Thursday of week 7 in Ordinary Time 


Ecclesiasticus 5:1-10

Psalm 1:1-4,6

Mark 9:41-50


DELAY NOT YOUR CONVERSION 


In our first reading from Sirach, the author emphasizes, “Delay not your conversion to the Lord.” This statement, positioned toward the conclusion of the reading, encapsulates the preceding content and aligns with the teachings of Jesus in the Gospel reading, both highlighting the essence of what it means to undergo conversion to the Lord.



Sirach cautions against reliance on material wealth and personal strength, suggesting that a fundamental shift in mindset necessary for conversion is one of surrender. As individuals draw nearer to God, there is a growing recognition of the necessity to submit to divine will, prioritizing reliance on God over our capabilities. This process is inherently humbling and often challenging to accept, yet it is the pathway to authentic peace and serenity. Personal attempts to navigate life independently, outside of God's guidance, invariably lead to complications.



The urgency for conversion is further underscored in Jesus’ teachings from Mark’s Gospel. His statements regarding sin—“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off... If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off... If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out”—should not be interpreted as a literal call for self-mutilation. Rather, Jesus compels us to relinquish any impediments to following Him and to approaching the Father. This willingness to act signifies a genuine commitment to conversion.



The contemporary world desperately needs the Good News of Jesus Christ. It yearns for more tangible expressions of love, peace, and justice. This, I believe, aligns with Jesus’ instruction to “Keep salt in yourselves, and you will have peace with one another.” By embodying the essence of God’s love, we cultivate inner peace, foster harmonious interactions, and propagate peace in our broader communities. The imperative for conversion is immediate and pressing.

Comments

  1. ChidozieFebruary 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM

    Amen

    ReplyDelete
  2. TonyUkaegbuFebruary 27, 2025 at 8:22 AM

    Thanks for today's reflection, padre.
    Good morning.
    Have a great day

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ngozi AmadiFebruary 27, 2025 at 12:07 PM

    Amen 🙏

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2025 at 7:09 PM

    Amen, May God grant us the grace to know what we must do, and the strength to do it well. Thanks Fada. Good evening.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2025 at 6:14 AM

    Amen May the Lord harken to our needs and grant us the strength to carry on. Amen

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
  ST. BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLES, FEAST   Apocalypse 21:9-14 Psalm 144(145):10-13a,17-18 John 1:45-51 COME TO JESUS  Today's readings emphasize the significance of heaven. We must stay focused on the ultimate prize, just as Bartholomew did when he sought spiritual enlightenment under the fig tree. When Philip introduced him to the Messiah from Nazareth, Bartholomew initially questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth. However, after encountering Christ, he recognized Him as the Son of God. Bartholomew made the wisest decision of his life by coming to Jesus. As it says in Psalms 145, "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him." Our prayer life can be as simple as coming to Jesus and seeking Him for rest, as stated in Matthew 11:28. Let us also have a deep desire to draw closer to Jesus and focus on the things above where Christ is. Amen. N. B. Pray for me as I celebrate my birthday today. Thank you and God bless. 
Read more
Image
  Saints Charles Lwanga and his Companions, Martyrs   2 Peter 1:2-7 Psalm 90(91):1-2,14-16 Mark 12:1-12 LAY DOWN YOUR LIVES FOR CHRIST  Today's gospel features Jesus addressing the scribes, chief priests, and elders. They witness the behavior of the tenant farmers in a parable, which mirrors their violence, selfishness, and desire for possession. Despite being confronted with the truth, they are too afraid to change and miss the opportunity for a conversion of heart. Instead, they react defensively and deceive themselves, eventually acting out the negative roles depicted in the parable.  The Church commemorates the Martyrs of Uganda today, particularly St. Charles Lwanga and their companions, who bore witness to Christ by sacrificing their lives. This serves as a reminder for us to be faithful stewards of God's creation and caretakers of His people, willing to serve with love and faith, even to the point of laying down our lives.
Read more
Image
  Monday of week 13 in Ordinary Time   Amos 2:6-10,​13-16 Psalm 49(50):16-23 Matthew 8:18-22 THE COST OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP  Dearly beloved in Christ, as we embark on a new month and continue to journey through life, It is important to keep in mind the message in today's Gospel. The brief exchanges between Jesus and the two potential disciples remind us of the challenges of true discipleship. The stories of the teacher of the law and the man wanting to bury his father emphasize the commitment and sacrifices required to follow Jesus. We see that true discipleship involves a wholehearted dedication to living a life modeled after Jesus. When we think about the earlier experiences of other followers like Peter and Andrew, we are reminded that becoming a disciple may require us to let go of our old ways and follow Jesus without hesitation. It is not always easy, and Jesus does not ask us to calculate the costs or tie up all our loose ends. Instead, He simply invites us to "Foll...
Read more