6 January, Thursday – Recognising

Thursday after Epiphany Sunday

1 Jn 4:19-5:4
Lk 4:14-22

…this is the victory over the world – our faith.

There is a song we used to sing at retreats, which describes some articles that a typical knight would use – a sword, breastplate, etc; and each article is linked to a fruit of the spirit – joy, peace, etc. In the end, what we claim is that as Christians, we have put on an armour of faith, which protects us from all things terrible that go on in the world.

As Catholics, we truly have the best of both worlds. Who else can claim to have a God who humbled himself to become man and to live among us? Anyone else would be hard put to find another example of divine Love. And while some of us have been blessed to have been given a vision or glimpse of paradise, and perhaps even to engage with Christ, many among us simply believe.

And when things start to go downhill, that is when our faith is put to the test. For me, He has never let me down time after time. In fact, I have been fortunate enough to discern His hand in many of the trials and tribulations that I endured in 2021. So much so that I felt he gave me a much-desired present before the Christmas holidays when I spent 5 days with Him in a silent retreat.

Looking back, I believe that He had paved the way for me to go for my ‘holiday’ with Him so that I could fully appreciate His hand in all that happened to me at work, at home and in ministry. And in saying ‘Yes’ to giving myself that 5-day ‘break’, He opened up new doors for me to learn to take care of myself better.

So brothers and sisters, when the going gets tough, just let go and let God. Let Him take over and surrender fully to His will by praying and focussing on keeping your behaviour and actions as Christlike as possible. Most importantly — have a little bit of faith. At the end of the day, when we are at our wit’s end, it is the only thing we can cling on to. Our faith in our loving, generous, merciful God.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)

Prayer: Loving Father, you guide us on our journeys with love, tenderness and mercy. Help us to see your hand in all the trials that come our way so that we can learn to let go in faith.

Thanksgiving: We thank you O heavenly Father, for your faith in us and for always being there for us in our darkest moments.