Monday of Week 30 in Ordinary Time
Rm 8:12-17
Lk 13:10-17
…but if by the Spirit you put an end to the misdeeds of the body you will live.
I recently served as one of the worship leaders at the Conversion Experience Retreat (CER) #75, and was invited to do a sharing on my conversion story. In my past life, I used to be able to walk into any club without needing to pay the cover charge. And there was always a bottle of gin/whisky on hand wherever I sat. Needless to say, I was ‘immersed in sin’ — as long as I was breathing.
Today’s readings really hit home for me as I look back on my faith journey since 2011, when I had my Christ encounter. There have been many, many times when I fell and became discouraged. Indeed, during the course of my service in ministry, I have reached various ‘crossroads’ where I had to discern whether I should continue on.
Indeed, it is during those times when God has spoken clearly (not necessarily audibly), and ‘nudged’ me in the direction that He wants me to head to. And I am mindful that sometimes, it might not be a journey I like or am comfortable with. But after some discernment, and in faith, coupled with a large dose of trust, I have taken many ‘first steps’.
And truly, He has never disappointed. Looking back, I now see how His ‘nudges’ have led me to where I am today in my ongoing journey of faith. As I shared with some committee members recently, even after nearly 15 years, I am still ‘learning the ropes’. Along the way, He has been a constant source of encouragement – sending me people, opportunities (including time with Him), even songs…and the occasional chance to say ‘No’, as a form of ‘Yes’ to His will.
Brothers and sisters, making a decision to be obedient to the Spirit is not going to be easy. For along the way, numerous challenges will surface for sure. And you will stumble, fall and wonder if it is all ‘worth it’. You might also lose some friends and loved ones (for a variety of reasons), but what you gain in return is something unfathomable – because it may also be easily lost as you navigate the many winding, rocky roads on your journey. You will be constantly shedding – old habits and habitats, even old friends. But you will definitely gain new ones.
So take heart – for He is THE faithful one who sticks by us, no matter how far we stray. HE is the rock on which we must anchor our faith, in order to withstand the obstacles that will come our way. HE is the bringer of peace, joy and love that will make each day we live a blessing…to those around us.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: My Abba Father, help me to grow in faith and to trust in your divine providence as I gingerly take those steps closer to you.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for giving me the freedom to do what you made me for.
OXYGEN 
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