COLLECT: “GRANT, WE PRAY, ALMIGHTY GOD, THAT THE NEWNESS OF THE NATIVITY IN THE FLESH OF YOUR ONLY BEGOTTEN SON MAY SET US FREE, FOR ANCIENT SERVITUDE HOLDS US BOUND BENEATH THE YOKE OF SIN. THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SON, WHO LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU IN THE UNITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, GOD, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN”.
1Jn 2:12-17; Ps 95:7-10 and Lk 2:36-40
The scripture passage we meditate and reflect on today presents to us God’s/spiritual values as against the values of the world or simply put: ‘Worldliness’. Worldliness is not limited only to external behaviour. It is also internal because worldliness begins in the heart. Worldliness is characterised by three major attitudes. These include:
(1) Craving for physical pleasure. That is, indulging in physical or carnal desires.
(2) Craving for everything we see. That is, coveting, accumulating and amassing things of this world, as well as bowing to the ‘god’ of materialism.
(3) The third worldly attitude has to do with pride in our achievements and possessions. That is, always being mindful of one’s status or fame or importance in the world. For instance, always wanting to be introduced with all your titles and posts, as well as always wanting to be recognised everywhere and every time. We are cautioned and warned as well about worldliness or worldly values. These can lead us nowhere but to doom.
Both Eve and Jesus were tempted in these three major attitudes of worldliness. Unlike Eve, Jesus was able to withstand the Tempter and he eventually defeated him. Eve, unfortunately, could not withstand the temptation.
Similarly, a lot of people have not been able to withstand the temptation of worldly values. We easily give in to them. Unfortunately, these worldly things do not last as nothing is permanent in this world. God’s/spiritual values by contrast are: self-control or moderation, a spirit of generosity and a commitment to human service. These are values and attitudes that last.
In fact, they will move with us to the Judgment seat of God and they will be our witnesses. The urge and desire for material possessions and sinful pleasures will one day pass away. There is no doubt about this because this world as well as all it contains, is not permanent but temporal. My world will end or pass away on the day I die. At my death, nothing of this world, no material thing or sinful pleasure, will follow me onto the Judgment seat of God. The death, funeral and burial of fabulously rich people in this world speak loudly and clearlyly to us in this regard.
We are always urged and cautioned “not to love this world” for, “This world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever” (1Jn 2:17)
May we imitate the virtues and good examples of Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, who worshipped God night and day with fasting and prayer, looking for God’s/spiritual values or heavenly treasures. May we also be like Simeon, who, filled with the Holy Spirit, was righteous and devout, and who was awaiting the salvation and consolation of Israel (Lk 2:22-40).
May we equally be filled with the Holy Spirit who will make us righteous and devout and aid us to always work and desire for God’s values. Lord, help me to curb my craving and, for love of you, to live a life of moderation. Stay very blessed. I pray for you and I bless you.
WE MEDITATE TODAY, TUESDAY, ON THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES: ‘THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN, THE SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR, THE CROWNING WITH THORNS, THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS AND THE CRUCIFIXION’ (WE PRAY FOR SORROW FOR SIN, PURITY, COURAGE, PATIENCE, AND PERSEVERANCE) “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us, sinners, now and the hour of our death, Amen”.
PRAYER: “O GOD, WHO TOUCH US THROUGH OUR PARTAKING OF YOUR SACRAMENT, WORK, WE PRAY, THE EFFECTS OF ITS POWER IN OUR HEARTS, THAT WE MAY BE MADE FIT TO RECEIVE YOUR GIFT THROUGH THIS VERY GIFT ITSELF. THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN”.
Rev. Fr. Aloysius Kpiebaya, Catholic Diocese of Wa, UW/R, Ghana. (00233) 0207867239/0545462863. Email: aloybaya20@yahoo.com.
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