Bishop Dr. M. Raphael Massiah addressed the issue of loss, the importance of being our brother’s keeper regardless of who they are, emphasising the value of life, using our time wisely and what our response should be as Christians. He was addressing congregants in light of the tragic passing of two young persons in a motor vehicle accident that shook the country over the past week.
The Value of Time
Bishop Dr. M. Raphael Massiah commenced his sermon in Psalm 90: 10 which says, “the days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Using this Scripture text he reminded the congregation that though we may have plans for our lives, at any day we can be called home regardless of one’s reputation or title.
Reflecting on the Scripture, Bishop Massiah asked the question, when have you last numbered your days? Pondering on this question, he used the analogy of our biological clock (age) as a measure of our numerical value on earth. This, he stated, causes us to think about our known assignment which in turn begs us to question if we have completed this assignment. With this he alluded that because life is fragile we need to act now because we may never get another chance to complete that assignment.
Our Response to Tragedy
In Luke chapter 13, Bishop addressed the issue of tragedy which was reported by the people to Jesus about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. With reference to this account, Bishop highlighted that people are always going to talk about tragic events that occur but he encouraged that rather than being a part of the problem, we should be part of the solution.
In the midst of this issue, Jesus raised the issue of the tower of Siloam falling, killing eighteen. Once again, the people asked the question if they thought that those people were more sinful than those in Jerusalem. Jesus responded by saying that unless they changed their course they would also perish. Further, Jesus told the parable of the fig tree. Bishop Massiah expressed that this parable can be applied to our lives because those with great responsibility may not be accountable to anyone on earth but someday, will have to account to God for their stewardship.
According to Bishop Massiah, some of the troubles that we face cause us to feel that God does not love us but He is trying to cause us to grow by digging around us. In doing this, He expects us to bear fruit. Further, he stated that God wants us to bear fruit wherever we are planted. Bishop also reminded the congregation that they have a responsibility to our children to bring order for their growth.
In closing, he encouraged the congregation to count their days; and as they count their days that they operate with compassion; emphatise and pray for others regardless of whether the person is known to us, and be a blessing to those who are experiencing the fragility of life. It was a great time of reflection as we contemplated to number our days. Let’s live so that our life will bring joy to those we come in contact with and be a blessing to persons who are hurting. Amen.
