A WORD FOR TODAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2022

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*IF YOU LOVE THE LORD, YOU WILL STAY AWAY FROM WICKEDNESS*

_"The righteous observes the house of the wicked; the wicked are cast down to ruin. He who closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard." (Proverbs 21:12-12)_

_*To act wickedly is simply to act with disgust and treat others badly. A wicked heart will plot evil against you and do everything he or she can to see that it is executed to perfection.*_

_However, anyone who truly professes love for God from the heart must stay away from anything that portrays wickedness, because when you treat people wickedly, you are actually doing that to God who has always shown us nothing but kindness._

_*The first reading of today gives us wonderful admonitions of what is expected of the person who is willing and resdy to follow Christ and to love Him.*_

_You must strive to be just and righteous always and your deeds and sacrifice will be acceptable before the Lord. You must stay humble and remove every pride that makes you to look down on others or feel you are greater than God._

_*You must work hard with diligence and truth and your efforts will surely bring you success and abundance. When you speak the truth, you will have the blessings of the Lord come upon you.*_

_If you truly love the Lord, you everyday desire will be to do good to the needy and you will never close your ears to the cry of the poor, because he who closes his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry out someday and no one will hear his cry. Therefore, profess your love for God from the heart, be kind to others and treat them well, stay away from wickedness and you will be a special friend, mother, brother and sister to Jesus._

_*Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Andrew Kim Taegon and companions. These were Korean martyrs comprising mostly of the lay faithful who gave their lives for the sake of Christ. We must emulate them to be ready to die for the sake of Christ.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a lovely day. May Jesus give you the grace to be kind to the poor and needy around you. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.*_

*Meditation:* Proverbs 21:1-6,10-13/Psalm 119:1,27,30,34,35,44/Luke 8:19-21

*Watch-Word:* Guide me Lord in the path of your command

*God is happy when we do good to people especially the poor who will not be able to pay us back.*

(Tuesday of the twenty-fifth week in the ordinary time. Memorial of Andrew kim Taegon and companions.)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*