A WORD FOR TODAY 24 AUGUST 2022

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*LEAD OTHERS TO JESUS WITH LOVE*

_"Philip found Nathan′a-el, and said to him, We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Nathan′a-el said to him, Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him, “Come and see.”(John 1:45-46)_

_*Today the Church celebrates the feast of the apostle Bartholomew, who is also known as Nathanael as we have in the gospel reading. He was born in Cana and was brought to Jesus by Philip.*_

_Philip was kind and selfless enough to share something good with Bartholomew. He would have kept the knowledge of Jesus and all he has been enjoying through his encounter for himself, but he generously informed Nathanael that they have found the Messiah. This is a commendable attitude we must encourage, we must be ready to share something good with others and avoid selfishness._

_*Bartholomew did not believe initially when he was told about Jesus, he doubted if anything good could come out of Nazareth. He was not ready to follow Philip, but Philip insisted and he went with him and that encounter changed Him forever and He became a vessel for Christ in Evangelization and winning souls and in the end he died a martyr.*_

_Bartholomew was invited to meet with Jesus and He came and saw and was transformed. Although he was not willing to go at first, but when he eventually came and Jesus told him that he saw him under the fig tree he believed. It was an encounter that made him a new man and he became an apostle who will go out to win souls for Christ and teach them the truth about Him._

_*In the first reading of today we see that the names of the twelve apostles were written on the walls of the foundation of the Holy city Jerusalem coming down from heaven. Jesus selected the twelve apostles, taught them and sent them out to teach others and guide them in the faith. They are the foundation of the Church today and their inspiration have continued to help the Church in this modern time.*_

_The same invitation given to Nathanael to come and see Jesus is also given to us today. We must push through every obstacle to get to Jesus and He will open our eyes to see Him and to have a deeper knowledge of Him and in that way, we shall be transformed in our heart and be disposed to be used for His own glory._

_*Do not hesitate to lead others to Jesus with love. Do not give up even when they refuse to follow you. Show them love and convince them to come and see and when they come, they will never be the same again. If you have experienced wonderful things in Christ, be generous to share with others and God will be glorified and souls will be saved.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a great day. May your encounter with Jesus bring you transformation in abundance. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Revelation 21:9-14/Psalm 145:10-13,17-18/John 1:45-51

*Watch-Word:* Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the king of Israel

*God is calling you, say yes to Him and He will use you to bring others to Him through your generous heart and selflessness.*

(Wednesday of the twenty-first week in the ordinary time. Feast of the apostle Bartholomew)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*