19 July, Sunday — Justice and Grace are in God’s hands for all

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wis 12:13,16-19
Rm 8:26-27
Mt 13:24-43

“Your justice has its source in strength, your sovereignty over all makes you lenient to all.”

Justice and grace are two words that crown the understanding of knowledge of God to the limit of human nature. Beyond this, the whole concept of faith in God is keyed into belief. And when one is alive to tell the story of survival it is like a predestination walk to the home of testimony. In life, it is important to continue to keep in touch with God; and when He is with you, His power of justice and grace will follow you; this He told Joshua and Moses [Joshua 3: 7].

In February, 2019, there was a bizarre attack on a mini bus conveying fifteen [15] Christians on a mission trip from a remote church in Northern Nigeria, to one of the middle belt states within Nigeria; the attackers turned out to be kidnappers. They held all on board and placed a staggering ransom for their release including threat to life. All entreaties made were rebuffed on insistence of killing them if the demands were not met. They walked through a dreadful thick forest without any idea of place or location, arriving at a base after some six hours walk. On arrival they were led into separate huts and chained to avert escape and eight armed men kept watch over them.

After six days of waiting without any idea of resolving the impasse, it was obvious death was approaching, when the unthinkable happened; one of the kidnappers identified one of the hostages — he was his elder sister’s son. This changed the equation, there were cross actions and reactions that resulted in infractions within, that thrust the camp of the kidnappers into confusion; their leader would not have his cousin killed when he was the one that called the shots. A follow up action led to the release of the hostages unharmed. Here, it was obvious that the justice of God following one person and influenced by God’s power was extended to the rest of the hostages; God’s power and grace are indeed infectious. Remain faithful to Him.

(Today’s Oxygen by Julius Otusorochukwu Dike, JP)

Prayer: Lord, please help us to pursue and walk on the track of faith and hope in you, for your justice and power are the guiding things in our determination to remain committed as Christians. We believe that your justice, grace and power will continue to guide us. Amen.

Thanksgiving:  Dear Lord, and Father in Heaven, we thank you for protecting us and leading us through the paths of survival as we journey in our earthly desires to follow you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Amen.