THE ATTENTIVENESS THAT LEADS TO SUCCESS

 Reflection for Friday of the 14^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Hosea 14:1-10; Mt 10:16-23)

“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.” This was how Hosea began to address the people as he wrapped up his prophetic ministry. After calling them to abandon their evil ways and worship of idols, he reminded them the beautiful things that God was going to do for them. “I will be as the dew to Israel; he shall blossom as the lily...for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.” Though the beginning of his ministry was tough, Hosea concluded with a message of hope.

 In the Gospel of today, Jesus continues to explain to the Apostles on the possible consequences of their mission. He made it clear to them that it was going to be a touch and life-threatening mission. “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Imagine giving somebody a job with some of the implications that Jesus outlined to the Apostles, such as being taken to court, flogging, disgrace before governors and kings, betrayal from intimate brothers and sisters, etc. Still, He added that they should not be anxious about making defense for themselves, and they should not give up because of persecution!

Indeed, these are the tough conditions in which the Gospel was preached. And every bearer of the Good News, standing on apostolic foundation, can testify to have tasted these tough times. If the message of Jesus Christ, with all its authority and authenticity, must pass through these tough moments, we must buckle up for tough times if we are to achieve any good in life. There are lots of ‘hungry wolves’ when we want to build up family, career, moral life, relationship, spiritual life, etc. However, the good news from the experience of Hosea and the Gospel message today is that tough times are the real fertile soil that germinate success.

Therefore, Jesus said, “But he who endures to the end will be saved.” How is this possible? The Holy Spirit will be working silently within, but speaks at the right moment when He is needed. “For what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Thus, the successful messenger must be attentive to the Holy Spirit at His ‘silent’ moments in order to hear Him when He ‘speaks’ at the hour of decision. With this kind of constant and prolonged attentiveness to the Spirit within, the successful person has the energies of his life shifted away from obstacles, trials and persecutions. Without attentiveness, we cannot achieve success; you need to hear ‘The Sound of Silence.’

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Friday July 10^th, 2020.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com