Read Romans 4:13,16-18, Ps. 105:6-9,42-43, Luke 12:8-12
“And I tell you, everyone, who acknowledges me before men, the Son of man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” (Luke 12:8-9)
What does it mean to acknowledge God before others? It is living in a way that one may easily mistake you for Jesus. It is loudly proclaiming your faith in God by your actions. Does my dress style acknowledge God? How godly is my everyday vocabulary? When offended, do my reactions acknowledge God? When put in charge of large sums of money, do I acknowledge God?
The examples may go on, but the point is clear: Stop living your life as if there is no God as if you will never give an account of your life before your creator. Someone once said Christians today are more concerned about their discomfort than their disobedience. How sad that we call on God when we need His blessings, but we forget Him quickly when he needs our obedience.
When your life proclaims God, you have nothing to fear, as Jesus promises us: “When they bring you before synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious how or what you are to answer or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12). God lives with and in those whose lives proclaim His existence.
In today’s first reading, St. Paul continues his exhortation on Faith. Abraham received the promise not because of anything he did but because of His steadfast faith in God. We are justified not by our good deeds but by our faith in God. However, this does not mean we are to sin freely. As St. James would say, “Show me your faith without any work, and I by my works will show you my faith” (James 2:18). Of course, how do we acknowledge God before men if we do not obey His words?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me to choose you above the world. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 28 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 4:13,16-18, Ps. 105:6-9,42-43, Luke 12:8-12).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu