Ezekiel 28: 1-10)
The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre, Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god, . . . . . . . . . . . . .by your wisdom and your understanding you have gotten wealth for yourself, and have gathered gold and silver into your treasuries; by your great wisdom in trade you have increased your wealth, and your heart has become proud in your wealth —. . . . . . . . . . . . You shall die the death of the uncircumcised by the hand of foreigners; for I have spoken, says the Lord God.”
Excerpts, First Reading, Tuesday 29th August 2024 – EZEKIEL 28:1-10.
So, the Almighty God abhors pride in its entirety.
A line in one of the songs Hit ‘Em Up, by the late Hip-hop music icon 2Pac Shakur, goes, ‘I am a self made millionaire.”
Dear friend, that ☝️is not true. Such a claim is just a fallacy.
Since no man is an island, then, there cannot be anyone who is self made anything.
Once we start having those haughty airs about being self made, there and then, we start getting it all wrong.
It is such airs that get us to resign God to the background and carry on with such fallacious impression that our wisdom, intelligence, strength and hard work got us the level of success we have achieved.
The King of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has achieved so much success in developing that country that he is now capable of creating artificial rain as well as snow in that desert region.
Yet, King Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan remains a devoted Muslim who still observes his Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha daily prayers.
The day he starts thinking of himself a self made, God, though, tolerant and slow to act, would however not hesitate to remind him.
Some billionaires from around the world are beginning to carry on such airs of self made and the feeling of being gods.
These people are therefore clandestinely creating a new world order by devoting a huge chunk of their wealth to sponsor Stem Cell Research.
Their action, in as much as it seems so distant and very far away from us, is yet near and catching up on us very furiously.
My dear friend, such conspiracy is the reason why some of our sisters and daughters are been cowed to sell their eggs – ovaries.
The eggs extracted from these young girls is one of the major raw material required for this research.
This is spreading really fast and wide in third world countries where the margin of exchange rate of the local currencies are marginally kept wide against leading world currencies.
Most of these targeted countries have internal crisis that has grossly affected the cost of living.
Nevertheless, my dear friend, despite the conspiracies of the new world order, you and I must be weary of not allowing our small success to get into our head.
One can go on in aeons writing about this, nonetheless, we must watch our pride.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo.
20th Aug. 2024.
Ignorance of A Law is not an Excuse
“Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Monday 19th August 2024 – MATTHEW 19:16-22.
So, in the Parable of the Rich and Lazarus, the said rich man did not go to hell because he was always eating and living lavishly and partying. – LUKE 16:19-21.
If it were so, one may begin to perceive God Whom by Himself supposedly blessed one with such ‘supposed’ riches to distaste the good life.
Nevertheless, it is far from it. All other things remaining the same, if based on that story alone, his sin could possibly be linked to negligence.
The rich man was probably ignorant that he was only a custodian of all such wealth and riches he possessed in trust for God.
He is therefore required to become like the, “God Who is our provider” (Philippians 4:19) to the poor and needy. Unfortunately, he shirked that responsibility, failing woefully.
In law, ignorantia juris non excusat (Latin for “ignorance of the law excuses not”).
Put in another way, ignorantia legis neminem excusat (“ignorance of law excuses no one”).
The above all summarize as a legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law merely by being unaware of its content.
Therefore, when we get so attached to our supposed riches thereby forgetting the giver of such riches, we begin to think and feel that our ‘god’ is our riches. Idolizing riches and material possessions.
Just like today’s Responsorial Psalm says, “You forgot God who gave you birth. . . . . . . . . . . .“They have stirred me to jealousy with what is no god; they have provoked me with their idols.” – DEUTERONOMY – 32: 18-19.20.21.
In today’s teaching, Christ is saying, in as much as having riches may be good, we must not allow such possessions stand in our way of making eternity.
Dear friend, you are no longer ignorant.
Have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week ahead, folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo. 19th Aug. 2024
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Monday 19th August 2024 – MATTHEW 19:16-22.
So, in the Parable of the Rich and Lazarus, the said rich man did not go to hell because he was always eating and living lavishly and partying. – LUKE 16:19-21.
If it were so, one may begin to perceive God Whom by Himself supposedly blessed one with such ‘supposed’ riches to distaste the good life.
Nevertheless, it is far from it. All other things remaining the same, if based on that story alone, his sin could possibly be linked to negligence.
The rich man was probably ignorant that he was only a custodian of all such wealth and riches he possessed in trust for God.
He is therefore required to become like the, “God Who is our provider” (Philippians 4:19) to the poor and needy. Unfortunately, he shirked that responsibility, failing woefully.
In law, ignorantia juris non excusat (Latin for “ignorance of the law excuses not”).
Put in another way, ignorantia legis neminem excusat (“ignorance of law excuses no one”).
The above all summarize as a legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law merely by being unaware of its content.
Therefore, when we get so attached to our supposed riches thereby forgetting the giver of such riches, we begin to think and feel that our ‘god’ is our riches. Idolizing riches and material possessions.
Just like today’s Responsorial Psalm says, “You forgot God who gave you birth. . . . . . . . . . . .“They have stirred me to jealousy with what is no god; they have provoked me with their idols.” – DEUTERONOMY – 32: 18-19.20.21.
In today’s teaching, Christ is saying, in as much as having riches may be good, we must not allow such possessions stand in our way of making eternity.
Dear friend, you are no longer ignorant.
Have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week ahead, folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo. 19th Aug. 2024
Covenants Must Be Kept.
“The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.” But he said to them, “Not all men can receive this precept, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Friday 16th August 2024 – MATTHEW 19:3-12.
So, when an issue becomes very necessary that parties involved will have to go into a covenant about it, that means the issue is very important to them.
Even two adolescents who out of infatuation go into a love covenant, it is yet binding on them
Believe it or not, someone who goes into a covenant with a fiendish deity, such a fellow is always weary of acting contrary to the tenets of their covenant just so as not to incur the wrath of that deity.
A man and a woman who go into a marriage covenant do that with their eyes wide open. They are aware that from that day henceforth, until death do them part, either of them shall not engage in copulation with anyone or anything else again, be it male or female, animal, object or otherwise.
Little wonder that things never get to remain the same again in the family whenever any of the couple starts getting involved in infidelity.
Same it is also with the last set of people Christ made reference to in today’ teaching. Those who chose to be eunuch for the sake of the work or God.
Part of this set of people would rightly be described to be the Priests of the Catholic Church.
One who after the covenant of Holy Order still, starts getting involved in the practices of those who have received the Sacrament of Matrimony is straying away.
The sooner he realises his foolishness the better.
If things in the family never get to remain the same again once any of the couple starts becoming promiscuous, things will also certainly not remain the same with such a Priest.
It is just what it is. Just like a cargo ship loaded with goods, just one small snag and the whole ship would capsize.
Folks, have a fantastic day and a pleasant weekend.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo. 16th Aug. 2024
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Friday 16th August 2024 – MATTHEW 19:3-12.
So, when an issue becomes very necessary that parties involved will have to go into a covenant about it, that means the issue is very important to them.
Even two adolescents who out of infatuation go into a love covenant, it is yet binding on them
Believe it or not, someone who goes into a covenant with a fiendish deity, such a fellow is always weary of acting contrary to the tenets of their covenant just so as not to incur the wrath of that deity.
A man and a woman who go into a marriage covenant do that with their eyes wide open. They are aware that from that day henceforth, until death do them part, either of them shall not engage in copulation with anyone or anything else again, be it male or female, animal, object or otherwise.
Little wonder that things never get to remain the same again in the family whenever any of the couple starts getting involved in infidelity.
Same it is also with the last set of people Christ made reference to in today’ teaching. Those who chose to be eunuch for the sake of the work or God.
Part of this set of people would rightly be described to be the Priests of the Catholic Church.
One who after the covenant of Holy Order still, starts getting involved in the practices of those who have received the Sacrament of Matrimony is straying away.
The sooner he realises his foolishness the better.
If things in the family never get to remain the same again once any of the couple starts becoming promiscuous, things will also certainly not remain the same with such a Priest.
It is just what it is. Just like a cargo ship loaded with goods, just one small snag and the whole ship would capsize.
Folks, have a fantastic day and a pleasant weekend.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo. 16th Aug. 2024
The Thing About Humility and God
“Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the child leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Thursday 15th August 2024 – LUKE 1:39-56.
So, even when an angel of God appeared physically to the Blessed Virgin Mary and gave her the privileged information of been chosen as the mother of God, she still never had any haughty airs about her.
Look here, she wasn’t told that she would bear a child who would become Chairman of a particular Council Area, or a state governor or the president of some country. No!
The angel Gabriel said without mincing words, that without mating, she will yet, conceive and give birth to a son who will be the ruler of the entire universe.
That son of hers would be the King of Kings, the Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega.
That Son would be called Immanuel – God is with us. That child is going to be the Son of God.
Yet, the Blessed Virgin Mary remained as humble as she was before she received such a revelation. Even an unborn baby that was inside the womb of her host perceived her aura.
Dear friend, do we ever think that if God had wanted to make her into some kind of a deity that once people see her they would cringe and fall prostrate in worship, He wouldn’t have done that?
If not, then, there must be something about humility with God.
We can go on and on in aeons about humility and God.
My dear friend, can’t we all see the power in humility?
Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of that model of humility, the day she was assumed into heaven body and soul.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#QUEEN_ASSUMED_INTO_HEAVEN! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo. 15th Aug. 2024.
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Thursday 15th August 2024 – LUKE 1:39-56.
So, even when an angel of God appeared physically to the Blessed Virgin Mary and gave her the privileged information of been chosen as the mother of God, she still never had any haughty airs about her.
Look here, she wasn’t told that she would bear a child who would become Chairman of a particular Council Area, or a state governor or the president of some country. No!
The angel Gabriel said without mincing words, that without mating, she will yet, conceive and give birth to a son who will be the ruler of the entire universe.
That son of hers would be the King of Kings, the Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega.
That Son would be called Immanuel – God is with us. That child is going to be the Son of God.
Yet, the Blessed Virgin Mary remained as humble as she was before she received such a revelation. Even an unborn baby that was inside the womb of her host perceived her aura.
Dear friend, do we ever think that if God had wanted to make her into some kind of a deity that once people see her they would cringe and fall prostrate in worship, He wouldn’t have done that?
If not, then, there must be something about humility with God.
We can go on and on in aeons about humility and God.
My dear friend, can’t we all see the power in humility?
Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of that model of humility, the day she was assumed into heaven body and soul.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#QUEEN_ASSUMED_INTO_HEAVEN! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo. 15th Aug. 2024.
Should We Not Be Concerned?
“And the Lord said to him, “Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark upon the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” And to the others he said in my hearing, “Pass through the city after him, and kill; your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity; slay old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one upon whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.”
Excerpt, First Reading, Wednesday 14th August 2024 – EZEKIEL 9: 1-7; 10:18-22.
So, we are already conversant with this Bible verse, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” – LUKE 12:48.
The verse quoted above in today’s teaching continue thus, “And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house.”
Shouldn’t we be concerned about this? Or, have we become so fearless and unfeeling?
To any of us who stands on the sanctuary of the Almighty God and speak words to the congregation skewed for our own personal benefit, we must be conscious of our failing and should be concerned about today’s teaching, and watch our ways.
Alas, too, for us, members of the congregation. If we are aware of the preacher man’s skewedness but rather support him or act aloof, today’s teaching should get us also concerned and fear for our own safety.
Dear friend, for what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Have a fantastic day folks.
#SAINT_MAXIMILIAN_MARY_KOLBE! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo. 14th Aug. 2024p
Excerpt, First Reading, Wednesday 14th August 2024 – EZEKIEL 9: 1-7; 10:18-22.
So, we are already conversant with this Bible verse, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” – LUKE 12:48.
The verse quoted above in today’s teaching continue thus, “And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house.”
Shouldn’t we be concerned about this? Or, have we become so fearless and unfeeling?
To any of us who stands on the sanctuary of the Almighty God and speak words to the congregation skewed for our own personal benefit, we must be conscious of our failing and should be concerned about today’s teaching, and watch our ways.
Alas, too, for us, members of the congregation. If we are aware of the preacher man’s skewedness but rather support him or act aloof, today’s teaching should get us also concerned and fear for our own safety.
Dear friend, for what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Have a fantastic day folks.
#SAINT_MAXIMILIAN_MARY_KOLBE! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo. 14th Aug. 2024p
Heeding the Call.
“Thus says the Lord: “You, son of man, hear what I say to you; be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth, and eat what I give you.” . . . . . . . . . . . . Then I ate it; and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. And he said to me, “Son of man, go, get you to the house of Israel, and speak with my words to them.”
Excerpt, First Reading, Tuesday13th August 2024 – EZEKIEL 2:8—3:4.
So, you and I, we were birthed into this world to fulfil a purpose.
It is not withstanding if such purpose were to be as grand as that of God the Son – our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ or that of his mother the Blessed Virgin Mary who sired him or John-de-Baptist, whose purpose was just to point him out to the world.
Pastor Enenche of the Dunamis Church set off earlier in life to save lives as a medical doctor. However, God directed him to the vocation He has cut out for him. To rather save souls.
Per-adventure Pastor Enenche rejected the direction of God?
Do we also notice that his wife who qualified and practiced as a medical doctor is no longer practising?
One would dare say that her mission is to give support to that chosen vessel of God so that he remains focused.
In an office of about 25 people. The situation of our economy, coupled with life, are enough to get people crest fallen.
Not to add that the office has cut off some allowances and privileges just so as not to retrench workers.
All these notwithstanding, one still looks and feels cheerful all the time. This could be someone who is known to be going through more than what anyone in that office is experiencing.
Such vivacious and cheerful disposition is usually a motivation to others. That could be our mission. To cheer other people up knowingly or unknowingly. Hence, we mustn’t allow negative thoughts or depression deprave us from such cause.
Dear friend, God may not necessarily speak to us in a trance or vision or dream, nevertheless, when we have and feel that strong conviction to embark on a good cause without any external stimulus, then it could be Him putting us on such cause.
Therefore, just like the Prophet Ezekiel in today’s teaching and the example with Pastor Enenche and his wife, we, too must not reject such calls whenever they come.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
13th Aug. 2024
Excerpt, First Reading, Tuesday13th August 2024 – EZEKIEL 2:8—3:4.
So, you and I, we were birthed into this world to fulfil a purpose.
It is not withstanding if such purpose were to be as grand as that of God the Son – our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ or that of his mother the Blessed Virgin Mary who sired him or John-de-Baptist, whose purpose was just to point him out to the world.
Pastor Enenche of the Dunamis Church set off earlier in life to save lives as a medical doctor. However, God directed him to the vocation He has cut out for him. To rather save souls.
Per-adventure Pastor Enenche rejected the direction of God?
Do we also notice that his wife who qualified and practiced as a medical doctor is no longer practising?
One would dare say that her mission is to give support to that chosen vessel of God so that he remains focused.
In an office of about 25 people. The situation of our economy, coupled with life, are enough to get people crest fallen.
Not to add that the office has cut off some allowances and privileges just so as not to retrench workers.
All these notwithstanding, one still looks and feels cheerful all the time. This could be someone who is known to be going through more than what anyone in that office is experiencing.
Such vivacious and cheerful disposition is usually a motivation to others. That could be our mission. To cheer other people up knowingly or unknowingly. Hence, we mustn’t allow negative thoughts or depression deprave us from such cause.
Dear friend, God may not necessarily speak to us in a trance or vision or dream, nevertheless, when we have and feel that strong conviction to embark on a good cause without any external stimulus, then it could be Him putting us on such cause.
Therefore, just like the Prophet Ezekiel in today’s teaching and the example with Pastor Enenche and his wife, we, too must not reject such calls whenever they come.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
13th Aug. 2024
He Comes Through for Us.
“When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the half-shekel tax went up to Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” . . . . . . . . . . . .However, not to give offence to them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel; take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”
Excerpts, Gospel Reading, Monday 12th August 2024 – MATTHEW 17:22-27.
So, do you also have this feeling that Christ asking the Apostle Peter to do what he did in today’s teaching is symbolic?
As a matter of fact, getting a fisherman in the first place to be the Prefect of the Apostles in itself is also very symbolic.
Christ could as well have reached out to a soldier who would whip people in line and in tune to his purpose.
Or, he could have called a wealthy man who would have summoned the power of his wealth to get people to follow Christ.
Nevertheless, it was a crass, brash, unlettered and little-tempered fisherman that such privilege fell on.
Well, God’s ways are beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. Him alone knows our tomorrow from today.
However, one of the symbols of today’s teaching could be that, what we do as a trade or vocation should fend for us.
Then again, could it be that there was no fish in the river that may have swallowed a gold ring lost by someone or an amount bigger than a shekel that Christ could have summoned for Peter?
The immediate above rhetoric is symbolic of the “Lord’s Prayer.” The part that says, “Give us this day, our daily bread.”
This symbolises that God comes through for us at the point of our need and with what we need.
God intends us to use what comes across to us as excess to also reach out to others who are in need.
This message simply put is that, God gives us that which is sufficient for us for that moment.
When we put all of our faith, hope trust and confidence in God, He makes things happen for us.
My dear friend, we must trust in God and have faith and hope in Him and He will come through for us.
Have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week ahead folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase Agabo.
12th Aug. 2024.
Excerpts, Gospel Reading, Monday 12th August 2024 – MATTHEW 17:22-27.
So, do you also have this feeling that Christ asking the Apostle Peter to do what he did in today’s teaching is symbolic?
As a matter of fact, getting a fisherman in the first place to be the Prefect of the Apostles in itself is also very symbolic.
Christ could as well have reached out to a soldier who would whip people in line and in tune to his purpose.
Or, he could have called a wealthy man who would have summoned the power of his wealth to get people to follow Christ.
Nevertheless, it was a crass, brash, unlettered and little-tempered fisherman that such privilege fell on.
Well, God’s ways are beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. Him alone knows our tomorrow from today.
However, one of the symbols of today’s teaching could be that, what we do as a trade or vocation should fend for us.
Then again, could it be that there was no fish in the river that may have swallowed a gold ring lost by someone or an amount bigger than a shekel that Christ could have summoned for Peter?
The immediate above rhetoric is symbolic of the “Lord’s Prayer.” The part that says, “Give us this day, our daily bread.”
This symbolises that God comes through for us at the point of our need and with what we need.
God intends us to use what comes across to us as excess to also reach out to others who are in need.
This message simply put is that, God gives us that which is sufficient for us for that moment.
When we put all of our faith, hope trust and confidence in God, He makes things happen for us.
My dear friend, we must trust in God and have faith and hope in Him and He will come through for us.
Have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week ahead folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase Agabo.
12th Aug. 2024.
Life After Death?
“Martha said to him,
“I know he will rise,
in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her,
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Monday 29th July 2024 – JOHN 11:19-27.
So, the above assertion of Christ made to Martha, to anyone who doesn’t believe in God, it may seem gibberish to them.
“If you believe in me, even if you die, you will live and all those living will not die.”
It is such claims that make some people who haven’t permitted themselves the opportunity to personally experience God call the Holy Bible a history book of fairy tales.
Well, for those of us who still run with such opinion, if we still choose to take lightly the contents of the Book, we should possibly ask ourselves what becomes of life after death.
This ‘purported Book of myths’ says, that the period lived by Methuselah in this world is nothing compared to the life after death.
The same Book goes ahead to say that, there’s heaven and there’s hell.
Stating that, if we live according to the specifications of its contents, even if we die, we continue to live again in heaven.
However, if we do otherwise, our soul will perish in hell.
The Book, then spells out things to do and how to do them in order to make heaven.
And these things are not rocket science. They are just as simple as A, B, C.
Live right. Do good. Do the right and just thing, always. Live and let’s live. Love your neighbour as yourself.
Even if we still do not believe in the Book, what is not right in the above instructions?
How is it so difficult to live as prescribed in the Book and how would we feel in we happen to be on the wrong and receiving side of the wrath of not living rightly?
There are simply no theatrics about living right and wanting to change and start living so, once we have made up our mind.
God is more persuaded by our deliberate positive efforts to become better and live right.
Have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week ahead, folks.
#SAINTS_MARTHA_MARY_AND_LAZARUS! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
29th July 2024.
“I know he will rise,
in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her,
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Monday 29th July 2024 – JOHN 11:19-27.
So, the above assertion of Christ made to Martha, to anyone who doesn’t believe in God, it may seem gibberish to them.
“If you believe in me, even if you die, you will live and all those living will not die.”
It is such claims that make some people who haven’t permitted themselves the opportunity to personally experience God call the Holy Bible a history book of fairy tales.
Well, for those of us who still run with such opinion, if we still choose to take lightly the contents of the Book, we should possibly ask ourselves what becomes of life after death.
This ‘purported Book of myths’ says, that the period lived by Methuselah in this world is nothing compared to the life after death.
The same Book goes ahead to say that, there’s heaven and there’s hell.
Stating that, if we live according to the specifications of its contents, even if we die, we continue to live again in heaven.
However, if we do otherwise, our soul will perish in hell.
The Book, then spells out things to do and how to do them in order to make heaven.
And these things are not rocket science. They are just as simple as A, B, C.
Live right. Do good. Do the right and just thing, always. Live and let’s live. Love your neighbour as yourself.
Even if we still do not believe in the Book, what is not right in the above instructions?
How is it so difficult to live as prescribed in the Book and how would we feel in we happen to be on the wrong and receiving side of the wrath of not living rightly?
There are simply no theatrics about living right and wanting to change and start living so, once we have made up our mind.
God is more persuaded by our deliberate positive efforts to become better and live right.
Have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week ahead, folks.
#SAINTS_MARTHA_MARY_AND_LAZARUS! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
29th July 2024.
Ambition
“She said to him, “Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” But Jesus answered, . . . . . . . . . . . .Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Excerpts, Gospel Reading, Thursday 25th July 2024 – MATTHEW 20:20-28.
So, ambition and to be ambitious is a natural phenomenon in we mortals. Therefore, nothing is wrong with wanting to be greater. As a matter of fact, what is weird is rather not to be ambitious.
Nonetheless, our ambitious quest must be just and fair.
So, there’s nothing really strange with what James and John the sons of Zebedee with their mother did in today’s teaching.
Some of us would have done pretty much the same, if not even worse. Owing to the fact that the wife of Zebedee, their mother, was a cousin to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.
Nevertheless, while it is normal and good to be ambitious, just as it was with the sons of Zebedee, it must not be lost on us that, despite all we do rightly or wrongly in the pursuit of our ambitions, it is God that blesses and increases.
The Holy Bible justifies the above assertion thus, “He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Because our heavenly Father is a God of increase and a rewarder, He has a way of making our dreams come true in an even greater way than we expected.’ – HEBREWS 11:6
Therefore, knowing very well that whomever we may have become and what ever we have, were made possible by God, do we still need Jesus to come and repeat it to us that as leaders, we should be servants?
Well, the fate of such tyrant leaders, father, mothers, etc should be a lesson to us.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#SAINT_JAMES_THE_APOSTLE! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis!
- Akase F. Agabo. 25th July 2024
Having Choices and Making Tnem.
“And stretching out his hand towards his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brethren! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Tuesday 23rd July 2024 – MATTHEW 12:46-50.
So, teachings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that, “God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in heaven.”
Then, somewhere in the Holy Bible, it says, “And God said, let us make man in our image and after our likeness . . . . . . . . . . . .” – GENESIS 1:26.
The Holy Bible further has such emphasis about us, “And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – EPHESIANS 4:24.
Ironically, in a twist of fate, there is yet this aspect of the Holy Bible, “Today I am giving you a choice between good and evil, between life and death.”
– DEUTERONOMY 30:15-20.
Volumes of books and articles have been written by Scripture scholars on these four points of our creation, viz:
1. To know Him.
2. To love Him.
3. To serve Him in this world.
4. To be happy with Him forever in heaven.
The number 4 point is what readily comes to mind.
The first two quotations from the Holy Bible are supposedly our ‘factory fitting’ and the No.4 point is our supposed terminal point, ceteris paribus – all other things being equal.
The first quotation taken from GENESIS 1:26 has already taken care of Nos 1 & 2.
That is to say, all the people we see around us, they are God, since you and I were made in the image and likeness of Him.
Therefore, by the virtue of our ‘factory fittingness’ we are supposed to love one another.
So, our No. 4 is consequent upon how we function out our No.3, while basking in the freedom occasioned by the third quote from the Book of DEUTERONOMY.
Though, we are supposedly ‘factory fitted’ but since we are made in the image and likeness of God, we couldn’t become like some kind of robots or puppets, so, God gave us the freedom of knowledge, creativity and choice.
Dear friend, it is thus, this freedom of choice that could become our bane to making No. 4.
My dear friend, we must be weary of our choices.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
23rd July 2024.
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Tuesday 23rd July 2024 – MATTHEW 12:46-50.
So, teachings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that, “God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in heaven.”
Then, somewhere in the Holy Bible, it says, “And God said, let us make man in our image and after our likeness . . . . . . . . . . . .” – GENESIS 1:26.
The Holy Bible further has such emphasis about us, “And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – EPHESIANS 4:24.
Ironically, in a twist of fate, there is yet this aspect of the Holy Bible, “Today I am giving you a choice between good and evil, between life and death.”
– DEUTERONOMY 30:15-20.
Volumes of books and articles have been written by Scripture scholars on these four points of our creation, viz:
1. To know Him.
2. To love Him.
3. To serve Him in this world.
4. To be happy with Him forever in heaven.
The number 4 point is what readily comes to mind.
The first two quotations from the Holy Bible are supposedly our ‘factory fitting’ and the No.4 point is our supposed terminal point, ceteris paribus – all other things being equal.
The first quotation taken from GENESIS 1:26 has already taken care of Nos 1 & 2.
That is to say, all the people we see around us, they are God, since you and I were made in the image and likeness of Him.
Therefore, by the virtue of our ‘factory fittingness’ we are supposed to love one another.
So, our No. 4 is consequent upon how we function out our No.3, while basking in the freedom occasioned by the third quote from the Book of DEUTERONOMY.
Though, we are supposedly ‘factory fitted’ but since we are made in the image and likeness of God, we couldn’t become like some kind of robots or puppets, so, God gave us the freedom of knowledge, creativity and choice.
Dear friend, it is thus, this freedom of choice that could become our bane to making No. 4.
My dear friend, we must be weary of our choices.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
23rd July 2024.