A WORD FOR TODAY 16 AUGUST 2022

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*YOUR SACRIFICE FOR GOD WILL BE REWARDED*

_"And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life."(Matthew 19:29)_

_*It is always worrying in the mind to work so hard and in the end no one recognizes your effort or even show some appreciation for what you have done. It is painful, but that is associated with human beings in some cases.*_

_This is different from the way God relates with us, He is always concerned about us and He assures us of eternal reward if we devote ourselves to serve Him here well on earth._

_*In the gospel reading of today, Jesus speaks about possessing the kingdom of God and what it will take for one to enter into it. He said that it will be hard for a rich man to enter into it. This will sound strange, but that is the truth, if you value and love material possessions more than God who created them, it will be very difficult for you to enter into heaven. If your heart is tied to wealth, pleasure and the created things of this life more than God, it will be very difficult for you to enter.*_

_We must learn to serve God well here on earth and make sacrifices in His name. We must detach ourselves from our possessions. The things we possess must never be allowed to have a grip on our soul and being more than God the maker. We must constantly remind ourselves of the need to travel light as we journey towards heaven and drop off any excess luggage that is not needed for the journey._

_*Every sacrifice you make to serve God in the people here on earth will be rewarded on the last day. Therefore, keep doing good, keep loving as God has instructed. Be generous with what you possess and share with the needy and someday, all you have done to honour God will bring you joy eternal.*_

_A rich man can go to heaven and a poor man can also go to heaven, but it will depend on how well they practice detachment and use their gifts according to their capacity to do what is right and to serve God well. Do not let the things of this world drag you down or slow your pace towards your goal, focus on your target and march towards it following God's instruction and guidance and you will be good in the end._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a peaceful day. May Jesus give you the grace to love Him above material things. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Ezekiel 28:1-10/Deuteronomy 32:26-28,30,35-36/Matthew 19:23-30

*Watch-Word:* Though Jesus Christ was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich

*God knows your work, make it great and better and you will have eternal reward in the end.*

(Tuesday of the Twentieth week in the ordinary time. Year II)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*