The Role to Play

We all have a role to play, a purpose in life.

14 Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,[a] went to the chief priests 15 [b]and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, 16 and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,[c] the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 [d]He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” 19 The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”[e] 22 Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” 23 He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. 24 [f]The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” 25 [g]Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

Every story has a villain, a hero, a climax, a turning point, a beginning, an end, a twist, etc. In our present reality, we do not want to be the 'Judas Iscariot' of the group. As I read the gospel reading, I cannot help but wonder if Judas' role is really the villain through and through. After all even Jesus said, "... but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." Is Judas meant to be doomed even before his birth, then? It is true that Jesus is Love and He is an overflowing river of mercy, compassion and forgiveness. Surely, there is room for forgiveness for Judas. However, because of despair, lacking in trust and faith, and guilt, Judas opted to kill himself rather than face Jesus. Perhaps Judas was afraid that he will not be forgiven. But then again, isn't it true that Jesus never condemns, never judges, always forgives, heals and gives many chances? If there is an alternative ending for Judas, I would like that he did not kill himself. I would have wanted that he asked for forgiveness, mercy and compassion, and that Jesus gave it to Him. His story will definitely be very remarkable, if it is the case. A perfect story for those who are wondering if there is forgiveness for those who sincerely ask for one despite one's sinfulness. The choice is ours if we want to take the road to destruction or the road to redemption. Jesus does not condemn. Despite knowing the plan of Judas, never did Jesus say in the group that the former is plotting evil against Him. This is a proof that Jesus continues to knock in all our hearts, and will never condemn. What will our choice be?

Image courtesy: artist

God's Precious Gift

Love one another.

21 When he had said this, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. 23 One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved,[a] was reclining at Jesus’ side. 24 So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. 25 He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel[b] after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and [took it and] handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. 27 After he took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 [Now] none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. 30 So he took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.31 [c]When he had left, Jesus said,[d] “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 [If God is glorified in him,] God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. 33 My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you. 34 I give you a new commandment:[e] love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. 35 This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”36 Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered [him], “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” 37 Peter said to him, “Master, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”-John13:21-38

Always the will of God is stronger than human reason. If I were at the Last Supper, and it seems to me that Jesus is implying that Judas will betray Him, I would have said, "Judas, what are you planning to do?! Are you going to betray the Master?!" I think it is a normal reaction. But strangely, no one realized what's going on. Perhaps Judas is not 100% confident of what he's about to do. But God's will will happen. It may be illogical or even foolish or contrary to our will, but God's ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts. His will is stronger than anything. As what St. Paul said, "The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom. But, Jesus' death is not a loss or failure, rather, it is God's biggest triumph ever. With Jesus' death, comes Resurrection and salvation. Jesus is sharing His life's victory to us despite our sins and shortcomings. Once, there is no hope for us. But after Jesus, the promise of eternal life and happiness with Him in Paradise is once more given to humankind.

Image courtesy: artist

 

Love and Charity

Love is never costly.

1 [a]Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. 3 Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus[b] and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 Then Judas the Iscariot, one [of] his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, 5 “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages[c] and given to the poor?” 6 He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. 7 So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.[d] 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”9 [The] large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, 11 because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.-John12:1-11

Here, Mary showed the highest form of love - anointing the feet of Jesus and drying them with her hair. This humble act can truly touch any person. However, if Jesus and so many others are moved with this gesture, there is one who thought that such an act is a waste. Yes, we all have that tendency as well. I remember the "Ghost" movie. In the middle of the story, Oda came in possession of $4 million through the guidance of Sam, the ghost. Of course, she was very happy and planned the many things she would do with the money. However, since the money belonged to Sam, he told her to give it all to the nuns on the street. Perhaps Oda felt that giving $4 million to charity is a waste because she herself is in need of money too.

Love can be painful. Charity can be painful. Giving can be impractical. The little that we give is but nothing compared to the love, sacrifice and pain Jesus endured to save us all. Jesus is inviting us to love God and our neighbor more and more.

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ

The Passion

Jesus suffered and died to save us all.

... 6 Now on the occasion of the feast he used to release to them one prisoner whom they requested. 7 A man called Barabbas[v] was then in prison along with the rebels who had committed murder in a rebellion. 8 The crowd came forward and began to ask him to do for them as he was accustomed. 9 Pilate answered, “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” 10 For he knew that it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12 Pilate again said to them in reply, “Then what [do you want] me to do with [the man you call] the king of the Jews?” 13 [w]They shouted again, “Crucify him.” 14 Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Crucify him.” 15 [x]So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed him over to be crucified.16 [y]The soldiers led him away inside the palace, that is, the praetorium, and assembled the whole cohort. 17 They clothed him in purple and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him. 18 They began to salute him with, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 and kept striking his head with a reed and spitting upon him. They knelt before him in homage. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him out to crucify him.22 They brought him to the place of Golgotha (which is translated Place of the Skull). 23 They gave him wine drugged with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 [aa]Then they crucified him and divided his garments by casting lots for them to see what each should take. 25 It was nine o’clock in the morning[ab] when they crucified him. 26 [ac]The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 With him they crucified two revolutionaries, one on his right and one on his left. [28 ][ad] 29 [ae]Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself by coming down from the cross.” 31 Likewise the chief priests, with the scribes, mocked him among themselves and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also kept abusing him. 33 At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?”[af] which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 [ag]Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “Look, he is calling Elijah.” 36 One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down.” 37 Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 [ah]The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 [ai]When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he breathed his last he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”...-Mark14:1-15:47

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Jesus is inviting us to accompany Him in His last days in Jerusalem by meditating on His way to Calvary, death and Resurrection. We have our own share of sufferings. We have our own Calvary too. Jesus shares His victory to us all that we too may triumph with life's struggles.

Image courtesy: Passion of the Christ  

Gathers us All

Jesus gathers us all to Him.

45 Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. 48 If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come[a] and take away both our land and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year,[b] said to them, “You know nothing, 50 nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” 51 He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, 52 and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.[c] 53 So from that day on they planned to kill him.54 So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim,[d] and there he remained with his disciples.55 Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify[e] themselves. 56 They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?” 57 For the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should inform them, so that they might arrest him.-John11:45-57

As I reflected, I believe that 'salvation' [indirectly mentioned] here and 'to gather into one the dispersed children of God' are accomplished by Jesus's death despite the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The salvation ["... so that the whole nation may not perish"] came in a different form - eternal life with God in Paradise. We may die here on earth, but our spirit will continue to live in God's dwelling place because Jesus' death opened the gates of Paradise for mankind once more. In fact, Jesus is the first of mankind to enter Heaven when He brought with Him our humanity when He resurrected and ascended to where He came from. Jesus still gathers us through the Catholic Church. All Roman Catholic Churches and chapels around the world speak, move and act as one. Same liturgy, same practice, same tradition, same sacrament, etc. I have nothing against the other Christian religions, in fact, I respect them too. However, because each of these Christian churches can interpret the Scriptures on their own, many men and women found churches of their own according to their interpretation and preference. But the question is, is human wisdom and judgment correct all the time?

Image courtesy: Always Catholic

Fullness of Life

Believe the works of Jesus.

31 The Jews again picked up rocks to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” 34 [a]Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? 35 If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and scripture cannot be set aside, 36 can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated[b] and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; 38 but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize [and understand] that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 [Then] they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.40 He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. 41 Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign,[c] but everything John said about this man was true.” 42 And many there began to believe in him.-John10:31-42

As I shared in my previous reflection, the people cannot easily accept Jesus because they are not open to Him and their hearts are hardened all along. Today, Jesus is encouraging these people to believe His works. If Jesus' words are difficult to accept, at least believe in His works.

Truly it is difficult to accept some people easily especially if they do not conform to our expectations and standards. Sometimes, both good words and works are dumped simply because it came from an unlikely person. Or, are dumped and trashed simply because it is not in accordance to what we really want all along. Good Reasoning slowly fades as people prefer Practical Reasoning that easily bends according a person's preference. "Why suffer if you can have an easier way out," some people say. Jesus is inviting us to listen to His truth. The truth and the fullness of life can only be found in Him and through Him.

Image courtesy: God's Not Dead

Jesus is knocking in our hearts

Jesus is I AM.

51 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” 52 [So] the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham,[a] who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar. But I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it[b] and was glad. 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?”[c] 58 [d]Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.-John8:51-59

As I read the gospel reading and as I put myself in the shoes of the people during Jesus' time, in some way I understand how they feel. Jesus speaks the truth of His identity, but it is difficult to understand. It is difficult to understand because the people cannot accept it. The people cannot accept it because their hearts are closed all along. Today, the Church continues to battle the close and hardened hearts of some people. Many people today like to accomplish things instantly. Instant coffee, instant laundry, instant cooking, instant money, etc. When things go wrong, these people want to end it instantly as well. Few seem to care to the marriage vows of "... for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and health, till death do us part." Now, if it's worse, poverty or sickness, a husband or wife can walk away from their marriage by justifying themselves that they are not happy anymore, so why stick in an unhappy union? Jesus continues to knock in our hearts. Jesus continues to put His faith in us that we will open our heart, mind and soul to Him. Instant doesn't mean the right answer to all our troubles. Listening to Jesus and letting Him guide us will make life happier and better.

Image courtesy: St. Tekla 

Best plan ever

Yes, Lord!

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,[a] and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”[b] 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived[c] a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.-Luke1:26-38

Mariologists believe that Mary is a consecrated virgin to God. Today, these women are called religious sisters or nuns. Mary was offered to God at such a young age, and grew up in the Temple as they say. But there comes a time that such consecrated virgins must perhaps go home after their service to the Temple has been fulfilled. While others enter into a marital union as what is the dominant tradition and custom, Mary vowed to remain a virgin for life. Here comes Joseph. According to Mariologists, Joseph's role is to protect that virginity. Meaning, despite being married, no union will ever happen. Such beautiful plans. But God has something else in mind for Mary. God disrupts Mary's plans by making her the mother of Jesus – Son of the Most High. Mary asked, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” Meaning, she and Joseph will never ever consent to any marital union or act. Therefore, the pregnancy is really impossible at all, though Mary is still willing to cooperate. God, through the angel, calms her that the pregnancy will happen through the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, we have the best plans, perfect plans in life. But God upsets these plans because He has a far better plan than ours. Mary is assuring us that God will always have the best in store for us always.

“This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans...” (1Cor1:25)

image courtesy: Andrew Atroshenko (Holy Family)

Home to Jesus

Jesus is calling us.

21 He said to them again, “I am going away and you will look for me, but you will die in your sin.[a] Where I am going you cannot come.” 22 [b]So the Jews said, “He is not going to kill himself, is he, because he said, ‘Where I am going you cannot come’?” 23 He said to them, “You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above. You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world. 24 That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM,[c] you will die in your sins.” 25 [d]So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “What I told you from the beginning. 26 I have much to say about you in condemnation. But the one who sent me is true, and what I heard from him I tell the world.” 27 They did not realize that he was speaking to them of the Father. 28 So Jesus said [to them], “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.” 30 Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.-John8:21-30

Sincere words can move the hardest of hearts. Here, Jesus' sincere words touched the hearts of the people that 'many came to believe in him.' Jesus is continually inviting us to come to Him. However, the hardness of our hearts do prevent us from going home to Him. But, all is not lost. I do believe that Jesus has faith in us too that we can find our way home to Him. Jesus is inviting us to accompany Him on His way to Calvary through prayer and meditation.

Image courtesy: S. Dewey (Praying Jesus)

Questions left Unanswered

Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

20 Now there were some Greeks[a] among those who had come up to worship at the feast. 21 [b]They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 [c]Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 [d]Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life[e] loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.27 “I am troubled[f] now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. 31 Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world[g] will be driven out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.-John12:20-33

Life is full of mysteries and surprises. Even if science claims that it can answer anything and everything, still there are some questions that left unanswered. We know the reasons - at least partly - why Jesus must be crucified. However, there is still a mystery about it. Why a painful death? How can a death glorify God? How can a seemingly 'failure' be an act of glorification? Can we do it too in our own small way?

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ

 

An endless river of mercy, forgiveness and compassion

God's endless mercy!

[53 Then each went to his own house, 1 while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.[b] 2 But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. 4 They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.[c] So what do you say?” 6 They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.[d] 7 [e]But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. 10 Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin any more.”]-John8:1-11

One of my favorite acts of mercy of Jesus. The woman was caught in the very act of adultery, no doubt about that. (What about the man involved? Isn't it true that it takes '2 to tango?') The woman was not given a chance to defend herself and was given immediately a death sentence, no doubt about that. But Jesus never said, "It's your fault" or "You brought it upon yourself" or "You're not careful, that's why." Jesus never judged, never condemned even if the woman was more than guilty of adultery. He showed mercy, forgiveness and compassion. Rather than condemning like the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus gave new hope, healing and a brand new beginning to the woman. Jesus believed that there is something good in the woman and is capable of great change for herself.

Jesus, too, believes that we are capable of good and great changes for ourselves. He is here to support us, believe in us and be with us, even if there's no one around.

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ

Truly Stubborn

A heart that refuses to believe is hard to convince.

40 Some in the crowd who heard these words said, “This is truly the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But others said, “The Messiah will not come from Galilee, will he? 42 Does not scripture say that the Messiah will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” 43 So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. 44 Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.45 So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” 46 The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this one.” 47 So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, 51 “Does our law condemn a person before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?” 52 They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”-John7:40-53

As I read the Gospel reading, I cannot help but be amazed at the stubbornness and hardness of the hearts of some people in the crowd, chief priests and Pharisees. Even if Jesus did or said something great already, still they have a ready excuse to discredit Him. Nicodemus is one of the Pharisees. It is with logic that he asked, 'Does our law condemn a person before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?' Yet, the others still found a way to discredit not only Jesus but Nicodemus' logic too.

Sometimes in life, despite speaking the truth, despite doing good, others will never be convinced of our goodness simply because they know us, where we come from, who our family is, the past sins we committed and regretted. Jesus is teaching us not to be discouraged since He was in the exact situation already. If others are not and will never be convinced of our goodness, Jesus is assuring us that He sees the sincerity in the minds and hearts of each one of us, and, will never leave our side.

Image courtesy: artist  

Hard to Convince

A heart that refuses to believe is difficult to convince.

1 [a]After this, Jesus moved about within Galilee; but he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. 2 But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. 3 So his brothers[b] said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 No one works in secret if he wants to be known publicly. If you do these things, manifest yourself to the world.” 5 For his brothers did not believe in him.... 14 When the feast was already half over, Jesus went up into the temple area and began to teach. 15 [f]The Jews were amazed and said, “How does he know scripture without having studied?” 16 Jesus answered them and said, “My teaching is not my own but is from the one who sent me. 17 Whoever chooses to do his will[g] shall know whether my teaching is from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 Whoever speaks on his own seeks his own glory, but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him is truthful, and there is no wrong in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?” 20 The crowd answered, “You are possessed![h] Who is trying to kill you?” 21 Jesus answered and said to them, “I performed one work[i] and all of you are amazed 22 because of it. Moses gave you circumcision—not that it came from Moses but rather from the patriarchs—and you circumcise a man on the sabbath. 23 If a man can receive circumcision on a sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I made a whole person well on a sabbath? 24 Stop judging by appearances, but judge justly.”25 So some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill? 26 And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities[j] have realized that he is the Messiah? 27 But we know where he is from. When the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” 28 So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. 29 I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” 30 So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.-John7:1-30

Here, the people are torn between believing Jesus and hating Him. It seems that people have a lot of reasons and excuses to discredit Jesus. For them, Jesus is not worthy of the Knowledge of God, not worthy of the God-given gifts, not worthy to do miracles, not worthy to teach simply because they know Him, where He came from. A heart that refuses to believe is hard to convince. For them, it is much better to see somebody suffer rather than be healed or be helped on a Sabbath. Jesus' Words ring true for us also - 'Stop judging by appearances, but judge justly.' Jesus is teaching us that all works that origin from God is good. Who then are we to judge if a good act helped another?

Image courtesy: History Channel

 

Best Plan

God knows how to upset the best of plans if it is not for our own good and/or it is not according to His plans.

16 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.17 Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.[a][b] 18 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,[c] but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,[d] yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord[e] appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:23 [g]“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,”which means “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.-Matthew1:16-24

In Jewish tradition, betrothal is the first part of marriage. When a man takes his bride to his home, normal married life will then commence. If a woman commits infidelity during betrothal stage, it is considered adultery. Proved adultery (Intercourse with another man's wife from the first stage of marriage) is punishable by stoning. Joseph, as a righteous man - that is a devout observer of the Mosaic Law, is required to expose Mary's condition. However, Joseph gave a new meaning to righteousness by showing mercy and compassion. He does not want to expose Mary's shame and would divorce her quietly instead. A noble plan actually. But God intervenes and upsets Joseph's plan. God planned that Joseph will be the father figure of Jesus here on earth.

Like Joseph, we have created so many noble plans, so many good plans in our life. But not all noble and good plans are the best for us or God's will for us. Yes, God can upset the best of plans because He knows better and what is for own good.

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Hear His Voice

Hear the voice of Jesus.

17 [a]But Jesus answered them, “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” 18 For this reason the Jews tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.19 [b]Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, a son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees his father doing; for what he does, his son will do also. 20 For the Father loves his Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life,[c] so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. 22 Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment[d] to his Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. 25 Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to his Son the possession of life in himself. 27 And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 [e]Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation.30 “I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.-John5:17-30

One word struck me the most - Hear. Jesus put emphasis on hearing (and listening) to His voice. The voice of Jesus can be found in the Scriptures and in the silence of our hearts. The question is, are we willing to hear and listen to it? Do we listen to our conscience?

Today, Jesus is inviting us to seek also the will of God for us. Yes, God answers when we ask Him about His plan and will for us. But, it is unfortunate that we sometimes cannot hear it or we cannot accept it because we prefer our own will.

Image courtesy: God's Not Dead

Freedom from the old ways

“... you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” - Jesus

1 After this, there was a feast[b] of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep [Gate][c] a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. 3 In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled.[d] [4 ][e] 5 One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” 9 Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.Now that day was a sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” 11 He answered them, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Take up your mat and walk.’” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who told you, ‘Take it up and walk’?” 13 The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. 14 [f]After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. 16 Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a sabbath.-John5:1-16

I am still baffled as to why Jesus said to the man, “Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” As a good reader of minds and hearts, is it possible that Jesus sensed that the just-healed man is plotting something sinful? Is it possible that after being ill for thirty-eight years, the man has not converted or learned from his sickness [sic]? Is it possible that the man plans to return to a 'dissipated life' [sic] despite being healed already?

So many men and women languish and are sorrowful if they are sick, imprisoned, or in suffering. But after being healed, they return to the old ways, unhealthy ways, dissipated way of living. There is a woman who suffered imprisonment for six years for selling and using drugs. A few months after being paroled, there is news circulating that the lady once more took to selling drugs as a way of earning a living. Such a sad life. Jesus has a message for us all - “... you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” Let us not abuse and take for granted so many beautiful things in our life.

Image courtesy: God's Not Dead

Persevere and Insist

Believe in Jesus.

43 [a]After the two days, he left there for Galilee. 44 [b]For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place. 45 When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves had gone to the feast.46 Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. 48 Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” 49 The royal official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. 51 While he was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. 52 He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, “The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon.” 53 The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live,” and he and his whole household came to believe. 54 [Now] this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.-John4:43-54

It is hard to explain why Jesus said to the official, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” As a very good reader of hearts and minds, is it possible that Jesus sensed that the official doubts that his son will ever be healed by anybody? Or, is it simply a test just like the Syro-Phoenician woman? Or, does Jesus wants the official to truly believe and have faith that anything is possible with the God-made-man? Jesus, through the Gospel, is teaching us to believe and have faith that miracles do happen no matter how impossible it is. However, it is true that some petitions are not granted because God knows that it is not good for us. Sometimes, we need also to humbly persevere and insist to God to grant what we ask of Him.

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Children of Light

"For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed."

14 And just as Moses lifted up[a] the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 [b]so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”16 For God so loved the world that he gave[c] his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn[d] the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 [e]And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. 21 But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.-John3:14-21

Those who engage themselves in embezzlement of funds would do it in secret or behind closed doors. The men who enter into extra-marital affairs would do it in secret or in faraway places where they are not known at all. Even cheating during exams are done in secret or in a furtive way. Aren't we tired of secrets? Aren't we tired of constantly looking behind our backs? Aren't we tired of fear of being discovered? Aren't we tired of hiding? Aren't we tired of always explaining? Aren't we tired of lies? Aren't we tired of the heaviness in our hearts because we are guilty? Jesus does not condemn but He is inviting us to step into the light. Our actions may say we are evil or wicked, but the Light - that is Jesus - can purify us and make us brand new and whole once more. Jesus is full of mercy and compassion; He will wash us clean and free of the stains of sins. It is never too late to change and repent. Jesus is inviting us to be children of Light today! Now, let us put on the New Skin - the armor of Jesus.

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Pride and Prejudice

The humbled and the exalted.

9 He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. 10 “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”-Luke18:9-14

One day my friend shared that when she was in the middle of her job training, one boss shared that he doesn't prefer graduates from top schools because the latter usually fights back, talks back, arrogant, and so forth. But, when my sister was looking for a job many years ago, she encountered many executives who prefer graduates of top schools, graduates who studied with this or that professor, graduates with 'connections directly or indirectly,' graduates who revolve in the same circle with them, executives, one way or another. Years before, a boss asked me who I prefer as friends, and I said, "Anybody." He said, "No! Pick only the rich, the well-connected, and brilliant. Because a janitor cannot help you when you are in trouble. They will even ask money from you. Make friends with the elite only. They alone can help you." I do not exactly agree with him because one way or another, a person is capable of helping me or others regardless of his/her status.

The world is full of prejudice and discrimination. We may deny it, we may say we haven't done it, but in truth, we have done it perhaps unconsciously or indirectly. Jesus is teaching us to be humble always. He is reminding us that we are all created the same way, have committed sins, imperfect. Who are we, then, to separate ourselves from the rest of humanity, if we have sinned just like the rest? Rather than focusing on ourselves and in our own human capacities and successes, let us bear in mind that God is the true Bringer of all that we enjoy in life. "God can give and can take away."

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ

Love Actually

The greatest commandments: Loving God and our neighbor.

28 One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” 29 Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! 30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’ 33 And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that [he] answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.-Mark12:28-34

Jesus is clear with His teachings - 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength' and 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

When was the last time you have a moment with God in prayer despite your hectic schedule? When was the last time you have shown kindness and charity to other people?

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Jesus is the Stronger and Peaceful Way

The power of Jesus is beyond our imagination.

14 He was driving out a demon [that was] mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute person spoke and the crowds were amazed. 15 Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” 16 Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. 17 But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. 18 And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. 19 If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people[a] drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that [I] drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. 22 But when one stronger[b] than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.-Luke11:14-23

Sometimes no matter how good we are, no matter how much we have done as an act of charity for others, we are not appreciated. Some people think we have other motives i.e. selfishness. We cannot please all, but there will always be a few who would appreciate us. God appreciates all acts done out of charity and love for others, great or small it may be.

A house that is divided will never stand and will never last forever. One way or another, somebody will break away, somebody must leave. Strive, therefore, to live in harmony and peace with one another.

For the longest time, a dictator governed a country. He was powerful. He is the law, he is the police and the armed forces, all resources seem to belong to him and his family alone. His political opponents were imprisoned or killed without a judicial trial. There is no media coverage of his atrocities and illegal acts. Poverty is everywhere. The people are finally fed up. One day, each and every person joined forces for a peaceful revolution - armed only with prayers, rosary beads, goodness and faith in God - to oust the dictator. God has blessed the act because the dictator and his family left, and democracy was once more restored. The gospel rings true as I remember this historical event. Who would have thought that a powerful dictator who seems to own the police and armed forces, and the law, can be ousted peacefully? Who would have thought that something so powerful and formidable can be put to end without the use of weapons? It was a miracle. Jesus is the one described as, "one stronger." God can crush evil easily. Truly, God is more powerful than anything or anybody; His will will happen.

image courtesy: artist 

Teaching Authority

Jesus fulfilled the Law.

17 [a]“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.[b]-Matthew5:17-19

The gospel reading made me wonder about something and made me remember someone. A world-renowned boxer was initially known for being a devout Catholic. So many people were touched at his piety. One day, he announced that he would leave the Catholic Church in favor of a born-again religious sect. I do not want to judge him, but it made me, and so many others, wonder if he did this just so that he can include it in his achievements - self-made man, millionaire, world-class boxer, philanthropist, politician (sic) and now a preacher. Can anybody preach just like that? Is the desire to be a motivational speaker enough reason to leave a Church in favor of another? What is more important - to preach the Scriptures with one's experiences as fuel, or to preach the Scriptures with years of studies as fuel? Preaching and evangelizing are noble acts and I am touched by men and women who do it, but can anybody just do it? Is there danger if somebody is just plucked from nowhere to do it?

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End your story right

Mercy and forgiveness should be a limitless act.

21 Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 [a]Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. 23 That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. 24 [b]When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. 25 Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. 26 [c]At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ 27 Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. 28 When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount.[d] He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ 29 Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. 31 Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. 32 His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. 33 Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ 34 Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt.[e] 35 [f]So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”-Matthew18:21-35

Jesus' parable said it right. How absurd, isn't it, that when we have wronged others and ask for their forgiveness, we expect to be forgiven - right away if possible. When we have wronged God by committing a sin, we want to be forgiven. However, if there is a reversal of roles, and we are the ones wronged and being asked that we forgive others, we find it very difficult. Sometimes, we do not forgive at all.

Last year I watched a TV series about a wronged wife. Husband enters an affair. Wife finds out about it. Wife wants a temporary separation. Husband does not want the separation, begs for another chance and is willing to end his affair with his mistress. Now wife's dilemma is, should she forgive her husband and give him another chance, or should she push through with the separation (or divorce to some)? So many women said, "Give him another chance" while others said, "Let him go. There are better men out there anyway." I want to say to those women in the last category, "Mercy and forgiveness should be a limitless act. If God can forgive and give many chances again and again, we too can forgive and give many chances again and again. If God can forgive somebody with sincere and humble heart, who are we not to forgive somebody who asks for our forgiveness with a sincere and humble heart?" Once, I begged for mercy, forgiveness and another chance. But they did not give it to me. So now I know how it is like to beg and not be forgiven. Let us then be generous if we want others to be generous to us as well.

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Reject or Accept?

Miracles happen everyday.

24 And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. 25 [a]Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. 26 [b]It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. 27 Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. 29 They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. 30 But he passed through the midst of them and went away.-Luke4:24-30

Elijah and Elisha are two prophets of the Old that inspired me. The widow of Zarephath and her son are about to die because of the famine. All that is left is a small amount of oil and a little amount of flour enough to make a last meal. However, Elijah asked for their generosity, and in turn asked God that the "jug of oil never run dry, and the jar of flour never run empty" during the famine years. Elisha cured Naaman, a great soldier inflicted with leprosy, and that disease is known to be incurable for a long time. Two stories of hope and miracle. God will always send people to help us. But what will be our reaction? Are we going to reject help? Or, are we going to accept it even if it meant depriving ourselves?

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Foolishness and Wisdom

The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.

13 [a]Since the Passover[b] of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 [c]He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves,[d] as well as the money-changers seated there. 15 He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, 16 and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” 17 [e]His disciples recalled the words of scripture, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19 Jesus answered and said to them,[f] “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years,[g] and you will raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.23 While he was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, many began to believe in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. 24 But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all, 25 and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.-John2:13-25

Perhaps it may seem absurd for some to hear, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." A fallen house cannot be rebuilt in just 3 days, how much more a temple. But who can possibly understand or know that Jesus was referring to His body as the true Temple? With our knowledge, wisdom and advancement, it is is still not enough to match even the foolishness of God. For God's foolishness is still wisdom. Our life may seem to be topsy turvy, or full of misfortunes, or full of tragedies. But God can make it straight, and He will do it at the right time and place.

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Find your way home

The Lost was found.

1 [a]The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, 2 but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So to them he addressed this parable. 4 “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? 5 And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy 6 and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.8 “Or what woman having ten coins[b] and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’ 10 In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”11 Then he said, “A man had two sons, 12 and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. 13 After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. 14 When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. 15 So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. 16 And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. 17 Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. 18 I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ 20 So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ 22 But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. 25 Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. 26 He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. 27 The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. 30 But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ 31 He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. 32 But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”-Luke15:1-32

The Gospel reading is very rich in meaning both in a spiritual and personal level. It has clearly shown the endless and overflowing love and mercy of God to us all. If God is merciful, why can't we? If God is forgiving, why can't we? If God is generous in giving second, third, endless chances for us to start over and over again, why can't we give others a chance to start all over again? Why have we become a vengeful and stone-hearted people?

Image courtesy: Mitchelle Tolle 

Through the eyes of God

"God writes straight with crooked lines."

33 “Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,[a] put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. 34 When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants[b] to the tenants to obtain his produce. 35 But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. 36 Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. 37 Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 [c]But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ 39 [d]They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” 41 They answered[e] him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.” 42 [f]Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the scriptures:
‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes’?
43 [g]Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit. 44 [[h] The one who falls on this stone will be dashed to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.]” 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees[i] heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. 46 And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.-Matthew21:33-46

The vineyard represents the house of Israel; the servants represent the prophets; the son represents Jesus; the produce represents the good works; the landowner represents God; and the tenants represent the Pharisees, scribes, teachers of the Law, Elders and other religious leaders during the time of Jesus and prior to that. As I reflected, I asked God, "What would have happened if Jesus was received accordingly? What if everybody repented like the people of Nineveh in Job's time? Will that make You happy? Is it then 'mission accomplished' for Jesus?" I believe God would have been happy to see the people respond to Jesus' invitation to repent and change. But since there are those who do not respond to Jesus, God still weaves His plan and will whatever our decisions may be until such time that we open ourselves to Him. "God writes straight with crooked lines." In today's first reading, Joseph was sold by his brothers to slavery. Later on, he was auctioned in the slave market in Egypt, accused by Potiphar's wife, sent to prison perhaps for a long time. A life of desolation, it was. Perhaps Joseph asked the many "Whys?" "What ifs..." and "How can this be?" while languishing the seeming misfortunes of his life. But a light came. An interpretation of one prisoner's dream (who happened to be Pharaoh's cupbearer) led to an audience with Pharaoh himself. Joseph successfully interpreted the dream of Pharaoh, and after that, was made governor of Egypt and second in command. Now that's a 360 degree reversal of fortune! Later on, the other nations suffered famine, but Egypt was able to survive because of Joseph's work through the message of the dream. And this abundance led his family to Egypt where they lived and survived the famine that could have perfectly killed them if Joseph was never in Egypt. Joseph would say later on, "Now don't grieve and reproach yourselves for selling me, because God has sent me before you to save your lives... God has sent me ahead of you to make our race survive there and to save many of you. So it was not you but God who sent me here..." It takes a great deal of faith and love to say that a misfortune is part of God's plan for a greater good. It is okay to cry. It is okay to weep and languish over life's misfortunes. But behind a misfortune is a multitude of blessing awaiting to happen at the right time and place. Jesus was - using our human language - a victim of a few men's jealousy, a victim of violence, an innocent man condemned to die. But if we have the eyes of God, faith and love, we will all see that this is part of the plan leading to a greater good - Resurrection and salvation for us all.

Image courtesy: artist