TUESDAY OF THE TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Ist reading: 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36
\r\nGospel: Mt 7:6, 12-14

*Theme: Those Who Come to the Lord Shall Find Refuge*

Today\'s first reading narrates how Sennacherib, the king of Assyria threatened Hezekiah, the king of Judah with a letter. He wrote in the letter that Hezekiah should not let his God on whom he relied deceived him that Jerusalem would not be handed over to the Assyria. He boasted on how he destroyed other countries and that Jerusalem would not be saved.

Hezekiah went to God\'s temple and presented the letter before the Lord asking God to intervene. God answered him through prophet Isaiah who announced to him that Sennacherib would not enter the city. For he would return by the same way he came.

That same night night an angel of the Lord \"struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. So Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, broke camp, and went back home to Nineveh.\"

This biblical passage teaches us that God answers prayers and that there is nothing God cannot do. No super power can challenge our God. It teaches us that those who run to God shall find refuge and shelter. When people like Sennacherib threaten us in life, we do not need to go to the wrong places looking for power and protection as some do today. Rather we should come to Jesus. For there is no one who can challenge him.

Beloved, we learn today that there is no problem of life that can stand before our God. Before God every power bows. Come before God\'s presence bringing your worries and troubles. In him, we find answers to our prayers and solution to our troubles. Trust in Jesus, for he will not disappoint him.

I do not know what you are experiencing today. Do you have Sennacherib in your life? Like Hezekiah, present the letter of your worries before God\'s presence, and he will settle the matter for you.

LET US PRAY
\r\nHeavenly Father, we bring before you all our worries and troubles of life. Answer us as you answered Hezekiah. Amen.

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©️ Fr Thaddeus Anyaegbu O.P