A WORD FOR TODAY 25 AUGUST 2022

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*STAY WATCHFUL AS YOU WAIT FOR THE LORD*

_"Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into"(Matthew 24:42-43)_

_*Staying watchful always is key to reaching our goal in life. The essence of it is to avoid distraction so as not to miss the moment when the master comes knocking and you fail to rise to open the door or he finds you doing what you have not been instructed to do.*_

_The Lord will come at an hour we do not expect, therefore, we must stay watchful and be ready so that when He comes, nothing will stop us from going with Him to enjoy the banquet in heaven._

_*To stay awake and be watchful does not mean to be restless or go a day without sleeping, it simply means to be spiritually conscious of who you are and where you are going and in that way, you will not let anything or anyone take your eyes of the mark. You will focus on the finishing line and you keep going until you cross it.*_

_Much has been placed in your care and at your disposal, be the faithful and wise steward who discharges his or her duties as instructed. Stay humble in service and keep sharing love, avoid wikedness and high handedness, do good more and you will be ready when the Lord returns._

_*To stay awake you must be disciplined and strive not to put yourself in a position where the things of this life will take away your focus from the prize. You must avoid anything that will make you lose focus or now love the world and the created things more than God himself.*_

_Jesus is coming again, the end will come someday, we do not know when it will be, but for us to be ready, we must keep doing what is good and remain faithful. We must shine our eyes and stay away from things or people that will lead us astray. We must carry out out task responsibly and when the master returns, we shall be rewarded with eternal life and not eternal damnation. Stay watchful, pray always and your waiting for the return of the master will be fruitful in the end._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a great day. May God's grace help you to be ready always for the comong of the son of man. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* 1 Corinthians 1:1-9/Psalm 145:2-7/Matthew 24:42-51

*Watch-Word:* Watch and pray and be ready for the coming of the Lord.

*If you lose focus, you will be distracted from the mark, but if you stay focused, you will reach your goal and win.*

(Thursday of the twenty-first week in the ordinary time. Year II)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*