Sermons Based on the Lectionary of the Church

Turn Your Life Around

by Rev. Fr V.V.Paulose

Sermon for the First Sunday after Denaha

Gospel Reading: Mathew 4:12-22

Why are you avoiding and losing the eternal bliss that is knocking at your door?

"Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near." (Mathew 4:7)

Repentance is the core message in the Bible. We are not destined to live in unhappiness. Happiness is the birthright of all human beings. Once it was snatched from the hands of Adam and Eve at the Garden of Eden, the place for eternal bliss and joy by the Devil, the father of darkness, which led to tears, sins and eternal death. From that moment onwards, our eternal Father is in search of fugitives who seek happiness and is never tired of it. He is still carrying the pot of bliss ever ready to give it to the seekers of happiness.

He is calling us to change our present unhealthy and unhappy way of life and to follow the way of Jesus' life, a life of abundance that He had brought. Repent the life inflicting sins in the way of your life, it may be small or great, like a simple lie to your partner, the money you spend for drinks and the grave sin like unfaithfulness to your partner.

Cain was angry with God, himself, and his brother Abel when God did not accept his gift. So God asked him, "Why are you so angry and why do you look so dejected?" (Genesis 4:6). God explained, suggested and gave him the chance to correct his mistake. Jesus told Cain, "Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." (Genesis 4:7). But, instead of turning away from the sinful life, he closed the door of repentance. Instead of turning to Christ, he closed the door at Jesus. Then, out of anger and frustration, he went outside and killed his brother. Once and for all, Cain lost the joy, beauty, and dignity of life.

How do you react when someone suggests you that you are not living a good life? Do you move to correct the mistake or deny that you need to correct it? The next time someone suggests that you are wrong, take an honest look at yourself and choose God's way instead of the Devil's way.

Nina, a bright, intelligent and beautiful girl of 17 got admission for computer engineering in a reputed college in a metropolitan city. She was mesmerized and got swayed by the new atmosphere in the college. She started dating attractive boys and lost all interest in studying. When the parents found out that she had crossed all possible limits, they even warned her with dire consequences, but all was in vain. She failed in all the subjects for the first two years. She became depressed and lost all interests in life, and even started hating her parents. At last, the prayers, counseling and help from her relatives convinced her that she was wrong and she repented. She discontinued her studies in that college and joined another college away from the city to forget her past and start afresh. She is doing well and is one of the best students in the college. Now, she seeks advice from her parents and relatives when required. She even takes tuitions to pay her fees and is also a good counselor for the young, even in spiritual matters.

There is no short cut or quick fix for happiness when living a bad life, a full turnaround is the only solution for your salvation and eternal happiness. Jesus is standing here, with a smiling loving face and saying through His scriptures, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

See Also:

Follow Me, Devotional Thoughts for 1st Sunday after Danaha
by Rev. Fr. Dr. V Kurian Thomas, Valiyaparambil
Repent - The Kingdom of Heaven is Near
by Rev. Fr. Dr. Mathew C. Chacko

Following Jesus
by Rev. Fr. Dr. Mathew C. Chacko

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