Thursday of the 31st week in ordinary time

Philippians 3: 3-8a    Luke 15: 1-10

Theme: God loves you

The parables of Jesus in the gospel reading of today, points out the fact that we all are very important to him. He does not want to lose any one of us that is why he is ready to leave those who are already on the right path to go after the one who is on the wrong path. This is a sure sign that he does not give up on anyone of us even when we are not getting it right. He still goes after us to ensure that we return to the right path. That is why, when one sinner repents and returns to the father, there is great joy and rejoicing. If God feels this way about you, why are you giving up on yourself because of the difficulties and challenges you are facing now in your life? When God does not give up on you, why do you give up on yourself? The gospel reading of today is encouraging us to always trust in God and do our best in any given situation we find ourselves in life. Always remember that it is God that has the final say about anything that is happening in your life, until he speaks there is still hope.

Dearly beloved in Christ, the gospel reading is also a call to repentance for all of us as children of God. It is an opportunity for us to retrace our steps and go back to God, who is assuring us today that he has not given up on us and is waiting patiently for us to retrace our steps and return to him. This is a wonderful way that shows the depth of God’s love for you and me, his desire is that we have life and not death; and he presents us all the opportunities that we need to attain salvation. The question today is, what is keeping you away from repenting and going back to our loving father, who is eagerly awaiting your return to him? Also, as children of God, we should do all within our power to also help others who have wondered away from the path that leads to life, to also return to God. In our journey of faith, we are also encouraged to support each other when the need arises.

We pray for the grace of sincere repentance, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.

 

 

 

Thursday of the 31st week in ordinary time, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp