Tuesday 30 April 2024

⏰FEAST OF OUR LADY, MOTHER OF AFRICA (30 April 2024)

⏰FEAST OF OUR LADY, MOTHER OF AFRICA (30 April 2024)

πŸ“–Acts 1:12-14; Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55 (R.v.49); John 2:1-11

🎀PRAYER IS THE MASTER KEY

Beloved in Christ, today is the last day in the month of April. Obviously, it has been a challenging time for us, especially those of us in Nigeria. So as this month ends today, we pray that it may also bring to an end, our challenges and disappointments, and that in the subsequent months, blessings and breakthroughs and good health of mind and body shall be our lot through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Church in Africa, today,  celebrates the Feast of our Lady, Mother of Africa. In this celebration, we express our belief in her maternal intercession and learn from her mode of prayer. After the Ascension of Jesus, she remained with the other disciples in prayer (cf. Acts 1:12-14), teaching us the importance of praying in season and out of season. 

What is the content of that prayer? Acts 1:12-14 did not give us the format of their prayers but because Mary was there, we can say that they prayed for the will of God to be done in their lives (see Luke 1:38; John 2:5). Such prayer is one of faith that makes a seemingly impossible task to become possible. 

Consider what happened at the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee (John 2:1-11). Mary approached Jesus and informed him that the host had run short of wine. I wonder who sent her on that errand! Well, that is in her nature as a mother; always looking for ways to offer a helping hand. 

Wait! Jesus was just a poor carpenter! So what was she expecting him to do? Well, she is the mother of Jesus, and she knows Jesus more than we do. Hence, with faith, she tells the servants as she tells us today, "Do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5).

Can you hear that? Mary is not dragging power with God. She does not replace God for us as many people allege. She directs us to meet God - "Do whatever he tells you!"

We pray for her maternal intercession so that we may always learn to do the will of God and pray fervently as we ought to pray. May our jars be filled with blessings, good health, good fortunes, and protection now and forever through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Kindly pray for the return of all those who are missing, especially those who are in serious danger at the moment.

Have a grace-filled and joyful day. Peace be with you.

http://www.fadajbcezeonwumelu.com/prayer-is-the-master-key-2/

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