A WORD FOR TODAY 21 AUGUST 2023

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A WORD FOR TODAY

*ON WHAT HAVE YOU BUILT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD*

_"But whenever the judge died, they turned back and behaved worse than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them; they did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways”.(Judges 2:19)_

_*Reading through the readings of today, the quality of our relationship with God comes to mind. It is a good practice to review important stories in our lives just as the first reading tells the story of Yahweh and the children of Israel. Reviewing stories help us to learn good lessons.*_

_Apparently, the relationship between God and the Israelites was not a balanced one. It was based on what they could get from God. Such that, they always forgot what God wanted from them while things went well. Does this story not sound like ours? God has been so good to us that we forget that we have chosen his goodness over our relationship with him._

_*In the gospel we read of the young man who is eager to do the will of God but is only ready to go as far as no sacrifice is demanded. He is sad because Jesus says he has to part ways with the material blessings of his life. Does this not look like us? Are we not often ready to part ways with Jesus when we have to choose between mundane things and doing God’s will that demands sacrifice?*_

_Today is a good day to go over your personal story and walk with God and find out what your relationship with God has been built on. You can find this out from the content of your prayers. Are you always waking God to do something for you? Do you ever earnestly ask him to show you his will because you are eager to sacrifice for him?_

_*St. Pius X whom we celebrate today was known for resisting superficial and modernist interpretation of the Christian doctrine. Let us learn this from him and seek to build a real relationship with God. God should be our father, brother and friend, and not only a bank of goodies. God should be an influence on the way we live.*_

_Let us be eager to start building for it is never late. When we have a good relationship with God, we will most likely find answers to the different unanswered questions in our lives. God wants to relate more with us._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a splendid week ahead. Make sure you invest in building your relationship with God. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Judges 2:11–19/Psalm 106:34–35, 36–37, 39–40, 43ab and 44/Matthew 19:16–22

*Watch-Word:* Build your relationship with God.

_*God is not only a provider. He can be your confidant and friend.*_

(Monday of the twentieth week in ordinary time. Memorial of St. Pius X)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*