Thursday 25th June 2020
12th week in ordinary time year
II
2 Kings 24:8-17, Matthew 7:21-29
Many of us Christians seem not to
listen to the word of God through the admonition of his priests and prophets
until something disastrous begins to happen to us. The people of Israel were
very lucky to have many prophets who continued to admonish them to turn from their evil ways and live a good life.
Instead of listening, many Israelites including some of their kings, ridiculed
the prophets, some they killed and many they persecuted as we see in the first
reading of last Sunday when the people plotted against Jeremiah.
In the first reading of today, we
see how the troops of Nebuchadnezzer came and invaded Israel because they
refused to listen to the prophets and repent. They were all taken into exile.
It was only when they were besieged that they remembered that God exists. It is
the case with many of us Christians. We live a care free life until we are in
trouble, it is at that moment that we remember to pray.
This is why Jesus tells us today
in the gospel reading, that it is not about the exterior life we live that
matters, but our relationship with him that will earn us heaven. Many of us
appear and present ourselves as good Christians, but only God knows who is
truly serving him. It is not all who call him Lord that will enter the kingdom
of heaven. On the other hand, those who truly serve God have nothing to fear,
no prsecution, trials, setbacks, and other situations in life will overwhelm
them. May god not reject us on the last day. God help us. Amen.
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP
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