We are to connect with heaven and with Christ

 

faith is the means of connection with heaven and with Christ.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Monday of 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year I, July 10th, 2023
Texts: Genesis 28:10-22a; Psalm91:1-4ab. 14- I 5ab; Matthew 9:18-26 

Today’s message is about connection. What Satan often does is to disconnect us from heaven and Christ. He did it to our first parents, Adam and Eve. We are to connect with heaven and with Christ. The means of establishing connection with heaven and with Christ is faith. We see in today’s first reading a connection with heaven. We read, “And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!”  

A connection with heaven is a connection with God. This is clear in the first reading: “And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, ‘I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac’” In the words of Apostle Paul: “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Col. 3:1). We are to connect with heaven, for our God is there. Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt. 6:21). 

Connection with heaven guarantees us eternal glory that Jesus Christ has promised

We need to connect with heaven, for blessings descend from there. The first reading tells us that God blessed Jacob from heaven. God blessed him and made him a source of blessing. He also promised to be with him. Apostle Paul says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory” (Col. 3:2-4). Connection with heaven guarantees us eternal glory that Jesus Christ has promised us.  

Today’s gospel reading reminds us that connection with Jesus Christ is the solution to our problems. The ruler  sought to establish connection between Jesus Christ and his daughter. He said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” The connection with Christ restores us to eternal life we had lost in the garden of Eden.  

The woman of haemorrhage also sought to establish connection with Jesus Christ. We read, “And behold, a woman who had suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; for she said to herself, ‘If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well’.”  

faith is the means of connection with heaven and with Christ

We learn from the connection of the woman that faith is the means of connection with heaven and with Christ. We read, “Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, ‘Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And instantly the woman was made well.” In today’s first reading Jacob utters the word of God: “The Lord shall be my God”.  

Connection with Christ through faith does not only bring physical healing but also spiritual healing. Apostle Paul says, “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).  

Prayer  

Heavenly Father, inflame our hearts with the love of You that we may seek heavenly things, not the passing things; raising our hearts to You may Your blessings descend from heaven upon us. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke