I went to a Catholic boarding school. It did not matter to me that I had to go to the chapel every morning and evening because we simply call on one person, God. Therefore, I am not one to miss mass. I enjoyed singing the responsorial psalms and reading the prayer of the faithful when it is my house turn to officiate during mass. I cannot remember any more if they were the same. I remember sometimes we sing it and other times we just read it. We also do it melodiously, with one alto, one tremble, and one soprano, singers.

I almost got soaked in my reflections. They were good times 

One year, we had a special mass on October 1, Nigeria Independence day. I was about wearing my White Church Wear when I realized it had a very noticeable stain. There was no way I was going to wear it. First, I was happy I was not involved in mass service activities for that day; I also know I did not have a choice than to stay back in the hostel because it is mandatory that we wear our Church white wear for this particular mass service. Secondly, I soaked my White Church Wear in soapy water immediately to remove the stains.

This was a Friday if I remember very well. On Monday at the assembly ground, it was brought to our attention that some of us misbehaved during the mass. It was not good as our school was not only for learning but also for culture. Those who made noise when the mass was on-going would be punished by cutting grasses. The names were called out one by one, and I heard my name. I laughed gently, and I could see those around me looking at me giving the eye like seriously, you are laughing?

Immediately after the assembly, I went to the Rev. Father’s office to inform him I was not at the mass service and told him the reason. He took the sheet of paper and crossed my name out.

Sometimes, I reflect on that day, and I always think why anyone would do that? I was not there, yet my name was written amongst those who disturbed during mass. Of course, few of my friends were present, so I thought perhaps the person just felt since these people were there and I am their friend, I must have been there too. I also thought how can we ascertain that the people whose names were written down disturbed, if that person can see someone who was not present at all as a noisemaker?

I am sharing this with you because it is possible you have been in my shoes, and yours might have been on a level that could put you in serious trouble. Someone may have lied against you, saying something you have not said. They have completely lied, and others are saying there must be an element of truth, “you must have said a little, but it is possible that you have not even uttered a word”. See, I have seen people saying what they really feel about someone and completely lied to the person that another person said it. Perhaps to tarnish your image or spoil your entire relationship, with that person.

Forgive please and move on, as you move on, they are towing behind you and will always be behind you. However, if you continue to dwell on it, they will always be ahead. Also remember, you have been forgiven, therefore extend forgiveness to others.

I also pray that none of us shall be unfortunate. We will not carry any load that is not ours, we will not fight unnecessary battles, and our legs shall not go to where they are waiting to crucify us. Every perpetrator of evil against you shall be brought to Justice by the Highest Judge.

Relax, we are overcomers.

To read more on forgiveness, please click the link to get the copy of my new release entitled: Forgiveness, Your Access Code:

https://www.amazon.com/FORGIVENESS-YOUR-ACCES…/…/ref=sr_1_1…

I pray it blesses you.

Happy 2019