When people write projects, seminars or memoirs as a basic requirement for their course of study, there’s often an aspect called Acknowledgement . In celebrations and occasions also, we often hear the masters of ceremonies (MC) acknowledge the presence of some dignitaries and all people in their ranks and files. And people often get upset and angry when they are not acknowledged. Why? Because, in every Acknowledgement three things are involved:
And so when Jesus says: He who acknowledges me before men I will acknowledge before the Angels of God, he was invariably saying, he who identifies with me, recognizes me as his creator, provider and protector, and everything, and is grateful to me, I will do same before my father.
• To identify with Jesus is to do what is right. To identify with Jesus is to keep his commandments. To identify with Jesus is come to church, contribute both in cash and kind to the growth of his Church and kingdom.
• To recognize Jesus is to speak for him in the community square for the oppressed and needy. To recognize him is to say no to injustice. To recognize him is to say no to community or party meetings on Sundays and days of obligation. To recognize him is to say no to intimidation, mistreatment and molestation of female students and those who do not have bribe to give. Whatsoever you to the least of my brethren that you do unto me.
• To be grateful to Jesus is to remember that the money, cars, houses, children, your beauty/handsomeness and even the titles and societal status that you have are all his blessings, hence, you shouldn’t become too big to kneel down for prayers, to attend morning masses, to bend down and work for God.
St. Ignatius of Antioch remembered all these as a Bishop. He didn’t shy away from acknowledging God in the face of tyranny and wild animals. He stood for God amidst persecution, hardship and torture. He gave his life for God and for the truth. Today we remember him because Christ has acknowledged him before the Angels of God. Ignatius has one advice for us: Nothing should entice you till you happily make your way to Jesus. Fire, cross, struggles, wild beasts, wrenching of bones, mangling of limbs. Let us accept them provided we make our way to Jesus Christ. May St. Ignatius intercede for you and I today and always. Amen!
GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY WEEKEND!