DAILY REFLECTION (November 29th,2017)

WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (Year I)
First Reading: Dan 5:1-6. 13-14. 16-17. 23-28
Psalm: Dan 3. R. v. 40b
Gospel: Lk 21:12-19
In the gospel of today, Jesus pointed out the eschatological signs that would precede his final coming. He reminded his disciples that the sign that will mark their daily lives was the ‘sign of the cross’. They must therefore be prepared to testify to their faith even amidst trials and sufferings. They should not even be afraid when they face their enemies as some of them would be put to death. Jesus promised that those who endure to the end will gain their lives.

The Christian life is a life of many challenges. A man openly shared his experience that whenever he prays, he encounters numerous challenges and difficulties in life. But if fails to pray, things go well for him. His experience may seem so strange to us, but one thing that God seem to be telling us in his experience is that if we have decided to follow him, it will not always be smooth for us. Although this man may think that not praying makes life better for him, but the truth is that praying opens his eyes to see what he cannot see when he fails to pray.
When we choose to follow Christ both in our prayer life and in our actions, we should prepare our minds for the challenges that come with it. We will face disappointments, heart breaks, betrayal, pain, and all sorts of despairing experiences from the world. In moments like this, God may seem to be silent or far away, but he is very near. Dark moments such as this, is a time that our faith are tested. We must stand firm and endure to the end for Christ assures us that he will preserve our lives.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus, grant us a courageous spirit to stand firm in our faith when we meet persecution. Amen.
FR VALENTINE EGBUONU, MSP

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