18th Week in Ordinary Time : Friday 8th August 2025

It is God who takes the initiative in everything. We are chosen by God. In Deuteronomy 4:32-40, the people remembered their history of suffering and deliverance. In a repetitive manner, Moses proclaimed to the people that the Lord had spoken from the heart of the fire for them to hear and performed many wonders to deliver them from dangers. Later, they felt the pride and glory of having been chosen by God. But, they had to do their part and take it to heart to acknowledge their Lord as God indeed, and they were to keep the laws and commandments. If they did, prosperity and lasting coexistence would be theirs.

Parallel to Mt 16:24-28, Jesus calls each and every person to be a follower of His teaching and become His disciples in living life as children of God. However, His Way is to leave behind their old ways of thinking and to take up their crosses. In a twist of focus from the heart of the fire in Moses’ time to now, it is Jesus Who speaks to the heart of each individual. Through renouncing self-centred desires of the world, as Jesus teaches and assures, a person’s heart is moved to greater cooperation with the Will of God. Walking and working with Jesus to the end, the reward of salvation is attained by accepting Jesus and the Cross. Hence, for Christians, the reward of salvation is always within sight.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, grant me endurance to live the fullness of my life in You.