🎤STRIVE TO REMAIN WITH JESUS

⏰Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter (1 May 2024 - Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker)

📖Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5 (R.v.1); John 15:1-8

🎤STRIVE TO REMAIN WITH JESUS

Today is the first day of the month of May, and in the Church, this is one of the two months of special devotion to our Mother Mary, our great intercessor. It is also the memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, and the Workers Day.

Over time, our workers are not well treated all over the world. Considered from the Nigerian perspective, one can view the situation as one of near hopelessness. In the midst of all this, is our faith built upon Christ the cornerstone or based on our selfish interests?

In truth, the devil is not happy when the children of God thrive in faith and  great peace. Consider that in the light of the contributions of the Jews towards the building of the early Christian community (Acts 15:1). They know that their insistence on circumcision would hinder more gentiles from embracing the faith. Remember that for an average Jew, salvation is prerogative of the Jews only (cf. Acts 11:2-3 – Peter was accused of feasting with the gentiles).

Today, that same devil plays different pranks on the children of God through many difficulties, especially in relation to our faith. He wants to drag us away from our source of life, that is, Christ. With regards to the workers, the pranks can come up in terms of different policies that aim at enriching the leaders and leaving the workers more impoverished.

Even in the midst of all these, we must all remember that we are just branches of the major stem, which is Christ. If we remain in him, despite the difficulties, we shall bear much fruit (John 15:5) and then gain the attention of the Father (John 15:2).

So, "Be calm but vigilant because your enemy, the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat. Stand up to him, strong in faith, knowing that our brothers all over the world are suffering the same thing" (1Pet 5:8-9). Just know that none of your difficult situations shall last forever. It shall come to pass, but in the latter days (cf. Isa 2:2). So, you need to be patient with God. 

As we begin this month with God, we pray that the Holy Spirit may enable us to be present to Jesus through faith, to rely on him, and to obey him in all things. Amen.

Happy workers' day to all workers. Have a consoling and grace-filled month ahead. Peace be with you.

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