Friday of the 14th Week: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Theme: BUT HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END
(Matthew 10:16–23)
Jesus encourages us to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves. He observed the hostilities in the world, the trials, the anxieties, the betrayals and the hatred.
But our Lord tells us the secret of conquering in all these challenges: Endurance. We’ve got to keep pushing, keep making effort, keep moving on the right track with Divine wisdom and humble spirit. The virtues of wisdom and gentleness or holiness are not things we work with and drop along the line. They should be our companions till the end. Endurance will help us to keep holding unto them even when situations seem too difficult. We must pray for the wisdom of God to help us and to work with us always.
Yes, it will enable us to know when to stand and fight and when to run away from troubles, from temptations and from persecuting forces. Like the serpent, we should know when to strike and when to hide. As doves, we should remain blameless and ensure we are not at fault before God and man.
Over and above all, we should not forget that it is a spiritual battle. There should be no surrendering. We can only retreat for empowerment and fortification. That is how we can be saved from the troubles in the world.
Dear child of God, what are those decisions you have taken that are relevant for your spiritual growth? What are those spiritual battles you’ve begun? What is that noble task you have started undertaking? Don’t stop on the way. Don’t be disappointed. Don’t be frustrated. Does it look as if the enemy is winning? It is not true. He is conquered already. You will not know this till you reach the end. Endure till the end. At the end, you will certainly thank God for leading you through. You will be saved from your present challenge by the special grace of God.
LET US PRAY
Almighty everliving God, You are the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega of our lives. Thank You for giving us the weapon of gentleness and wisdom as what we need to endure till the end in our challenges here on earth. We pray that You bless us with the grace of endurance amidst the distractions and turbulences of this trying times. May we be privileged to be saved at the end of our lives here on earth and be crowned in heaven with the crown of unfading glory through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless your Friday (14th Week, Ordinary Time)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh