Tag: pains

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Ye of Little Faith!

I had a vivid image of my youth. Whenever we heard the president was travelling by road near our township, we flocked to the roadside to see him. Often the mass of people flocking to just get a live glimpse of the president were large. consequently, it was not a strange sight to see a few individuals perched up on tree branches and the like. If you could not push through the crowd to get in front, climbing a tree was a second-best option. I may be guilty of that.

Now, the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) certainly strike a familiar code. If anything, Zacchaeus desire to see Jesus was as great as my desire to see the president then. However, the story of Zacchaeus took an unexpected turn. Let’s put it this way, the time my president drove by, if he had stopped and seen me on the tree and called out to me…he would have addressed me as …Hey, come here now! Jesus on the other hand, called the man up the tree by NAME. He said, “Zacchaeus, Come down quickly…”

Many a times we face many challenges, pains, hurts, toils and labors that appear like a vicious cycle of ordinary live. Often it is like our prayers fall on deaf ears and more. Well, the gospel above reminds me that, that is not the case. God knows me/you by NAME. Zacchaeus was a complete stranger, but Jesus called him by name! I can hear, ye of little faith ring in my ears. So even when the going seems tough, look keenly at the obstacles and see the opportunity in them but don’t dwell on them. You are known by God, by your name…so you matter to him and the world at large. Go do good…

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Lenten Period

It is that time of the year when people of various walks of life and beliefs make a decision to give up something special as an act of self denial for the reparation of sins. This year is not different either. In deed, there I a lot to atone for. From the scandals in the Catholic Church and in many other churches that are yet to be exposed. In addition, the abuse or abuses in many families that go unreported and covered up. These list of pains and wounds is certainly endless, but as faithful Christians and citizens we can use this Lenten Period to atone for all these sins.

What is important, is not what one decides to give up, but a sincere commitment to fasting and prayer. More so, fasting and fasting in secret that God may bless you one for their faithful acts. Furthermore, give up what you save in the process. For example, one year I gave up a dollar a day for 40 days https://www.drandkids.com/40-days-40-acts-of-kindness-40-acts-of-gratitude-40/. I sent the money to help a mission ran by missionary priests. For it is in giving that we receive…and a generous giver is a blessed person. Remember the measure in which you give, you shall likewise receive.

In summation, the decision is yours, the sacrifice is yours, and the blessings and benefits are yours as well. However, those acts of kindness, mercy and love not only benefit you but also flow into the world to make it a much better place than it already is. Together we can achieve much. Fast! Pray! Penance!