February 15, 2025
Reflections By Rev. Fr. David Okolie

20TH SUNDAY CATECHESIS: FAITH SUSTAINS VIRTUES

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Dearest friends, Thomas à Kempis was actually right when he affirmed that: ‘What one is at the beginning of one’s conversion, is not often what one remains at the end of one’s profession.’ indeed, quite often, there is this INITIAL zeal and dedication that seem to be abandoned after some time. While the above could be noticed in different areas of life, it seems to be more obvious in our Christian Vocation. *Just think about the ZEAL you had when you receive the Baptism (for those who were baptized as adults), the ZEAL associated with your First Holy Communion and Confirmation. What about the ZEAL when you were newly ordained priest or when you were newly wedded? Is that ZEAL still in you?*

Well, it is actually only those who would remain steadfast in VIRTUE till the end that would eventually be SAVED (cf. Matt 24:13). Thus, it is very important to always RENEW our ZEAL and DEDICATION in our Christian journey; in obeying God’s Commandments; in upholding a life of virtue. The above is only possible through FAITH. Thus, *a life of virtue seems to be abandoned when Faith begins to dry up.* Thus, the Scripture affirms: “Without FAITH, it is impossible to please God” (cf. Heb 11:6).

However, we cannot really claim to be men and women of Faith when our lifestyles do not conform to VIRTUES rooted in the obedience of the Commandments of God. Thus, the Catechism affirms: *“The prayer of FAITH consists not only in saying “Lord, Lord,” but in disposing the heart to do the WILL of the Father”* (cf. CCC n. 2611). While God is always happy when we approach Him with Faith, He is not happy with us when we live a faithless life. Thus, the Catechism teaches:

Jesus is as saddened by the “lack of faith” of his own neighbors and the “little faith” of his own disciples as he is struck with admiration at the great faith of the Roman centurion and the Canaanite woman (cf. CCC n. 2610, Matt 8:10; 15:28).

Beloved friends, are there some virtues you have abandoned to join the WORLD? Please, go back to those virtues and remain steadfast, for God rewards those who keep FAITH till the end.

We pray the Blessed Virgin Mary to always support us with her powerful intercession. Amen🙏🏼

Happy Sunday and remain blessed!

(cf. CATECHESIS ‘NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE’ FOR THE 20TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (A);
READINGS: R1: Is 56:1.6-7, R2: Rom 11:13-15.29-32, Gosp. Matt 15:21-28)

contributor
Rev. Fr. David Okolie is a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, Imo State, Nigeria. He is a prolific writer, retreat preacher and social media evangelizer.

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