Monday after Epiphany

1 Jn 3:22-4:6, Mt. 4:12-17.23-25. Today's first reading presents the distinction between the path of God and the world. Those who reject the way of the Lord are the enemies of God, because they do not agree with the way of the Lord. If we must discern the will of God, we must deepen our understanding and knowledge of the way of God, by delving deeper into the teachings of the Church and rediscover the richness of the bounties of the truth of God, which have been preserved well by His Church. The way of the Lord is one of love and compassion, obedience to God and adherence to His ways.

Today, we commemorate the feast of St Raymond of Penyafort, a renowned Dominican friar and preacher, who lived during the High Middle Ages. He is remembered for his important role in the codification and formalisation of the Canon Law in the Church. He stood up for his faith and the teachings of the Church, even when his king was against him. After the warning of Raymond, the king repented from his sins and became a good Christian from then on. With the faith and virtues of St Raymond of Penyafort, let us all be inspired by him and the courage he had in resisting wickedness of the world and in how he had stood up for his faith in God. Let us all also be courageous in how we live up to our faith, by our actions and be willing to commit ourselves to love God with all of our strength and be courageous in living a life in accordance with the will and grace of God.

May God grant us the courage to welcome Christ into our lives and through Him encounter ourselves, others and find our way to the Father! Good morning and have a productive week!!!