Rev Michael Anokye: 19^TH FEBRUARY, MONDAY

“I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME.”

PRAY:
Who can recognize their own errors? Please forgive my hidden flaws. Keep me from willful sins so they do not dominate over me. Then, I will be blameless and innocent of transgressions. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:12-14) Amen.  

READING: Matthew 25:31-45

When the Son of Man comes with his angels, he will sit on his throne just as a shepherd separates sheep and goats. The sheep will be placed on his right, and the goats on his left. The King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you whom my Father blesses. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For when I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, in need of clothes, sick, or prison, you took care of me.’ The righteous asked, ‘When did we see you in need?’ The King replied, ‘Whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me.’

The King will say to those on his left, ‘You did not care for me when I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, in need of clothes, sick, or prison.’ They will ask, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

REFLECTION:
During Lent, we often give up difficult or inconvenient things to show our willingness to sacrifice to God. However, we tend to forget the impact of our sacrifices on others. The best sacrifice is the one that benefits others. While we may perform rituals such as putting ashes on our heads, praying, fasting, and mourning, we must consider how such activities can improve our family, community, the Olive Tree Church, and the world. Our service to God should involve serving people who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, people in need of clothes, sick, or in prison. We must care for people who require our support and strive to make a positive difference in their lives.


LET US PRAY:
Lord Jesus, I humbly request you provide your Church with the support they need to assist millions of people who are suffering from illnesses, hunger, thirst, homelessness, lack of clothing, or imprisonment. Please guide us to do everything we can to build a fair, equitable world filled with your love and compassion. Amen.

ACTION:

1.    Consider finding a way to turn your sacrifice to God into something that benefits others. 

2.    Today, try to do something that genuinely helps someone in need.

3.    Remember that you can donate to the gift aid program at the Olive Tree Church.

4.    During Lent, pay attention to those who may be vulnerable and anxious and those who have made mistakes or are struggling.

5.    Also, consider reaching out to those who have experienced mental health issues, are feeling lonely, or need healing within our church community. Keep them in your prayers.