WE SHALL ACCOUNT FOR OUR LIVES

Sometimes in our lives, we forget that the life we are living here on earth is not our own, it is a life we are going to account for. 

In the gospel reading of today, we see how human beings live on earth as if they are the masters of themselves. We seem to forget that a day will come when we will be called to give record of our lives. God has through various ways and persons prepared us for this day. He prepared the Jewish people through the prophets and in the fullness of time he sent his only begotten son to make us understand him better. Instead of listening to the word of God and repent, many of us have turned deaf ears and continued to do what pleases us. Many people in our days are no longer moved by the word of God, they no longer listen to their conscience, but their passions, emotions and selfishness. 

In as much as some people may blame Jacob for openly showing Joseph more love in the presence of his siblings in the first reading of today, one can never justify the jealousy of his brothers who wanted him dead. It was only Reuben who knew that he will be called upon one day to account for the life of his brother that tried to save him. In whatever we do therefore, let us not forget to  assess ourselves and be ready to account for our thoughts, words, actions  and omissions when the time comes. 

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP.