Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter
Acts 20:28-38
Jn 17:11-19
“And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace that has power to build you up and to give you your inheritance among all the sanctified.”
When we finally realise what is the greatest gift that we can give, we will consecrate our loved ones and all to God.
In our lives, we consistently strive to give our best — whether it is to succeed in our careers, for our happiness, for our families, for our health and so on…what has been our outcome so far?
For me, it has been this constant chasing of material wealth in the world, where there is an importance in how much you earn, what you do and how you live. I still continue to serve in church quite actively; however, I have to admit that many times, I just feel being made use of and sometimes, I wish I could just charge people for my ‘service’, since I’m doing so much ‘free’ service for the church at the expense of my precious weekends. If only I was paid, then maybe my salary would look more decent and ‘acceptable’ in our world today.
Then there are times when giving isn’t giving anymore — it tends to become transactional. If others are not helping, why should I always be the one? We need to ask other people and not push everything to me. It always feels that the one that does the best work, only gets more work.
Today’s readings remind me that ‘there is more happiness in giving than in receiving’, that we do not belong to the world, but we belong to Christ. In the Gospel, Christ consecrates us in the truth, to God the Father, for He is Truth.
As I reflect on the truth of who God is calling me to be, I once again appreciate all the gifts that He has given me for the service of Him and His church. I am reminded that He has always given me what I needed, even though I may not have gotten what I wanted. He has protected me, provided for me and continues to do so through the many people that He has sent into my life. May I continue to worship and praise you for all You’ve done for me. May I, too, consecrate myself to You and that my words and actions will lead many others to consecrate their lives to You. Amen.
(Today‘s OXYGEN by Benjamin Mao)
Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray for a conversion of hearts and the opening of our eyes; that we may be reminded of how we are not of the world, but how we need to consecrate yourselves to you. May we experience the gift of giving. May You always watch over and protect us. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for consecrating yourself that we may too be consecrated in truth. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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