A WORD FOR TODAY 24 JANUARY 2021

A WORD FOR TODAY 24 JANUARY 2021


 

A WORD FOR TODAY

NOW IS THE TIME TO FOLLOW JESUS AND WIN SOULS FOR HIM

_"And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.”(Mark 1:16-17)._

_*We are in the world for a serious kingdom business that requires discipline, seriousness and faithfulness to the call we have received from God. We did not come into the world by accident, there is a reason why we came and we should not let anything in this life make us lose sight of our mission.*_

_In the readings of today we are reminded of the need to make use of the time we have to do what is right, repent of our sins and change our ways, because we may not always have the time when we want it._

_*In the first reading we see the story of how Jonah went to Nineveh to deliver the Lord's message to the people and they were moved by the words and repented and God showed them mercy. We must be quick and ready to tell the people about Jesus, because they will find mercy and redemption from Him through our proclamation.*_

_If we are going to be messengers of the Good news, we must first change our ways and repent of our sins and in that way we shall be prepared to show people the part that leads to life. Repentance will give us the confidence to speak about God without shame. We must detach ourselves from earthly things and attach ourselves to heavenly things._

_*If you do not submit your heart to the Lord it will be difficult for you to work for Him. To be able to work for the Lord and follow Him, you must let Him rule and reign in your heart.*_

_St. Paul reminds us in the second reading that we have limited time to spend here on earth and that the world is passing away, therefore, we must make the best use of our time to do good and live well so that we will be ready when the time comes._

_*In the gospel reading Jesus tells his disciples that the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand, therefore, it is a time to repent and to believe the gospel. He called Simon and Andrew, James and John who were fishermen to come and become fishers of men. He is also gratuitously calling us to come follow Him so as to proclaim the Good News. What is holding you back from proclaiming Christ, from following Him? cut off from those things and be free to worship God in holiness and truth.*_

_To follow Jesus you must be quick and ready to let go of your past life. You must be ready to do what He commands. He will lead and you follow and you will be ready to walk with Him and go where He sends you in obedience._

_*Now is the time to follow Jesus, therefore, repent of your sins, draw closer to Him and change your ways. The people of Nineveh repented, they fasted, prayed and humbled themselves and the Lord showed them mercy. If we truly repent and become contrite, we shall find God's mercy and forgiveness waiting for us. Be ready to proclaim the Good News to others and win them over to the Lord as the Lord has won you to Himself. Be quick about it because we do not have much time to stay here on earth. Rise from where you have fallen come to Jesus and be restored and then become a channel through which those who are yet to know God will come to know Him.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile as you begin your day and do have a merciful Sunday. May God be merciful to you and may Jis mercy move you to be merciful to others. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Jonah 3:1-5,10/Psalm 25:4-9/1 Corinthians 7:29-31/Mark 1:14-20

*Watch-Word:* Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.

*Now is the time to love God more and be ready to do what He wants. It is a higher call and heaven is our reward.*

(Third Sunday in the ordinary time. Cycle B)