Give thanks to the Lord

It is right always to give thanks to the Lord for his constant goodness to us. He gives us new life through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. If we die with him, we shall also live with him. We were like lepers through sin; but now we are made new through Christ’s saving power, which cleanses and heals us.

Increase our faith

We are called to continue professing and practising our faith in God, even in the midst of a materialistic world. It will not be easy, and so we require Christ’s help. We are never to be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord; we have his Spirit with us, and can rely on his power.

Rich and Poor

Jesus teaches about the dangers of inequality in the distribution of wealth. The rich man will be punished in the next life because of his indifference to the poor man who lay hungry at the gate of his house. Luxury and holiness are rarely found together. We are called to share our goods, just as we are called to share our faith in Christ with others through the way in which we live.

Christ welcomes sinners

Jesus’ story of the prodigal son is one of the most famous ever told. The father in the story is merciful to his wayward son because he loves him. God is our Father and forgives us because he loves us. The parable teaches us to have no fear in returning to God, no matter what we have done in the past. Our Father loves us so much that he sent Christ into this world to forgive sinners.

Being Humble

God’s blessing comes to those who behave humbly. Jesus teaches us not to seek status and honours from other people. It is in being humble like him that we will find favour with God. Christ will lead us to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, if we will only follow him in humility.

The last shall be the first

Jesus teaches us never to think of ourselves as better than others, just because we profess our faith in him. Many people of other faiths and nations will find their way into God’s kingdom before us. We are called to set ourselves high standards and to try our best to enter the kingdom by the narrow door.

Do not lose sight of Jesus

The path to heaven is likened to a race in which we are to keep our eyes on Jesus our leader. The saints are praying for us to reach the finishing line. With so many cheering us on, how can we fail? We are called never to give up, even when the going is hard. We are bound to suffer for our faith, just as Jeremiah the prophet did, but the Lord will deliver us.

Be ready

Jesus teaches us to be ready when the Lord comes to call us to our heavenly home. A good life is the best preparation we can make. We will enter into a kingdom promised to us by our
heavenly Father, who through his own kindness and generosity has chosen us as his own.