LET US FOLLOW JESUS!

⏰Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent (21 March 2017)

????Dan 3:2, 11-20; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7cd, 8-9 (R.v.6a); Matt 18:21-35

LET US FOLLOW JESUS!

Jesus invites us to follow him in the same way he invited his first disciples (cf. Matt 4:18-21). He also calls us into active ministry as he did to them. This art of following him means learning from him and acting as he would do.

One very important thing that Jesus taught us by words and example is how to forgive. First of all, he taught us that forgiveness is a key to opening channels of favour for ourselves while unforgiveness could make us miss those channels (cf. Matt 18:21-35). And while hanging on the cross, he taught us by example that it is indeed possible to forgive even our worst of enemies when he prayed for those who killed him, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

When the three Jews were at the heart of fire, one of them called Azariah (Abednego) prayed to God for mercy and God answered them and showed them mercy by closing the mouth of fire from consuming them (cf. Dan 3). Remember that the scripture says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall find mercy” (Matt 5:7).

So there is really nothing that is too much for God to grant us when we ask him. So when life challenges try to pull you down, talk to Jesus for liberation. But while you are praying for liberation, ensure that you are not holding anyone hostage with unforgiveness.

May the Lord give us the grace to forgive even when it seems very difficult. And so may our prayers appear before him like fragrant incense. Amen.

Today is the 8th anniversary the death of my father, Pa Michael Ezeonwumelu. Kindly pray for his soul and all the faithful departed.

Have a lovely day ahead. Peace be with you.