Saturday, Before Epiphany (January 6th)
John 5: 5-13 Mark 1:7-11
Theme: We are overcomers
In the 1st reading of today, the assertion of St. John should strengthen our faith as we just begin the new year. He said that because we believe in the son of God, we are overcomers, we are victors. Going into the new year with such a blessed assurance from God, who is ever faithful to his word and promises, should increase our faith in this new year. The fact that we believe in the son of God, already places us at an advantaged position for eternal life. Thus, we are privileged people as children of God, and we must make good use of the privilege that God has given to us.
This privileged position that we have found ourselves will be more fruitful when we live according to the imperative of the gospel in our daily lives. What this simply means is that we must work daily towards perfection and holiness of life. By so doing, we will continue to grow in our faith in God and continue to be a better version of ourselves daily. This will go a long way towards helping us to achieve our goal of making eternal life at the end of our earthly life. The grace of God is always at our disposal, it is for us to cooperate with it and make honest effort to be a worthy instrument in the hand of God, by witnessing with our lives wherever we find ourselves.
We all can become the best version of ourselves, if we trust in God and make honest effort to be always true ambassadors for Christ. We are all qualified to make heaven, if only we trust in God and are ready to make honest effort to work for holiness of life daily. Never think because of your sins you cannot make heaven, that will simply mean you are underestimating the mercy of God. Your sins can never be greater than the mercy of God. The most important thing is to retrace your steps and return to God with sincere repentance, and he will have mercy on you. Let us all make good use of this wonderful privilege that we enjoy as children of God, so that it will lead us to eternal life at the end of our earthly pilgrimage.
When you are faced with the storms of life, do not be discouraged, go to God in prayer and continue to do your best, because you are an overcomer. May the Lord continue to strengthen us in times of difficulties, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.