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LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
1st Reading: Acts 10:25-26.34-35.44-48
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 98: I .2-
3ab.3cd-4 (R. cf. 2)
2nd Reading: 1 John 4:7- 10
Gospel Reading: John 15:9- 17
IN MY NAME.
Let me paint a scenario.
If I give anyone my debit card with the right pin and he or she inserts the card in the ATM and the pin correctly, the machine will welcome me not the person that has the card. The person came to that ATM in my name.
The same respect the ATM will give to me, that's the same respect the ATM will give to that person that came in my name.
We come in the name of Jesus. If the Father will never refuse Jesus anything, the same is applicable to us because we ask not in our names but in the name of Jesus. The Father sees only Jesus when we ask in His name.
I have asked in his name but nothing happened. There is nothing wrong with his name. There may be something wrong with your heart and your intentions. A double minded man will not receive anything from the Lord. Will the Lord give? yes but will the double minded man receive? never|
We ask and we receive only in HIS NAME.
REFLECTION:
Our Lord commanded us to love and it is a very beautiful thing when we experience it(as a reciever). But not entirely the same when we give it.
Have you ever lived close to someone who is constantly plotting and scheming against you?
Or someone who is always looking for an opportunity to put you down and disrespect you ?
When you do, you'll understand that the commandment of love is a little challenging.
But I find solace whenever I watch the passions of christ (by Mel Gibson) . I saw the one who owns everything, who has authority and power over everything, take over the punishments that we justly deserve so that anyone and everyone who believes will be saved.
This price was not in anyway cheap.
He paid this price for all of us, including those who were busy disrespecting him. Those who plotted His brutal killing.
Those who still do that in this present day.
Since He is our role model, it means that we are commanded to love those kind of characters too (love is that desire for the wellbeing of the subject of affection). Though this kind of people mean no good for us, we are commanded to love them anyway. With such people we are required to love with wisdom.
Do you remember, "I am sending you as sheep among wolves, therefore be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove" ?
it is for dealing with those kind of people that our lord gave that command.
Let me quickly point out that sometimes, when the word love is mentioned, some people think of enjoyment. Obviously, many use the word contextually to mean enjoyment. But that is not really the meaning of the word. When we are commanded to love, it means that we should desire the well being of those people we are commanded to love and to be affectionate towards them.
Especially our enemies.
So you see that it is challenging, but if we trust and obey God, by loving despite how scary it may seem. He will protect us in those circumstances and reward us both here and hereafter.
May the Lord help us pull through and make Him proud
My Reflection
Brethren, today's readings offer a powerful message of love, acceptance, and unity.
In the first reading taking from (Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48).
We see Peter's transformation as he realizes that God's love extends to all people, regardless of their background. This encounter challenges his initial biases and finally lead to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community.
The responsorial psalm taking from (Psalm 98). Echoes this theme: Celebrating God's universal love and the joy that comes from recognizing His presence in our lives and in all we do.
In the second reading taking from (1 John 4:7-10). We are reminded that love is not just a feeling but an action that we should always carry out everyday of our lives. We are called to love one another as God has loved us, selflessly and unconditionally.
Finally, the Gospel reading taking from (John 15:9-17). Reinforces this message, as Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. He firther exemplifies this love through His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary demonstrating the depth of God's love for us for each and everyone of us.
Finally today's readings invite each and everyone one of us to reflect on our own biases and boundaries, encouraging us to embrace God's inclusive love and extend it to all people of race and colour.
May we strive to be instruments of unity and love, just as Jesus has shown us. Amen.
Let's us also remember that God's love is universal and inclusive. We are called to love one another selflessly and unconditionally. Love is an action, not just a feeling, unity and inclusion are very essential aspects of our faith in journey. May the readings of tommorow inspire us to embrace and share God's love with all people, regardless of their background or identity.
Bearing Fruits is too important to God
From the creation of the earth and Man, God has always commanded and Reminded Man of the Purpose of his existence, First he commanded them "Be fruitful and Multiply" and Today Jesus reminds us with an added responsibility..."fruits that last"
Now by the New covenant God is not just interested in just bearing any fruit but the one that last which is why he advised "Stay with me or Remain with me ....my Father will prune you when you start bearing Fruits and then....."Your fruits will multiply..then last" all these found in John chapter 15.....
How then do I stay with Him and Bear this fruit???
Come with me to Psalm 1:1-3 and see how.
Psalms 1:1
[1]Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
[2]But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
[3]He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Precious Holy Spirit help us to stay on the Word and enjoy growth by the Living Waters in Jesus Mighty Name Amen.
Angela Ocheme
ChrisMarie Obi
Lady Stellamaris Nwaozuzu
Atori Jacinta
