2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Psalm 115(116):10-11,15-18
Matthew 5:27-32
Are you ready to take on the challenge of truly embracing Jesus’ commandment from yesterday’s gospel reading? Imagine the peace and divine blessings that await you!
In today’s gospel, the Lord Jesus invites us to dive even deeper into His message. He calls us to a radical transformation—what does it mean to tear out our right eye or to cut off our right hand? It underscores just how profoundly sin can impact our spiritual journey and our connection with God. Think about it: just as an army falters when its food and water supply is cut off, so too do we weaken our souls when we stray from His path. We must live out our faith with sincerity and love in our hearts to truly unite with God.
Let’s look to St. Anthony as our shining example! He exemplified love and dedication not only to God but also to His Church. As a remarkable preacher and a man of charity, he practiced what he preached, creating a ripple effect of goodness in the world.
Now, consider this: when we start to take for granted the incredible gifts God has provided us—our bodies, our neighbors, our Church, and the ministers—we risk losing touch with the rest and joy God promises us. A heart filled with appreciation recognizes the abundance we’ve received, acknowledging it as an undeserved gift. But when ingratitude creeps in, we begin to see these blessings as mere rights, not the precious gifts they truly are.
Beloved, let’s cultivate a conscious attitude of gratitude towards God for the favor and grace we’ve received. Without it, we might find it challenging for God’s gifts to lead us to salvation.
The Lord opens a beautiful door for us through the Church in the sacrament of reconciliation—an incredible opportunity to receive forgiveness and experience true peace!
This week, let’s passionately commit ourselves to living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ, refusing to hide our light under a bushel basket of our own making. If we trust Him and obey His words, the happiness we seek will be ours forever.
Peace be with you!
Fr Joseph Osho