Memorial of St. Theresa of Avila (Jesus) (virgin and doctor of the church
Theme: Words of encouragement
Today as we celebrate the memorial of St. Theresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the church, it presents us the opportunity to reflect on the quality of our discipleship as children of God. The church celebrates her today because she lived a good and exemplary life. Her memory that you and I have, is worthy of emulation. In view of this, we have to re-evaluate our way of life and do better were the need arises. We have all it takes to live a good and holy life, a life that is pleasing to God and will make us better children of God and Christians. It is not something beyond our reach, if we are truly determined to make it happen. Like we know, in recent time’s people some of us met and related with have been made Saints in the church. The two that readily comes to mind are Saints Mother Theresa and Pope John Paul 2nd. They did their best by living a good life, and it was acknowledged by those who knew them. It is an invitation to all of us who go by the name Christian, to accept the invitation and practice it in our daily life.
In the 1st reading of today, from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he did something that is worthy of emulation; by encouraging the people for their good work and also thanking God for his faithfulness. This is an action that we need to practice amongst ourselves as children of God. When an individual or a group of people are doing well, we need to encourage them with some kind words; this is exactly what St. Paul is doing in today’s 1st reading. These are wonderful words of encouragement that will continue to encourage the people to do their best at all times. The more we acknowledge Gods faithfulness in our life, the more we are strengthened.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, do you acknowledge Christ in the public or you deny him in public? It could be very easy to say I cannot deny Christ, however we deny him in different ways we may not even be conscious of. A quick example is when you are in a public place; do you do the sign of the cross and pray before eating? Some of us do not, and that is one way through which we deny Christ. There are so many other ways, let us be conscious of them and be proud of Christ and our faith in God at all times. As you strive to do this, may almighty God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.