DATE : 9/3/2021
EVENT : Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
COLOUR:Violet
READINGS : Daniel 3:25,34-43; Resp. Psalm 24:4-6,7-9; Matthew 18:21-25.
THEME: BE CALM IN AFFLICTION AND FORGIVE
Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Nineth day of March, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Be Calm In Affliction And Forgive". Beloved in Christ, before I proceed in this reflection, I wish to acknowledge that words are easier preached than practiced. For no affliction is enjoyable, especially when one is suffering unjustly. However, the truth still remains that unless our faith is tried like gold which passes through fire, we are not yet certified believers. In fact, one of the first test of faith, is how you react during moments of trials, difficulties and afflictions. It is easier to praise God in moments of joy, to sing and shout Alleluia when things are moving on well, to confess God as your lord and saviour when you are healthy and everything seem to be working out for you. The real question then is, what happens when things turn sour for you? When your enemy seems to be taking the lead in your life? When false accusations and tempations besiege you? When God seems to be far from your incessant pleas? That is the time to proof your faith and confidence in God.
Beloved, in the first reading of today, Daniel 3:25,34-43, we are told that Azariah and his friends were thrown into the fire. Now, recall that earlier on in Daniel 3:17, they had prayed that God should deliver them from being thrown into the furnace, but contrary to what they prayed for, God allowed them to step into the furnace. Though they were not harmed. Hence, it was while inside this seemingly consuming fire that they remained calm and Azariah rendered the praise of God which was recorded in the Bible passage that we read from this morning. Right inside the fire, they worshiped God, thank Him for all what He has done to them. They recognised their shortcomings and appreciated God for His righteous judgements. They forgave their enemies and prayed for those persecuting them. Finally, they offered their afflictions to God, stated their determination to follow God no matter the situation, and to surrender to his eternal will.
Child of God, do not rejoice that you are a Christian until you have been through a faith shattering affliction and you come out stronger. Just like how a soldier cannot claim to be gallant when he has not been to a war front before. Hear me dearest, afflictions, trials and difficult tempations are sure to come your way. Your enemies will try to snare you, to rubbish your name, to discredit you and to dampen your faith in God. When these begin to happen, do not sway, do not be discouraged, do not panic, do not lose heart and do not lose your faith in God. Rather, like Azariah, who sang the praise of God amidst the fire of afflictions, convert your afflictions into moments of praise of God, surrender the entire situation to God, trust in the Power of God to handle the situation His way and at last, you will be happy that you did. I pray God to deliver us from all unnecessary troubles..Amen
Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).
LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, you were falsely accused, beaten, affflicted and killed, yet you remained calm and even forgave your enemies. Help me to be like you...........
The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.
May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit ....Amen
@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪
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