*REFLECTION FOR MONDAY OF THE THIRTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME* *YEAR II* 

In this last week of the liturgical year, the Church reminds us that faith needs to be nurtured, strengthened and should lead to action. The depth of radical faith protects it from shame or destruction. Though faith is a gift from God, but what we do with such gift is our responsibility.

   In the first reading from the book of Revelation (Rev 1: 1'4, 2: 1-5), St. John began addressing the seven Churches of Asia. In addressing the Church in Ephesus, he commended their earlier ability to recognize false prophets and even suffered persecution for the faith. However, he further reproached them for dwindling in their enthusiam for the faith. "Nevertheless, I have this complain to make; you have less love now than you used to. Think where you were before you fell; repent, and do as you used to at first". 

   In the gospel (Luke 18: 35-43), Jesus Christ restored the sight of the blind man when he called out in faith. Even when scolded by the crowd to keep quiet, he stood firm in faith: "Jesus, Son of David have mercy on me.... let me see again.... your faith has saved you". 

   Dear friends, it is very true that faith is a gift from God, yet it is left for us what to do with it. How deeply rooted is my faith in God; am I still enthused about my faith, or have I lost the spark with which I testified to my faith in God? We are being challenged today to be radical, to go back to the root. 

   I pray as we journey in life today, we may have a rethink of our relationship with our God; that we may not follow the counsel of the wicked, nor linger in the way of sinners so that we can be happy and prosper like trees planted beside flowing waters (Ps. 1: 1-4). Have a reinvigorating-full day!

 *@Fr Francis Onwunali*