Tuesday of the 1st week of Lent

Theme: The power in the word

The 1st reading from the prophet Isaiah points out the fact that the word of God is always sent out for a reason and it must surely be accomplished. What this simply means is that at any point in time when we hear the word of God been preached, it is meant for at least one person amongst those listening to the preacher. There is always a message to be accomplished, and it must be done. This may be the reason why when we listen to the word of God been preached, it is as if the message was directly for you; do preacher do not have you in mind, but God knows you need such a message at that time in your life. When we find ourselves in such a situation, it is for us to reflect about it and act on it in our life. Such messages are often times for our good, when we have a positive disposition and we act on it.

In the gospel reading of today, Jesus admonishes us about what we should do when we pray; it is not about the length of time in which we pray, it is rather about how present we are to God when we pray. This is very important as we journey with the Lord during this season of Lent. It is a call to prayer in an effective and efficient way. It is also very important that as we pray for the blessings of God, we should also extend the same to our brothers and sisters, as we experience answered prayers from God. Let us learn to extend the same hand of friendship that we receive from God to all those who encounter us at different moments in our life. My brothers and sisters in Christ, prayer is a necessity in our life and we must never take it fore-granted at any point in time. Prayer is one of our weapons of war against sin and evil as children of God. The more we prayer, the better equip we will be.

May God grant us the grace to trust in his word at all times. Peace be with you.

Tuesday of the 1st week of Lent, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp