January 25, 2025
Reflections By Rev. Fr. David Okolie

22ND SUNDAY CATECHESIS: WHAT EYES HAVE NOT SEEN…

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Dearest friends, the Scriptures rightly made us to understand that what God has prepared for those who LOVE him is actually โ€˜what eyes have not seen, nor ears heard nor has it been conceived in the heart of man’ย (cf. 1 Cor 2:9). I really want to get such reward after my earthly life and I am also sure that you too would want to have such reward; right?

Now, to attain such reward at the end of the day requires that you and I follow the WAY that would eventually lead us to such HAPPY and GLORIOUS End. The WAY is no other than the WAY of the CROSS; which entails obeying God’s Commandments and renouncing the sinful lifestyles of this passing world.

This Way of the Cross is so necessary such that without following it, we would actually stand to lose everything. Thus, the Catechism affirms:

The WAY of PERFECTION passes by way of the CROSS. There is no HOLINESS without renunciation and spiritual battle. Spiritual progress entails the ascesis and mortification that gradually lead to living in the PEACE and JOY of the BEATITUDES (cf. CCC n. 2015).

Jesus himself recommended the same Way of the Cross (cf. Matt 16:24-26). St. Rose of Lima puts it beautifully thus: โ€œApart from the CROSS there is no other ladder by which we may get to HEAVEN” (cf. CCC n. 618).

Therefore, dearest friends, we all must work hard to always say NO to whatever lifestyle that wants to make us lose this GREAT REWARD that God has promised us.

We pray the Blessed Virgin Mary to always support us with her powerful intercession. Amen๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ

Happy Sunday and remain blessed!

(cf. CATECHESIS โ€˜NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE’ FOR THE 22ND SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (A);
READINGS: R1: Jer 20:7-9, R2: Rom 12:1-2, Gosp. Matt 16:21-27)

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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