SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (SATWOG, NOVEMBER 25TH, 2023) INSPIRING REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS

LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING, YEAR A

First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-12;15-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1;2a;2b;3;5;6 (R. 1)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26;28
Gospel Acclamation: Mark 11:9b;10a
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Patrick Anyanwu

MY REFLECTION

WHAT HAVE I DONE?

At some point in our lives, we become leaders– by virtue of our baptism, Christ gave each one of us the mantle of leadership, to lead the flock assigned to us to greener pastures.

The problem is how accountable are we, and how well we have done the task assigned to us.

It reminds me of my younger days when mum will ask me to get a task done for her, and I will tell myself, "I will do it later." I end up not getting the task done and when she gets back she will angrily say to me, "don't worry, I will do it myself." For us, we know what follows if she gets the task done.

Today, the Lord, Himself, has taken it upon himself to do the same task He has assigned to the "leaders" in different capacities. You and I have failed and have neglected our tasks, left our duty posts, and left our works undone. How sad and distasteful!

The Lord himself is coming to dethrone us. He will get it done. But, this task was mine, it was yours. It was ours!!

Today, the prophet is reminding me of my baptismal and Christian position as a leader; not to leave my work, not to neglect my duties, but to dutifully and diligently lead the beautiful souls handed to me, assigned to me, to lead to greener pastures.

Lord, I beg you, give me the grace to keep close to my heart, the task of leading and nurturing which you have assigned to me in my Christian and civil community. May I be a leader like your Son, the good shepherd, and bring your people to stills waters where their souls may be revived and refreshed. Amen.

Okposio Joy

MY REFLECTION

The Gospel reading talks about the judgement day. The final judgement is the end of human history and the beginning of eternal state. There will come a time the Messiah will gather all the people in world, and separate each of them– those who will be rewarded in heaven and those who will be tormented in hell.

While living here on earth, we should do our best to fulfil our mission to God and that is, to be a good and loving brother or sister to our fellowmen. As God’s children, He expects us to help everyone around us, especially the poor ones, because in our Lord’s eyes we may be rich or poor, but we are all equal.

Our Lord also expects us to be humble and generous to everyone, even to people who did bad things to us. We should be patient, understanding, and learn how to forgive those kind of people. In the end, all people will die and we should bear in mind that whatever we do here on earth, we do it not just because we want to enter heaven, but because we are willing to do that for the people around us and for God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we ask for your guidance in what we do everyday. May you help us to know what is right from wrong and also help us to always understand the people around us. May you also help us to learn how to forgive the people who sinned against us and do good at all times, Amen.

MY REFLECTION

Dear friends, on this Solemnity of Christ the King, we come together to celebrate the reign of Christ in our lives. Christ is not just a King of the past, but a King of the present and the future. He rules over our hearts and minds, calling us to follow his teachings of love and service.

Today, let us reflect on how we can become more like Christ, becoming instruments of peace and justice in our world. Let us pray for the grace to be faithful to Christ's mission, and to follow his way of love and mercy.

Also, let us remember that Christ's kingdom is not of this world. He does not seek power or glory, but rather to transform our hearts and minds with his love. In a world filled with conflict and division, Christ's Kingship offers us a path to reconciliation and peace.

May we find the strength to be peacemakers in our families, our communities, and the world. May we bring the light of Christ to those who are suffering or lost, that they may find hope and healing. Let us pray to Christ our King, that he may guide us on the path of righteousness and truth.

May God's words dwell in our hearts and may we find strength and courage in his presence, Amen 🙏🙏🙏

Chioma Oliver

MY REFLECTION

My reflection comes from the first reading...

Our God is all merciful and forgiving, no matter how we fall astray. He is ever ready to bring us back to the right path. It is left for us to embrace the right path, so that we may rejoice in heaven at last.

The Gospel reading reminds us to be kind and generous not only to ourselves, but to others in need. It pays a lot! Heavenly blessings awaits us if we do the right thing. 

God bless us, Amen 🙏

Chinwe Ann

MY REFLECTION

Who is my Shepherd?

The Lord is my shepherd and I am the sheep. Today, I am celebrating the Lord my Shepherd, as my King, my liberator, my rescuer who finds me when am lost, my healer who binds my wound and heals it, my strength when I am weak.

As the Lord shepherds me, likewise, I am expected to also shepherd those at my watch. No one can ever be too poor to give out something nor too rich to lack something.

Most times we think it is only out of the abundance we can give out. No!!! We can always give out a lot within us. It is not always about finance, neither is it always items.

If we genuinely look into ourselves, we will see that the King of kings has deposited in us a lot, just that most times, we feel so blindfolded by envying other people.

There are lots of ways to help out in our various capabilities. Dig deep into yourself... That rich man and woman you think have all, might still need your help and it might be difficult for him or her to come out openly to seek for such help.

May the King of kings reign in our lives, Amen.