*REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II* 

"If you belong to Christ you are the descendants of Abraham, which means you inherit all that was promised" (Gal 3: 29). The above assurance summarizes the message of today's readings. Following in the footsteps of Christ and doing God's will brings us joy and fulfilment! 

   In the first reading (Gal 3: 22-29), St. Paul reminds us as he did to the Galatians that we attain salvation not just by obeying the law but by receiving and responding to the gift of faith. Acting on and in faith brings us into a relationship with God, and through it, into a relationship with others. What stand do you wish to take today?

   In the gospel (Luke 11: 27-28), Jesus confirms the statement made by a woman from the crown: "blessed is the womb that bore you and the breast you sucked", by saying that His mother, Mary, is happier for doing the will of God. 

   Dear friends, God's love is everlasting and those who hold Him in fear rejoices in His love. Doing God's will draws us closer to The Sun of Justice, Who brightens the darkness of our lives and fills us with joy. The only sin that cannot be forgiven is the sin against the Holy Spirit, which is deliberate rejection of salvation, the action of the Holy Spirit in renewing our lives. How open am I to the Holy Spirit for guidance in doing God's will? 

   I pray as we journey in life today, we will not be driven by our selfish desires, but like the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, may doing the will of God be our delight. May our doing the will of God be our response to God Who first loved us. "If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we shall come to him" (John 14: 23). For the fulfilment of God's promises in your life, have faith in God and do God's will. Have a joy-full day!

 *@Fr Francis Onwunali*