A WORD FOR TODAY 31 AUGUST 2022

A WORD FOR TODAY 31 AUGUST 2022


 

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*BE JEALOUS OF NO ONE*

_"for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving like ordinary men?For when one says, I belong to Paul,” and another, I belong to Apol′los, are you not merely men?"(1 Corinthians 3:3-4)_

_*Jealousy is an attitude of hostility towards someone you perceive as a rival or who may be thriving in an area where you expected that only you will thrive and be recognized.*_

_The Corinthian community were having a full dose of it and that is why St. Paul had to adress them in this letter as we see in the first reading of today. He made them to know that it is only those who are in the flesh that will preoccupy themselves with the idea of belonging to Paul or to Apollos, but forgetting that both of them are mere instruments of God who gives growth._

_*He noted that he planted and Apollos watered, but the most important person in the picture is God who makes what is planted and watered to grow. Both the one who planted and the one who watered are equal in God's sight and will receive the reward of their labour, but if God does not make it to grow, their efforts would have been in vain and wasted.*_

_A Christian community where jealousy and strife abound can never grow spiritually. If we must be men and women in the spirit, we must learn to collaborate with each other and not tear each other apart. Everyone is gifted with something and what you you have as a gift can help to build up the community. Therefore, there is no need to be jealous of anyone, instead, we must help each other to be the best of what they do to grow the the Church._

_*Everyone can play a part in the beauty of what life becomes. Never look down on anyone, instead, synergize and help to bring out the best in people and help them to be the best they can be and in the end love will reign supreme and the name of the Lord who gives growth to the work of our hands will continue to be glorified.*_

_Why are you trying to bring someone down because you are jealous of them, if God chose to use them for a purpose, it is a win for us all. Encourage that person and focus on your own and do it well also and in the end we all will be happy. Remove jealousy and strife from your heart and you will continue to be a wonderful instrument through which God will make His name known in this life. If you are sick with jealousy and envy of your neighbour, come to Jesus today and He will heal you and give you the spirit of humility and contentment and you will become a better person for Him and humanity._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a beautiful day. May Jesus give you the grace to do your part and help others to be the best also. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* 1 Corinthians 3:1-9/Psalm 33:12-15,20-21/Luke 4:38-44

*Watch-Word:* Blessed the people the Lord has chosen for his heritage

*Do not be jealous of anyone, be content with who you are and strive to be the best for God and humanity.*

(Wednesday of the Twenty-Second week in the ordinary time.)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*