A WORD FOR TODAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2022

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*USE YOUR TIME WELL, FOR IT WAITS FOR NO ONE*

_"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)_

_*The preacher tells us in the first reading of today that there is time for everything on earth. A time to be born, to work, to die, to be sick, to heal, to weep, to laugh and so on. Time controls everything we do in time and within time.*_

_This is a reality of life, truth and fact of life that cannot be questioned. We came into the world in time and we shall leave the world in time, however, we must strive everyday to make the best use of the time we get now to achieve the best we can which will help us to give a good account of our stewardship on the last day._

_*Jesus did not waste any time while on earth, He knew why He came, He focused on His mission, strove and navigated everyday towards the cross through the proclamation of the gospel, winning souls for the kingdom, healing the sick and providing for the needy and the poorest of the poor in the community.*_

_Time waits for no one, therefore, make good use of it now because what is gone will never come back. Do not deceive yourself and keep procrastinating or postponing what you will do for today to tomorrow, because tomorrow may never come. Start now, do it now and progress as time allows you to work._

_*Stop wasting time, just start today and keep pushing and working hard everyday to achieve your set goals. Use your time well and do not let it waste in pursuit of frivolities and unwanted junk and garbage that will simply occupy the limited space you have.*_

_Jesus is our great example and as the Lord and master we must look up to Him, believe in Him, trust Him and follow His lead. He spoke the truth to His disciples about His life and He did not let anything stop Him from reaching His goal._

_*Use your time well to plant so that you will reap in due season, use your time to do good and also learn when to be quiet and restrain from speaking so that you will draw strength from your meditation to conquer the challenges that may come your way.*_

_Today we celebrate the memorial of St Pio of Pietrelcina, padre Pio (1887-1968) He was born in the small village of Pietrelcina in southern Italy, and joined the Capuchin friars at the age of 16. He became a priest seven years later, and spent fifty years at the monastery of San Giovanni Rotondo, where he was very much sought after as a spiritual advisor, confessor, and intercessor. Many miracles were popularly ascribed to him during his lifetime. He died a few days after the fiftieth anniversary of his receiving the stigmata. We pray for his Intercession and assistance._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a beautiful day. May Jesus give you the grace to make good use of your time here on earth. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen*_

*Meditation:* Ecclesiastes 3:1-11/Psalm 144:1-4/Luke 9:18-22

*Watch-Word:* Blest be the Lord my rock

*God has given us the time we have, use it well and you will be happy in the end.*

(Friday of the twenty-fifth week in the ordinary time. Year II. Memorial of St. Pio)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*