*REFLECTION FOR THURSDAY OF THE* *TWENTY-EIGHT WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II* 

Today's liturgy is encouraging us to abide by the Word of God consistently. To understand God's word, God sent to His the prophets so that in listening their ears will open to understanding God's intention for them in life. The voice of the prophets are often rejected because the spoke for God rather than for human favour and approval.

   In the first reading (Eph 1: 1-10), Paul reminds the Ephesians of God's divine plan to bring salvation to all peoples in and through Jesus Christ. God has been revealing this plan through the prophets but it came to fullness in the life and ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is through the shedding of His Blood that "we gain our freedom, the forgiveness of our sins". Do you stand with this plan? 

   In the gospel (Luke 11: 47-54), Jesus chastises the double-minded lifestyle of the religious leaders and for their demanding from others standards they themselves refused to abide. They profess admiration for the prophets but closed their minds to Word of God they preach. Pride and arrogance of the religious leaders becloud their sense of judgment in getting their priorities right. In misleading others, they deprive themselves the salvation that comes through the power of the word of God.

   Dear friends, only the humble of heart - those who thirst for God and acknowledge God's Word as true - can truly understand the wisdom which comes from above. God is ever ready to speak his word to us and to give us true wisdom and understanding. Do you hunger for the wisdom which comes from above? 

   I pray as we journey in life today, we will humble ourselves to embrace the divine plan God has for us in Christ Jesus - salvation through forgiveness of our sins. Since sin entraps us that we cannot redeem ourselves, we must eschew pride and arrogance, and humble ourselves for the liberating power of Jesus Christ. May we not glory in sin! Have a freedom-full day!

 *@Fr Francis Onwunali*