REFLECTION FOR FRIDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I. (2)

REFLECTION FOR FRIDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I.

THEME: Steadfastness of God’s love and mercy.

BY: Fr Francis Onwunali.

The readings of today speak of the steadfastness of God’s love and mercy, which we are called to embrace in our state of life, married or single. Such faithfulness is the key to any genuine relationship.

In the first reading (Joshua 24: 1-13), Joshua admonishes the assembled tribes of Israel to remember what God, with divine, eternal love and mercy, has done for them. Their taking possession of the Promise Land is not because of their accomplishment, but because God promised and fulfilled such. “I gave you a land that you had not tilled and cities that you had not built, to dwell in; you have eaten of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.” What is it that we possess that has not been given to us by God? How grateful then am I?

In the gospel (Matt. 19: 3-12), Jesus, in response to the question on divorce, reiterates that marriage is a permanent and life-long commitment between a man and woman as originally designed by God. He went further to say that some may choose not to marry for the sake of the kingdom of God. None should see itself as a higher calling than the other. Faithfulness to our commitment is paramount.

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Dear friends, the call to faithfulness and holiness is for all, no matter your state of life – single or married. The faithfulness in relationship mirrors the loving relationship God has for us, a relationship of steadfast love and mercy.
I pray as we journey in life today, we will strive to live a life of holiness, consecrated to the Lord either in the married state or single state of life. May our faithfulness testify to God’s goodness in our lives. Have a faithfulness-full day.

@Fr Francis Onwunali

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