A WORD FOR TODAY 8 AUGUST 2023

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*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*THE BURDEN OF SIN*

_And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed; and when the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. And Aaron turned towards Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. (Numbers 12:9‭-‬10)_‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

_*Let no one deceive us. Sin is a burden. When we carry sin in our heart, it is usually very heavy. We can never be at rest if we carry sin in our heart. Hardly, can anyone do so much when carrying the worries of sin.*_

_The good news is that, there is a way to get rid of the burden of sin. Jesus is that way. Jesus has the power to take away the burden of sin. Nevertheless, we must repent for him to forgive us. our song must become have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned._

_*One very good way to offend God in our world today, is to speak against his servants. This is not to say that God’s servants are perfect. This only implies that God has a way He wants us to deal with His servants. In the first reading, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses and they were punished for it. It is better to pray for a man of God than to speak against him.*_

_We can also sin against people by spoiling their good name through gossip and backbiting. This should not be the case among us. As we grow in our Christian journey, there are some things which are bad that we must outgrow._

_*The foundation of sin is faithlessness in God. If we trust that all God has said and revealed is the best for us, we will never act otherwise. When faith has a problem, we start sinking in the ocean of sin. In such situation, we must call on the name of the Lord so that He can save us.*_

_Today the Church celebrates Saint Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers, popularly called the Dominican Order. Saint Dominic was a man who cared about speaking and defending the truth. He was also a man of penance, known for his great desire for holiness. It is said that Dominic was either speaking of God or speaking with God. Dominic avoided unnecessary speech._

_*As we go about our duties today, let us be conscious of not offending God especially in speech against people. However if we sin, Just remember God is ever willing to forgive us in Jesus Christ. Let us cry out for mercy and forgiveness.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do Have a beautiful day. May the mercy of God be with you always. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Numbers 12:1-13/Psalm 51:3-4.5-6ab-7.12-13/ Matthew 14:22-36

*Watch-Word:* Have mercy oh Lord, for we have sinned

_*Do not subject yourself to the burden of sin. Seek God’s mercy and be free!*_

(Tuesday of the eighteenth week in the ordinary time. Memorial of St. Dominic de Guzman.)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*