A WORD FOR TODAY 17 JULY, 2022

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*MAKE USE OF YOUR OPPORTUNITIES WHEN THEY COME YOUR WAY*

_"But the Lord answered her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”(Luke 10:41-42)_

_*The readings of this sixteenth sunday of the year teache us a lot about goodness and how our good act will definitely bring a reward. However, for you to gain the reward, you must know when opportunity to do good comes your way and you take it without looking back.*_

_Opportunity simply means a favourable and good chance for advancement and progress. These moments do not come always, but it is recommended that when you find them, you make use of them before they slip away from you._

_*Opportunities presents itself in different modes and at different times. It may be to show kindness and love, it may be to suffer and bear pain for the good of others as st. Paul tells us in the second reading, to console others, to pray, to invest, to guide others in the path of goodness, to build and grow your capacity to excel, to learn, to study and meditate on the scriptures, to listen, to grow your spirituality and so on.*_

_In whichever way it comes, whenever it comes and where it comes, our primary aim should be not to miss it, but to take it and make the best use of it._

_*In the first reading of today we see how Abraham saw opportunity to be kind to the men who were passing by his house and he took it. He never knew they were angels of the Lord, (Hebrews 13: 2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares") but his hospitality and kindness to them will bring him the blessing of a son, deliverance of lot and removal of the shame of barreness.*_

_He stood up, sacrificed his own rest in order to help the visitors to rest. He gave them the best he can. He showed them kindness and the good he did brought him and his household extraordinary blessing. He showed kindness without expecting anything in return and God blessed and honoured him._

_*When Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha as stated in the gospel reading of today. The two sisters took the opportunity they saw presented by Jesus' visit. Martha preoccupied herself with serving food for Jesus to eat, which was not bad in itself, but she became occupied and got distracted that she failed to give a listening ear to Jesus who was there not for food but for company, but Mary sat at His feet and listened and that was highly commended by Jesus.*_

_We must make use of our opportunity to do what is right and to take the right decisions at all times, otherwise, we will make the wrong decision and our opportunity will be a wasted one. Mary was a good listener and she was humble, we must stay humble and listen to others also who may wish to share their thoughts with you._

_*Do not get busy doing everything, except creating a quality time to be with Jesus and nourish your soul with His word. Sometimes, we become so busy with the things of this life that we no longer have time to worship God and honour His name. This kind of attitude must change if we intend to be happy here on earth and thereafter in heaven.*_

_We must work hard, yes, but we must create a balance so that our relationship with God does not suffer because of our work. Make good use of the opportunities that come your way and you will be happy in the end. Remember that if you see Jesus in everyone, you will be able to show them kindness with the best you have._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you begin your day and do have a magnificent Sunday. May Jesus bless you as you show kindness to others sacrificially. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Genesis 18:1-10/Psalm 15:2-5/Colossians 1:24-28/Luke 10:38-42

*Watch-Word:* Listen to Jesus everyday and you will never be lost in the busyness of life.

*Show some kindness to others today and you will receive reward from God who can do all things.*

(Sixteenth Sunday in the ordinary time. Year C)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*