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Reflection by Fr. Collins Akhigbe OP <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scriptural passages <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st reading Gen.15:1-12, 17-18. Psalm 104. Gospel Mt. 7:15-20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Theme: Maintain Good Identity <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“By their fruits you will know them” (Mt. 7:16). The Lord warns us against false prophets. It is by their fruits that we will be able to identify good or false prophets. The Lord is simply telling us how to identify a person. The life a person lives is his identity. The source of our identity is the fruits we bear. If we bear good fruits, it means we are men and women of integrity and holiness. If we bear bad fruits, it shows our identity as people who have no virtue or character. We can identify a true man of God through his life on earth. In the first reading the Lord promised Abram that he will bless him with children. The Psalmist tells us that the Lord is a covenant keeping God. Abram has shown by his faith in God that he is a good man. Abram bore the fruits of faithfulness. He trusted in the promise of God that his descendants will inherit the land. In this reflection we shall highlight why we should maintain good identity and how to sustain good identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why You Should Maintain Good Identity <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, a good identity helps you recognize your value as a person. When you act with integrity, honesty, and kindness, you build a strong sense of self-respect and confidence. The scripture has this to say, \u201cYou are fearfully and wonderfully made\u201d (Psalm 139:14).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This reminds us that our identity is rooted in God\u2019s design and purpose for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, you should maintain good identity to achieve trust and good reputation. People are more likely to trust and respect you when you have a good identity. This opens doors to relationships, opportunities, and influence in both personal and professional settings. \u201cA good name is better than riches\u201d (Prov. 22:1). A strong moral identity brings more lasting value than money or power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, you should maintain good identity because it leads to moral and spiritual integrity. A good identity is rooted in values like truth, justice, humility, and love. As Christians or morally conscious individuals, we are called to reflect God\u2019s character in our behaviour. \u201cLet your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven\u201d (Matt. 5:16).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fourth, having good identity leads to positive influence on others. By maintaining a good identity, you inspire others to do the same. You become a role model in your family, school, workplace, or community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fifth, when you maintain good identity you enjoy inner peace and clear conscience. Living according to your good identity brings peace of mind. You avoid the guilt, shame, or fear that often comes with bad behaviour or false living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sixth, maintaining good identity brings about consistency and stability. A good identity gives you a stable foundation in life. It helps you remain consistent in your choices, even when faced with pressure, temptation, or trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Maintain Good Identity <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, to maintain good identity you need to recognize your nobility in Christ Jesus. A Christian primary identity is as a child of God, redeemed by Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit through Baptism. “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are\u201d (1 John 3:1). The Catechism teaches that<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBaptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes the neophyte a new creature, an adopted son of God\u2026\u201d (CCC # 1265).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, to maintain good identity you need to live a life of virtue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good identity is shaped by living according to the Cardinal virtues, namely, prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, and theological virtues, faith, hope, charity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ\u201d (Phil. 1:27). The Lord has this to say, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are the salt of the earth… the light of the world\u201d (Matt. 5:13\u201314). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, you should practice regular examination of conscience and confession. Acknowledging faults and seeking God\u2019s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation helps you return to your true identity in Christ and grow in holiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us\u201d (1 John 1:9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Church teaches us,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe new life received in Christian initiation has not abolished the frailty and weakness of human nature\u2026 This is the struggle of conversion directed toward holiness and eternal life\u201d (CCC # 1425). Make every effort to live a life of virtue and holiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fourth, you should participate in the Eucharist faithfully. The Eucharist strengthens your unity with Christ and with the Church, reminding you of your identity as part of the Body of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him\u201d (John 6:56).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Catechism has this to say, \u201cHoly Communion augments our union with Christ. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus\u201d (CCC # 1391). The more you receive the Eucharist faithfully, the more you gain grace for the journey to heaven. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fifth, you should follow the example of the Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Saints are models of authentic Catholic identity. Mary, in particular, shows how to live humbly, faithfully, and purely in accordance with God’s will. The apostle Paul tells us, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ\u201d (1 Cor. 11:1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom the Church he receives the Word of God… the example of holiness… and the spiritual help of the sacraments\u201d (CCC # 2030). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sixth, you should serve others with love and compassion. Maintaining a good identity includes loving your neighbour and working for justice, peace, and the common good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTruly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me\u201d (Matt. 25:40).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Catechism tells us, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities (CCC # 2447). You should dwell in love of one another. These are some of the ways you can maintain good identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prayers <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lord, help us to serve you faithfully. Lord, deliver us from hypocrisy and duplicity. Lord, give us the grace of understanding and wisdom. Lord, help us to love one another. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a beautiful day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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