Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:7
“The building of the Kingdom of Justice and Peace is the commission and mandate Jesus left for us his followers.” (– Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, March, 2001.)
Scripture is full of many verses that call us to stand up for justice, live out love and work for peace. Today, we face injustices, rising hate/indifference and chaos in our nations and world. We must rise in faith and courage to fight for justice, demonstrate love and work for peace. We should go before God and implore Him to help us, use us to foster the justice, love and peace in our communities, nation and world.
Jesus’ mission includes justice, Love and Peace. Through love and service, we build the kingdom of heaven on earth. Our mission is to be emissaries of Christ, who came not to condemn the world, but to save it through sacrificial love. (—from Prayer Everywhere: The Spiritual Life Made Simple by Father Gary Caster). “The path to the Kingdom of Justice and Peace will demand sacrifice. Self-interest must yield to self-sacrifice and labour for the common good. We must renounce attitudes of greed and accumulation in favour of a commitment to meet basic needs. ……..(every Christians) should be ready to take up this challenge.” (– Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, March, 2001.)
The work of building a kingdom of Justice, love and peace is carried forward by becoming members of good unions, organizations, civil associations, the pro-life movement, justice and liberty groups for civil and human rights groups, peace advocacy and charity groups; community and environmental development groups to advance and defend the Gospel and human values. We are to protect human life, defend the poor, fight for common good, work for peace, and promote human dignity, Justice and liberty. These tasks are not easy. They involve complex and difficult challenges, but we must be strong and courageous in the face of all these challenges and ask God to bless our work for Justice, love and peace.
We call on all DSD Users to join in our online programme PRAY FOR THE NATION today, Time: 8:00pm. Platforms: www.dailystrengthdevotional.org , DSD App and other DSD social media platforms
MASS: WHITE: Is 11: 1-10; Ps 72:1-2. 7-8. 12-13. 17(R.7); Eph 2:13-22; Accl. Lk 1:28; Gospel Mt 2:13-15. 19-23 OUR LADY QUEEN & PATRONESS OF NIGERIA (SOLEMNITY)
Prayer Point:
1. Lord, You give us the unwavering courage to fight for justice, to spread love and work for peace. Use me to defend the cause of the oppressed, to provide for the hungry, thirsty, and naked. Lord of justice and mercy, come to our aid, give us strength to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, to promote justice and to bear witness to truth and reconciliation. We ask these things in the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Exercise: Join us in the GREAT MARIAN NOVENA which begins tomorrow Friday 2nd to Saturday 10th of October. Read the instructions and modality in DSD Section B
Meditation: Luke 4:18