A WORD FOR TODAY 4 AUGUST 2022

A WORD FOR TODAY 4 AUGUST 2022


 

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*WHO IS JESUS FOR YOU*

_"Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."(Matthew 16:16-17)_

_*Jesus asked his disciples a question about His identity in the gospel reading of today. He first asked them who the people think He is, and from their reply, they were taking him to be John, Elijah and Jeremiah. They could only see Him in that light, because they do not really know Him.*_

_He further asked them who they think He is, and Simon Peter through the grace and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said that He is the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. It is a testimony of faith that is true and it is something they needed to know as they followed Him._

_*This knowledge is very important, because without knowing who He is by way of His true identity, it will be difficult for them to be able to teach others about Him and show them the way that leads to Him.*_

_Knowledge is very key in following people, if you follow people without knowing their true identity, they may lead you to a place of no return. Jesus asked this question to make sure that His disciples are on the same page with Him._

_*As soon as Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, he was given the responsibility to be the rock upon which the church is built, he will hold a special position in guiding the disciples and he will go on to give his life for Christ inspite of his weakness.*_

_If you truly know who Jesus is, you must constantly strive to be like Him in words and deeds. You must strive to follow in his path and grow in grace. You must let His words take root in you and you will always do what will please and bring glory to His name._

_*If you know Jesus, you must serve Him with all your heart as St. John Vianney did. He loved Christ and spent his life as a priest for him, helping people and souls wounded by sin to find their way back to Him. He made himself available in his pastoral duties and committed himself to this cause until death.*_

_We must renew our heart and keep striving to know Jesus and live for Him. Do not look back but keep pushing forward. Love Him, serve Him and show the world the way that leads to Him and you will be happy forever in the end._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a lovely day. May Jesus give you the grace to seek Him with your heart and to show others the way that leads to Him. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Jeremiah 31:31-34/Psalm 51:12-19/Matthew 16:13-22

*Watch-Word:* Create a pure heart for me, O God.

*Strive to be on the side of God always and the devil will not find a way to confuse you.*

(Thursday of the eighteenth week in the ordinary time. Year II. Memorial of St. John Mary Vianney.)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*