DECEMBER 2021
TUESDAY DAY 14
BEING RESOLUTE (1)
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:15-17
St. Paul reminds us to walk as children of light, and as children of light, which come from Christ Jesus. Redeeming the time is worded in this way in several translations. God instructs us as believers through His Word to make the most of our time on this earth in the midst of evil and wickedness. We are to use wisdom as believers to take every opportunity to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
There is much going on around us that can be a distraction or even a discouragement. We live in a fallen world where we can face many trials, tribulations and hardships. It is easy to focus on all of the evil things that Paul mentions, which as Christians we are not to participate. It can be wearisome to witness wickedness and unfruitful works of darkness all around us. Some of us may have even been in those situations and environments. As St. Paul tells the Ephesians to be faithful to Jesus Christ, that they were once in darkness. He said this not to condemn them, but to remind them of their current relationship with God as children of light, and now that they had been called out of darkness and into His marvellous light, they should be used by God to expose those things done in darkness, and it would be for His glory.
There is a tendency for us to look back and regret the wasted time or unfruitful time, time that was unredeemed so to speak. I want to encourage those who have regrets, pain, sorrow and a sense of wasted time when looking back and desiring the past to be different, you cannot change it. God has granted you and me time to make the most of every opportunity in proclaiming the truth in accordance with His Word. What a beautiful privilege it is to be brought out of darkness by our Savior and to shine His light so that others may truly come to know Him! We are called to redeem the time for the days are evil. Preach the Word. Proclaim the truth of the full Gospel of Jesus Christ. Do not get discouraged. Every moment is precious to proclaim the truth.
MASS: WHITE ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS, P, DR M, 3RD WEEK OF THE ADVENT Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34:2-3,6-7,17-18,19 and 23 (R.7a) Accl. Come, O Lord, do not delay; release your people’s burdens. Gospel. Mt 21:28-32
Prayer Points:
1. Father, give me grace not to abuse the divine order You have put in place. Please, help me to put my priorities in order. Help me to put You and Your Kingdom first, not my physical needs and desires before You. Today, I invite You Lord to come and take Your rightful place in my heart and life. Take the centre stage in my life, be in charge, be in control.
2. Father, deliver me from fear and procrastination. Help me not to waste so much time thinking and talking about what should be done but to actually step out in faith and do what needs to be done. Help me to know the appropriate season and time for everything You want me to do. I declare that Jesus Christ has set me free from everything holding me down and there will be no more dragging of my feet, no more wasting time, no more procrastination.
Exercise: Share this reflection with someone today.
Meditation: Colossians 4:5