the end will receive. If we are poor, hungry, weeping and facing persecution in this life, we must stay strong and keep trusting in the Lord till the end, for the Lord will turn things around for us and our blessings must surely come in His presence in heaven.

To live a life of the blessed is to value Christ more than the things of this world. It means to operate on God's standard which is totally different from the standard of the world. If we choose to follow Jesus, we must walk the way He walked, we will suffer pain and rejection, we will lack what the world offers in terms of material pleasure and satisfaction, but in the end we will gain much more than we could have ever imagined we have lost.

Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a magnificent day. May Jesus keep you strong as you strive to live for Him so that you will make heaven on the last day. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Meditation: Colossians 3:1-11/Psalm 145:2-3,10-13/Luke 6:20-26

*Watch-Word: Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

Happiness or sadness here on earth or hereafter will depend on the choice you make. Choose wisely because all that glitters is not gold.*_

(Wednesday of the 23rd week in the Ordinary time, Year 1)