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FRIDAY OCTOBER 25, 2024
FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY NINETH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
Ephesians 4:1-6
Luke l2:54-59
UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNS AND THINGS OF GOD
Looking up to Jesus and being able to understand the signs of the times is a basic necessity in life. Man has been granted such vision and wisdom to know, read, comprehend and understand signs in order to take proactive measures in relating with both the human and divine. That is why we have foresight, vision, and wisdom.
Jesus in the Gospel of today, reprimands us for not understanding and not being able to interprete the signs of the times as it concerns our God and our salvation. Even though we are able to know and read the natural and cultural signs of nature. Jesus praises our talents and foresights in knowing the weather, the signs of natural occurrences, when the rains will come, signs of the winds and others. But for the things of God, and the divine or supernatural things, his message to the world, the messianic presence and mission, the message of salvation he regrets that they eludes us.
Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians today details the needed ingredients and disposition that every right thinking human and indeed Christian should possess to be able to read and unravel the mysteries and supernatural causes of things.
For Saint Paul, we must know the one God, who is above all, in all and with all. We must acknowledge and be upright in virtues and good living.
And he begs us, “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Life can only be successfully lived when the basic ingredients are present. A successful life is attained when there is peace, unity, and love in the heart and overflowing to others. This can only be attained in Christ, in one faith, one God, one baptism, one humanity and when God is above all, in all and through all.
Looking up, living uprightly, leaning on the supernatural and applying these virtues as enumerated by Saint Paul is the key to unraveling the mysteries of our existence and understanding the supernatural signs as desired by our God.
God our Father, you have endowed us with much knowledge, foresight and wisdom. Open our inner eyes Lord, guide our thoughts, incline our hearts to you so that with you, we will become increasingly aware, knowledgeable on supernatural realities and concern ourselves on doing your will more intently. Help us overcome these turbulent period of hardship, hunger and insecurity in our land Nigeria. Bring to any end bad governance. Give us victory and help us understand your message to our world. Through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
