Thursday of the 28th week in ordinary time
Ephesians 1: 1-10 Luke 11: 47-54
Theme: God chose you!
Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch, who was martyred in Rome. He showed the depth of his faith in God and paid the supreme price with his blood. In our own time, you don’t necessarily have to shed your blood to show the depth of your faith in God. There are so many other ways through which we can show that we have faith in God. For instance, if we belong to those who believe that it is better to build our treasure in heaven, it will reflect in our words and deeds; and it will go a long way in helping us to pull down walls and build bridges that will impact positively in our world
In the 1st reading from St. Pauls letter to the Ephesians, he reminds us of the fact that God has chosen us as his own from the very beginning, because of his love for us. In view of the this, he has made known to us all that is necessary for us to live a life that is good and pleasing to him and will also help us to live in peace with one another and attain salvation at the end of our earthly life. Simply put, the assertion of saint Paul in todays 1st reading is a reminder of what we already know as children of God. An opportunity for us to evaluate our lifestyle and tell ourselves the truth, whether we are on the right path or not. If we are already on the right path, thanks be to God, it is for us to continue that path that will help us attain Gods plan for us at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. However, if the opposite is our answer, it is never too late for us to make amends and retrace our steps and return to the right path that will lead us to where God wants us to end at the end of our earthly pilgrimage.
Interestingly, it is the desire of most of us, if not everyone of us to live a life that is good and will help us build friendship and live in peace with one another. By so doing making our world a better place, by putting into practice the commandment of God, which says we should love God and love our neighbours as ourselves. The more we allow love to drive all our words and actions, the closer we will be to the kingdom of God, and the easier it will be for us to enthrone the fruits of the kingdom in our lives, families and in the world at large. The choice to make this happen is in our hands as children of God. No matter how difficult it may seem to us right now, i want you to know that it is very possible. With the grace of God and our personal effort and will to make it happen, it will definitely come to pass.
The main question today is, are we ready to pay the price of discipleship? This is because if we make the choice to embrace the ways or path of God, then we must be ready to face the challenges that will be thrown at us by those who have chosen to embrace the ways of the world. Do not be afraid, because he that is in you is greater than he that is in the world, God is always on your side. Trust in him and continue to walk in his path. May the Lord bless his words in our hearts, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.