‘Go to the open roads and the hedgerows and force people to come in to make sure my house is full…’ – Luke 14:23
God wants you and I to be in heaven. This should give you hope. Sometimes we are tempted to despair because we struggle with sin, temptations and distractions. We wonder if holiness is truly attainable. The numerous incidences of bad moral examples cause us to question too if anyone is really living the life of virtue. But it is God’s wish that we all continue to make effort and cooperate with the graces He showers on us daily through prayer, scripture and the sacraments. Today, we celebrate all the saints of Africa. We remember the popular saints like St Augustine, Monica, Saint Anthony of Egypt and Blessed Cyprian Tansi. We also remember the millions of men and women, our brothers and sisters, all through the ages who have followed in the footsteps of Christ and exited this world in peace. They all are shinning examples to us of faithful followership. They certainly have modelled their lives on the words of Philippians 2:5-11 and embodied the distinguishing traits of Christ: self-sacrifice, humility, patience, trust in divine providence and most of all love of God and neighbour. They, like you and I, heard the call of the messengers of God (the teachers of the Church) and rose to take on the challenge of a higher and more dignified life; a life of grace and lasting joy, of gentleness and sacrifice, a summons to the heavenly banquet. Study their lives, imitate their examples and call on their intercession as you journey through life, seeking your daily bread and fixing your gaze intently on heaven.
Pray
Lord, open my ears and my heart. Help me to keep my heart pure and free from sin so that I may grow in love of you.
Readings
Philippians 2:5-11; Psalm 22:26-32; Luke 14:15-24
©FriarJay
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