Fr. Sanctus Mario
Inspiration and Bible Reflections

Jesus is the Center, Not Signs and Wonders. Wednesday 1st Week of Lent

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Breakfast with the Word: Wednesday First Week of Lent 

Luke 11:29-32

 

 

An inspiring lyric from Darlene Zschech says:

Jesus be the center of my Life

Jesus be the center of my Life

From beginning to the end

It will always be, it is always been you

Jesus, Jesus

You can check the song on YouTube. It is highly inspiring. 

 

The center is the middle point of a diagram. Therefore, the center of something is where every activity is directed or focused. Hence, Jesus is the center and should be the center of our lives. 

In Luke 11:29-32, Jesus reprimands the crowd who gather in numbers around Him and calls them a wicked generation. Jesus warns them against focusing their attention only on seeking signs and wonders. 

Jesus condemns this type of attitude, especially when countless signs had already happened before their eyes, yet they continue to look for more. Also, He reminds them that no sign will be given to them except the sign of Jonah the prophet.  

 

Jonah As A Sign.

 

Jonah became a sign for the people of Nineveh. He gave his life to appease the wrath of God coming upon the city of Nineveh. Jonah stayed in the belly of the fish for three days, and nights and death did not hold him.

 

So, in Luke 11:29-32, Jesus tells the crowd who gather today around Him that this is the type of sign that God would give to them to certify who He is. 

 

Therefore, like Jonah, Jesus would be a similar sign to His generation. In essence, He would give His life for them, suffer and die because of them. And after three days, He would resurrect and still be alive.

This is the greatest sign. It is therefore, the sign of the resurrection of which no one has ever attempted to this day.

This singular sign will prove to them that He is the messiah. It is not more signs and wonders.

 

Read more

If God is Truly Our Father :Tuesday First Week of Lent

 

The Strength to Conquer Temptations. First Sunday of Lent Year C

 

The Call to Change Our Lives: Saturday After Ash Wednesday

 

The Fasting that pleases God

 

To Be A True Disciple of Jesus. Breakfast With the Word Thursday After Ash Wednesday

 

When It looks as If God does not answer prayers: Mark 7:24-30

 

Lent: A Time to Lead us to God: Sunday Breakfast with the Word

 

On this Rock I will build My Church: Feast of the Chair of St. Peter.

 

 

 

Desperate for Sign and Miracles.

 

 

 In Luke 11:29-32, Just as the crowd gathered around Jesus looking for signs, wonders and miracles, is how the people of today rush to miracle centers and prayer houses. We rush only to seek miracles and forget the most important thing, which is relationship with God.

We do forget that Jesus is the Center and not the signs and miracles.

 

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Today, many self-acclaimed men of God use this opportunity to deceive the people. Many arrange miracles and perform magic to advertise their prayer shop and churches.

It is pity when any minister advertises miracles for the sake of getting members. These things should be aimed at strengthening the faith and touching lives, simple.

Let us always stand on the truth. We are not the doers of the Miracles. God works in His own way.

 

Hence, our prayers  should be a heartful communication between us and God. Many people have turned prayer into weekly miracle advertisements and shows. 

 

 

Today, many Christians are desperate to see signs and wonders, prophecies, miracles without truly knowing and accepting the true message of salvation. We have to know God first. Then these things are added unto us. This is the reason many Christians blame God for everything. They only go to God for the sake of miracles and not for the sake of relationship. We have to understand that relationship with God must come first.

 

Therefore, Knowing God and seeking relationship with Him must be the first. He says seek you first the kingdom of God, then other things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33)

 

Today, there is a growing tendency to focus our spirituality on signs rather than on Jesus.

 

Many Christians now go to the presence of God not to change our lives but because we want to be entertained, we want to see miracles, signs and wonders.We are deviating from the true purpose.

 

Therefore let us not forget that Jesus is the Center of everything we do.

 

 

Warning to This Generation.

 

 

In Luke 11:29-32, Jesus gives a stern warning to his generation in the gospel when they demand a sign from him. 

It was characteristic of the Jews to seek signs from heaven to authenticate that one is truly a messenger of God. But Jesus, who is greater than any sign, has been with them.

 

They could hardly discern who He is. Hence, this is an indication that one can be a churchgoer without having knowledge and a personal relationship with the Lord.

 

 

The Ninevites recognized God’s warning when God sent Jonah to preach to them. They heard the word and repented. The Queen of Sheba recognized God’s wisdom in Solomon. She traveled from a far distance to have an encounter with Solomon.  

 

 

Unfortunately, the religious leaders of His time reject Jesus as God’s Anointed One (Messiah), and they fail to heed his message, despite that He is right there before their eyes. Therefore, what they want is a sign.

 

 

 It is also a problem today. We hear, read and listen to the word, but we do not want to change. Despite the daily gospel messages, evil continues to rise. Hence, we harden our hearts and even believe that God does not exist. But when problems come, we wander from one prayer house to another, seeking revelation, miracle, signs and wonders.

 

 

So, Jesus needs us now. Hence,  He should be the center of every worship and everything we do in life. Therefore let us strive to know God first before seeking for signs and wonders.

 

Signs and wonders spirituality is a shallow spirituality. It is not wrong to ask God for anything. Signs and wonders give joy to the spirit when they happen. But seeking God only for the sake of wonders and miracles is where we miss the mark.

 

 

To Accept Jesus.

 

 

What God wants in our lives is to accept Jesus and live by His word. The presence of Jesus in our lives can transform us. Jesus is the center of the revival. And He authenticated this sign through His death and resurrection. 

 

Accepting Jesus and living by His word is accepting change. To accept Jesus and live by His Word is to accept wisdom. Accepting Jesus is accepting healing etc. Hence, He is the center of your life and everything you do. 

 

 

How many signs and wonders do many prophets of our time today claim they have done, yet evil continues to increase. God can work miracles, but it should not be the center of attention. The center of attention should be to change our hearts.

 

Therefore, if we need a change in our families, communities, homes, places of work etc., always work towards the salvation of souls. 

Jonah converted the great city of Nineveh by his godliness and his preaching, not by miracles. Holiness is a great marvel. 

“Seek first the kingdom of God, and other things will follow” (Matthew 6:33). Therefore, a total change of heart is the key, and the best way to begin this is to listen to Jesus, think Jesus, and do like Jesus.

 May God sanctify us and give us the grace to continually come close to Him. Amen.

 

Read more

Reconcile With God: Reflection on Ash Wednesday

To Be A Disciple of Jesus Christ; Breakfast with the Word 

 Signs and Wonders Spirituality: Mark 8:11-13

The Way to Save Lives

How to Win souls for God

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89 Comments
  1. Dr Nicholas Onyia A. says

    Amen

    1. Nwahiri Chinaru Confidence says

      Amen

      1. Regina Mobu says

        Amen!

        1. Chisom Egwudike says

          Amen

      2. Regina Mobu says

        Amen!

      3. Nwatu Nneka P says

        Amen

  2. Ibe Calista Chinenye says

    Amen 🙏🙏

    1. Nancy chizoba says

      Amen

    2. Osakwe Chinonso Solomon says

      Amen, may the Lord bless and strengthen you more than ever father

    3. Cordelia Ndego A. says

      Amen 🙏
      Thank you Father.

  3. Mailoushi James says

    Amen, remain blessed Fr.

    1. Chizoba Ekwueme says

      Amen.
      God bless and replenish you, Fr.

    2. Eileen chiawuotu Mbonu says

      God I need your help to follow Jesus Christ ameeeeeeen

  4. Nonye Maduka says

    Amen

  5. Eze, Blessing Chinasa says

    Amen. Thank you Father and may God continue to refill you with His oil of anointing to continue His work of salvation.

  6. Angela Madu says

    Amen

  7. Chinyere Ezemelue says

    Be the centre of my life Lord Jesus Christ Amen.

  8. Ada Ndubuisi says

    Amen

  9. Otokpa Elijah says

    Amen

  10. Atashie Nwaamaka says

    Amen

  11. IGNATIUS ONYEABOR says

    Amen

  12. Ogwa Oluchi Rose says

    Amen

  13. Christian says

    Amen

  14. Adichie Chizoba says

    Amen

  15. Mrs Blessing Chilo says

    Give us the grace to seek you first oh Lord and every other thing shall be added unto Us through Christ our Lord Amen

  16. OJIOGBU JACINTA says

    Help me Lord to always live by your word…Amen 🙏

  17. Gabriel-Martin says

    Amen Fr

  18. ogochukwu says

    Amen

    1. Ezeagu Anuli says

      Amen 🙏 🙏 🙏

  19. Stella Ekwemalor says

    Amen
    Good morning father
    Remain blessed

  20. Ekwem Emmanuela Chiamaka says

    Amen and Amen

  21. Amara Beluonwu says

    Amen

  22. Blessing Anne says

    Amen

  23. Peter Anthony Dodoh says

    Amen

  24. Ikeoha Joy Chidiogo says

    Amen

  25. Onyekonwu Ngozi says

    Amen. Thank you Jesus for your word today. May the word which I have heard continue to change my life to better in Jesus mighty name Amen.

  26. Bibiana Uche Unachukwu and family says

    Amen. U know the Bible said religion with containment is a great gain. May God help me to remain focused.

  27. Mbama Christiana says

    Amen. Lord give me the grace to always believe in You.

  28. Carmela U. Ekwem says

    Amen! & Amen! Thanks and God bless you Fr.

    1. Obinna says

      Amen
      Thank you Fr.

  29. Esiri Chovwe says

    Amen

  30. Dorothy Mary Iyinbor says

    Amen thanks Padre

  31. Ibeawuchi Monica says

    Amen

  32. Mrs Nora Nkoli Anabiri says

    Amennnnnnn. Oh Lord have mercy on me

  33. Okwuchi Juliet says

    Amen.

  34. Michael Jones says

    Amen

  35. Chinwe Agwoile says

    Lord Jesus, You’ve offered me the sign of Jonah. I therefore need Your grace to be able to repent more than ever before. I have also witnessed many signs in my personal life that confirm Your existence and Your desire for my total conversion. I also need Your grace to embrace a life-giving Fast(fast of the eyes, tongue, ear etc.) as part of signs of my repentance.
    My Sweet Jesus, I am a sinner, but You still love me. Help me to repent and make a complete u-turn for good choices. Remove my blind pride and ignorance. Let me love You deeply. Deepen my faith in You. Like Jonah, may I be a pointer and conscience of truth. Amen! Thanks immensely, Padre, Chukwu goziere m gi!

  36. Kubiat says

    God thank you for reminding us about this relationship we are to have with you. Forgive us for seeking signs rather than loving you our God

  37. Okonkwo onyinye says

    AMEN

  38. Charles Ndubuisi Ezeji says

    amen

  39. Casmir Onah says

    Lord you ve shown me the way
    Please give me the light that will help me follow. Amen

  40. Margaret Awum says

    Amen 🙏

  41. Boitumelo Malebatsane says

    Amen in jesus name amen🙏

  42. Yolanda Malebatsane says

    Amen 🙏

  43. Mailoushi James says

    Amen, remain blessed Fr to the glory of God’s name, Amen

  44. ONAH LILIAN says

    Amen

  45. Judith Abuah says

    Amen … Thanks Fr. Wishing you well. Thanks for always blessing us

  46. Nnametu chioma Michelle says

    Amen and Amen 🙏.
    thank you JESUS ❤️

  47. Ojiogbu Chekwube says

    Amen

  48. Blessing Salifu says

    Amen 🙏 🙏 🙏

  49. Onyeoma Ukamaka says

    Amen

  50. Okoli chinasa says

    Amen 🙏🙏🙏

  51. Grace Uba says

    Amen

  52. Vivian Elochukwu says

    Amen oooooo

  53. Goodluck Ekeocha. says

    Amen

  54. Otokpa Elijah says

    Father, please grant me more grace to know you more.

  55. Angela Ekere says

    Amen

  56. Anidiobi Sylvia Ngozi says

    I pray to listen to Jesus,think like Jesus & then do like Jesus 🙏

  57. Beatrice Solomon says

    Amen.

  58. Ogechi Oscar says

    Amen

  59. Oby Okpalaeke says

    Amen 🙏

  60. Amalu Gloria says

    Amen, let us know that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith and be close to him and with him we shall conquer, not looking for signs and wonders in him. All these we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  61. John says

    Amen 🙏🙏🙏

  62. Udemezue Martina Mary says

    Amen

  63. Munachimso onuoha says

    amen

  64. Mbama Christiana says

    Amen

  65. Cordelia Agudosi says

    Amen

  66. Ndukwe Amanda says

    Amen Fr

  67. Faleye Dora says

    Amen🙏

  68. Regina Ajua Mobu says

    Amen

  69. Stella Ekwemalor says

    Amen
    Good evening Father
    Remain blessed

  70. Okeke Juliet Nneka says

    Amen 🙏.

  71. Onyekonwu Ngozi says

    Amen! thank you Jesus

  72. Dr.Julie says

    Amen and Amen

  73. Eze Juliana Nkechi says

    Amen

  74. Ugwu Josephine Nnenna. says

    Amen. God bless you Padre.

  75. Bibiana Uche Unachukwu and family says

    Amen

  76. Mariajacinta Ivoke says

    Amen

  77. Dr Nick Onyia says

    Amen and amen 🙏 More unction to you, fr.

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