A WORD FOR TODAY 12 FEBRUARY 2023

A WORD FOR TODAY 12 FEBRUARY 2023


 

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*CHOOSE WISELY AND ACT RESPONSIBLY*

_"He has placed before you fire and water: stretch out your hand for whichever you wish. Before a man are life and death, and whichever he chooses will be given to him." (Sirach 15:16-17)_

*THE GIFT OF FREE WILL IS GIVEN TO MAN*

_*God created man out of love in His own image and likeness. He did not make man to become a slave, instead, He gave Him the gift of free will which enables him to make choices in life. It is expected that when we make rhe good choices, the corresponding effects of it will be made manifest in us.*_

*YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTION*

_The readings of today move our mind to reflect on making responsible choices with our free will. Yes, man is born free and we are free to choose what we want, but we must make sure that they tally with God's will so that we will be happy in the end. We are indeed responsible for our actions._

*THE TWO WAYS BEFORE US*

_*The first reading reminds us that God has placed before us the two ways, life and death, good and evil, light and darkness. The way of life is shown by obedience to the commandments of God, but the way of death is marked by vices, passions and corruption. Whichever you choose will be given to you. Therefore, you must think it through before you act, because in every action you posit, there is a corresponding reaction and consequence that comes from it.*_

*MAKE YOUR CHOICE WITH WISDOM*

_Responsible choice is the choice one makes with the intent of briging happiness into his life and it is the gift of God's wisdom that helps you in making it. Making the decision of the part to choose is something that must come from the place of wisdom and not foolishness. If we grow in wisdom, we will be able to know what to choose and when to choose it, our choice will always allign with what the Lord wants and that is what will help us to win the prize in the end._

*THE JESUS WAY*

_In the gospel reading, Jesus teaches us about going the extra mile in living out the law of God and His teachings in the Scripture. It is not just enough to follow the letter of the law, but we must also observe the spirit of the law. Killing is not only when you have used gun or knife to kill, but you have killed when you desire it in your heart and probably in anger speak to your brother and sister wickedly even without physically harming them, this will definitely make one to face God's judgement._

*ANGER AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT*

_*Anger comes from two greek words, 1. Thumos (comes quickly and goes away), 2. Orge(long lived anger. This is the one that is liable to court and judgement).*_

_Ephesians 4:26-27 says, "be angry, but do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity to the devil". As human beings we are bound to get angry from time to time and we can express it, but we must stay watchful not to let it linger and infest our spirit with bitterness and thirst for revenge._

_*Sirach 27:30 says, "Anger and resentment(wrath), these also are abominations, and the sinful man will possess them."*_

_Sirach 28:2-3 says, "Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray. Does a man harbor anger against another, and yet seek for healing from the Lord?_

_*Anger, resentment and vengeance- these are negative emotions and are real killers of our joy, health and life. Avoid them and you will live happily here on earth.*_

*To conquer them*

- *Concentrate on positive emotions. Think your action through before you act.*

_- Use your energy wisely for good things. In anger you can say things you will regret when you are sober, watch it and stay calm. (Ephesians 4:31-32) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you._

*-Always be in control of yourself*

_-Step away for a moment from where you have been made angry, drink cold water and change your position (sitting to standing or vice versa)_

_*-Train yourself and discipline your heart to let things go and not to seek vengeance when you are provoked or to act rashly. Take a deep breath and calm down.*_

-Pray for the grace and put the above into action

_*Jesus is teaching us to go deeper in living out our life. Our righteousness must exceed that of the pharisees. This means that we must put in more effort in oveying not just the letter of the law, but more importantly the spirit of the law. Strive to identify what makes you to fail, get them out of your way, before they will make you to miss heaven on the last day.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you begin your day and do have a beautiful Sunday. May Jesus give you the grace to make the best choice in life always. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Sirach 15:15-20/Psalm 119:1-2,4-5,17-18,33-34/1 Corinthians 2:6-10/Matthew 5:17-37

*Watch-Word:* Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord

*Stay close to Jesus always in prayers and you will be able to make the good choice in your life.*

(Sixth Sunday in the ordinary time. Year A)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*