Dear friend, today we all are called to reflect on the need to make necessary efforts in our Christian lives. If you are saved already, save

others through your selfless love and service to humanity! Sing:"Do yoknow there is another fellowship in Heaven..." 

 Your baptism makes you a child of God and a member of his church; but it is just a step towards the right direction, the journey is still far. Therefore, having a good

root/foundation is not enough; doing His will by loving others selflessly is the secret to the kingdom. Mk.16:15 gives us the command, "Go out to

the whole world; proclaim the good news" that it show others the path to God's love. Selfishness, greed, and pride will only make us too big to pass

through the Narrow Door.

 Letter to the Hebrews 12:5ff points out the fact that the path through life is a difficult journey. We shall surely face challenges and

persecutions. Suffering and cross lead to future glory for those who hold on to the end. Remember, 'No cross no Crown'. Endure today, for tomorrow

you shall enjoy! The seed of love you plant today is waiting to be harvested in multiply blessings soon and very soon.

  "Suffering is part of your training. God is treating you as his sons." (Heb.12:7). Hence, hold on with love, for you shall bear fruits in peace and goodness. Sing:"Bi

ojo oni ba tile koro, ojo ola mi adara..". No wonder, Ps.117 says, "Strong is his love for us, he is faithful forever". Our God is indeed merciful,

patient, and kind; He wants all to be saved. All you need do is to be an accessible instrument in His loving hands. "We are like pencils in the

hand of God."

 The main question is "Will you be ready when the Lord shall come?" Christ says, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and

keep it" (Lk.8:21). As a good child of God, let your heart accommodate others in love and generosity, and heaven's joy will be yours to behold

forever.

 The gate is open, but it is so narrow; only love can navigate through it. The extra load we are carrying (material possessions, worries, hatred,

envy, and unnecessary burdens) will only slow us down.

 Why not turn to God for help? He alone can make all things right again!

The secret to happiness and the key to the Kingdom is to 'live simply andsoberly, generously and carefully.

 Finally, a man named Bonar wrote, "God may not give us an easy journey to the Promised Land, but he will give us

a safe one". Sing:"God will make a way, where there seems to be no way..." 

Happy new week dear one! 

 Fr. Balogun Stephen