First Reading: Ex 2:1-15a; Psalm: 69 R. v. 33; Gospel: Mt 11:20-24

UTILISING OUR OPPORTUNITIES

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Life does not present equal opportunities. Some people are more fortunate than others. And this would mean that supposedly we are expected to reflect as much as what has been offered to us in the version of what we would eventually become. When life offers us more opportunities, it is inexcusable not to return in quality and quantity the measure of what life offers. The greatest sin against opportunity is mediocrity or indifference. It makes a mockery of the one who offers the opportunity wasted; and deprives others some chance that could have made them become a better version of themselves. And this is why this sin is scarcely forgivable.

Jesus upbraided the regions of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum in the gospel of today for their hardness of heart. Jesus pointed out that the cities of Tyre and Sodom would have repented if the works done in these three regions were done in their cities. Tyre and Sodom were known for their wickedness and unholy desires (Isaiah 23; Jeremiah 25:22). They were not opportune to witness the Messiah and his miraculous works unlike the regions of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. The failure of these three regions to utilise their opportunities elicited the feeling of sadness and disappointment in Jesus. Jesus’ rebuke to them was a way of reprimanding them for wasting a golden opportunity.

We should never feel that we do not have enough or that we are not good enough because we could be the dreams of some people. What we presently have, many are dreaming to have. Where we presently are, many are hoping to be. So, God calls today to be grateful for the opportunities we have and to make good use of them. The measure of our opportunities matters; but what we do with those opportunities matters most. We shall all account for the opportunities given, the ones wasted, and the chances we deprived others by wasting the opportunities we have. Every Christian and every one must work against the sin of mediocrity and indifference. Because at the end of the day, we shall all be judged based on the measure we received.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, give us the wisdom to understand that we can fully realise our potentials when we efficiently utilise our opportunities so that we may be grateful for the opportunities we have. Amen.