Authority today

Authority is challenged.

27 They returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him 28 and said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” 31 They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘[Then] why did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. 33 So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”-Mark11:27-33

Because Jesus did not conform to the expectations of the chief priests, scribes and elders of His time, they challenged His authority. Perhaps their question really is, 'By what authority are you doing these things since you [Jesus] were not like us? Who gave you the authority to cleanse the Temple if we ourselves allow business inside?' The Gospel reading is a challenge for all especially to the clergy and consecrated men and women. Are we Christ-like despite being in authority? How are we as a leader? How are we as an authority? As a public servant, how am I serving the people who voted for me? As a celebrity, how am I using my fame to touch people's lives? As a doctor, do I really heal or am I after the money?

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The Trinity

The Trinity.

16 The eleven[a] disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. 17 [b]When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. 18 [c]Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore,[d] and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.[e] And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”-Matthew28:16-20

The Father loves the Son. The Son loves the Father. And this love is the Holy Spirit. Such a simple explanation, but the truth is, the Trinity is a mystery. The Father is different from the Son, the Son - Jesus - is different from His Father, and the Holy Spirit is different from the Father and the Son, yet, they are One. Three persons in One. The perfect family. The perfect community. This perfection is shared to us too. We can be a part of this perfection by allowing the Trinity to reign in our lives, and in our interaction with others.

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Make a Wish

Faith that makes miracles.

11 He entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area. He looked around at everything and, since it was already late, went out to Bethany with the Twelve.12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. 13 Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. 14 And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it.15 They came to Jerusalem, and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. 16 He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area. 17 Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written:‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples’? But you have made it a den of thieves.”18 The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they feared him because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 When evening came, they went out of the city.20 Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. 23 Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. 25 When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.” [26 ][c]-Mark11:11-26

[22 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. 23 Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.] But then, why is it that we have so many well-intentioned requests and yet are not granted? Why is it that despite squeezing all the faith in us, still our request is not granted? Why is it that even when bargaining with God, our request is not granted? Because sometimes (or most of the time) what we ask for is not what is truly good for us. Sometimes what we ask for is not in line with the will of God. Sometimes, God would have wanted us to persevere in asking until we are convinced that our petition is granted. The other day, I asked God to give me a chance to go back in time to undo my wrongs and to alter my life. A good request isn't it? I think so many people have done mistakes that they would want to change given a chance that they can travel back in time. But God said to me in prayer, "Are you ready to face the consequences of your actions?" The truth, no. It is easy to ask. It is easy to believe that what we are asking is for the good of all. But sometimes we fail to see what is truly good in the eyes of God.

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Grab the opportunity

Everything started in the grace of God.

46 They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47 On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, he is calling you.” 50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51 Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” 52 Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.-Mark10:46-52

It all began with the grace of God. Without grace, Bartimaeus would not have asked for Jesus' mercy. Bartimaeus knew and felt that 'this is it,' the moment that he was waiting for, this is the day that God's mercy is upon him. And he knew it because of God's grace. The grace of God not only made him realize that that day is a day of mercy, but also a chance to ask God for anything. If he ignored that moment, I don't think he received his sight for God sometimes would like us to articulate to Him what we want even though it is too obvious.

So many chances come our way. The chance to find love. The chance to make it big time. The chance to be free. The chance to make a difference. Sometimes we grab it, and sometimes we don't much to our regret. Today, Jesus is teaching us to be unafraid to voice out what we want to Him. If we want a miracle, let's ask for it. If we want to find love, let's ask for it. If we need His help, let's ask for it. And when the help comes, let us all be ready to accept and embrace it, otherwise, regret will eat us for the rest of our lives.

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Rockstar Status

A true leader is a true servant.

32 They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. 33 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles 34 who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.”
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 He replied, “What do you wish [me] to do for you?” 37 They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” 38 [a]Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. 42 [b]Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. 43 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; 44 whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”-Mark10:32-45

To be a leader, one has to be selfless and a servant of all. S/he does not seek his/her own interests. Sometimes, family and other personal obligations are sacrificed and missed for the sake of service to others. But leadership has certain privileges that cannot be rid of. Leaders are sometimes pampered though they are not asking for it. Leaders are adored. Leaders have a 'following' as they say in social media. James and John surely felt some little privileges just by being with Jesus. If Jesus is a Somebody during His ministry on earth, how much more when He assumes His glorified Self. But Jesus teaches them, His disciples, and also us, that true leadership and discipleship is in the art of following His example. But what of the privileges? If Jesus coped with it and handled it well, He will give us the grace to handle and cope with it as well. The spirit in us must quench the flesh's cravings for such worldly matters.

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Hundred times more

You will receive a hundred times more.

28 Peter began to say to him, “We have given up everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. 31 But many that are first will be last, and [the] last will be first.”-Mark10:28-31

Peter was bold enough to say, “We have given up everything and followed you.” In other words, the disciples of Jesus left everything to follow Him, so what's in it for them? Will there be a reward? For me, one should not ask for a compensation or a reward just because a person sacrificed much for Jesus. The call of Jesus alone is already a privilege, a high recognition, a rare gem these days. In the Gospel, Jesus comforts His disciples and future disciples that their response to the call will never go unnoticed. One shouldn't worry about mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lands, etc. left behind because Jesus generously gives many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lands, and so much more to all who answer His call.

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Can we remain true?

Who, then, can be saved?

17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good?[a] No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.’” 20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
23 [b]Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through [the] eye of [a] needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”-Mark10:17-27

There were specific accounts of the call of some of Jesus' disciples. We know how Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John, Matthew or Levi, and Paul. But in today's Gospel, a rich young man actually turned down the call of Jesus rather than giving up everything and following Him. The power of free will! The young man just lost mega big time! We are all predestined for something. We are born with a purpose or mission. We are set apart for something. As we grow, this purpose or mission becomes clear. God remains true to those whom He called for a purpose or mission. Once He called, it is forever and true. He is not the type that would reject and say, 'It was just a joke. Go home now.' But what about us? Are we true when we make a commitment to this purpose or mission? If God is serious in what He's offering to us, can we be serious, too, in accepting it?

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Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit.

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples[a] were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.[b] The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 [c][Jesus] said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 [d]And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. 23 [e]Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”-John20:19-23

The Holy Spirit would come in so many ways and in so many forms. In Acts2:1-11, the Holy Spirit came in tongues of fire. In today's Gospel, the Holy Spirit came in the form of a breath. Some would describe the Holy Spirit like a diamond with many facets, and each facet is unique. Perhaps the Holy Spirit appeared to us in such an ordinary way today. We know that the Holy Spirit dwells in us. But how do we respond when the Holy Spirit comes knocking in our door today?

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Own discipleship

What concern is it of yours?

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come?[a] What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” 23 [b]So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? [What concern is it of yours?]”24 It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them,[c] and we know that his testimony is true. 25 There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.-John21:20-25

What concern is it of yours? Anybody who hears this line would definitely be taken aback or cringe. But Jesus is teaching Peter that the latter's focus should be primarily in his own discipleship. Like Peter, Jesus is teaching us, too, to focus primarily in our own discipleship or our own soul. We do not remove the speck in another's eye, for we must first remove the log in ours to see better.

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The three-fold question

Jesus and Peter.

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,[a] “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”[b] He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He then said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” [Jesus] said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 [c]Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”-John21:15-19

Yes, it is very noticeable that Jesus addressed Peter by his previous name - Simon, son of John, and not as Cephas. As Simon, son of John, Peter is a man just like the rest, with both strengths and weaknesses. As Cephas or Rock, Peter is a fisher of men, a disciple, a chosen servant of God and successor of Jesus. To whom does Peter truly belong? To the world? Or to Jesus? For me, this is not just a simple Q&A portion. Here, Jesus wants to know if this 'weak' man do really want to be a fisher of men. Here, Jesus wants to know if Peter truly repented. Here, Jesus gives Peter the chance to undo what the latter did in the past (deserting and denying the Messiah) by confirming his love for Jesus at that moment until the end. Here, Jesus wants to know if Peter is willing to leave the 'man' inside of him to be the true fisher of men, shepherd of the flock and successor of Jesus. Well, I do believe Peter answered according to the will of God for him. So too, like him, we are sometimes asked by God. Sometimes we need to confirm and truly embrace with zeal the will of God for us.

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Futuristic people

We are God's gift to Jesus.

20 “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. 22 And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am[a] they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. 26 I made known to them your name and I will make it known,[b] that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”-John17:20-26

Jesus specifically prays for us and for those yet to come. We belong to Him. We are God's gift to Jesus. And where Jesus is, there we must be. It is just so sad that despite this privilege of having a happy and fulfilling life with Him, some people walk away and prefer to live a life where they are in control - as if we can be in control (sic). As Jesus prays for us, we also should pray for one another that we are all finally one in walking towards our true home in Jesus. Earth will be a happy place to be in if we are all one with God.

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Not in this world

Consecrate them in the truth.

11 And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. 12 When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. 14 I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. 15 [a]I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. 17 Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. 19 And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.-John17:11-19

Jesus said, "I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one." Jesus knows that the time is near when He will face Passion, Crucifixion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension. The time is near when He will be with the Father in Heaven. Despite this awareness, Jesus looks upon us who are left behind. We belong to Him. But we still have our earthly pilgrimage to finish to. This earthly pilgrimage is here in the world. But being in the world does not mean that one has to be worldly or to be a slave of the world. Instead, we have the power to make a good and Godly choice to remain rooted in Christ despite living in a world that sees things differently. Years ago, I was put to the 'test' through temptation. Temptation was so sweet that I cannot walk away. I always say in my prayer that it is difficult to walk away and that I just have to give in to it, leading me to sin. Now, through hindsight, intense prayer and a better perspective, all that I can say is, indeed, sin only leads to death, sorrow, suffering and much sadness. If I have a choice to walk away before or if I am given a chance to undo the past, I would do the right thing. But past is past. All that I can do now is to better myself at present to make my future better too. Yes, we have a choice. We can make a good and Godly choice. We can choose not to be a slave of the world and sin.

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Jesus prays for us

Jesus' Prayer.

1 When Jesus had said this, he raised his eyes to heaven[b] and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, 2 [c]just as you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him. 3 [d]Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.
6 “I revealed your name[e] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, 8 because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, 10 and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. 11 And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are.-John17:1-11

This is Jesus' beautiful prayer to the Father. It gives us a glimpse of their love and oneness. Also, Jesus is praying for us. Jesus said, "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them." How blessed are we because we have none other than Jesus praying for us because we belong to God.

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Not Alone

Jesus has conquered the world.

29 His disciples said, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. 30 Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.”[a] 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? 32 Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered[b] to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”-John16:29-33

It is easy to make promises when we are in our comfort zones. But sometimes our words, promises, oaths, vows, alliances and relationships are put to test through trials and difficulties. What we promised in one hour, can be broken in the next. In the Gospel, the disciples' statement truly manifest their faith in Jesus. But Jesus slams it by telling them that they will leave Him alone. And yet, despite this, Jesus is still the One who comforts them. In fact, Jesus who will suffer in the Passion, is the One strengthening them, preparing them and still blessing them with peace. Like His disciples, we, too, are always in the heart of Jesus. No matter what we failed to do, Jesus still beckons us to Himself. He will forgive and welcome us despite the weight of our sins.

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Contact

Jesus ascended into Heaven.

15 He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. 18 They will pick up serpents [with their hands], and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. 20 But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.-Mark16:15-20

It must have been very sad for Jesus' disciples to see their Master go. It is very different when you are with people that you love physically versus spiritually. Even though modern day communications and social media connect people, still it is so different when you are actually conversing with them in person. But Jesus comforts His disciples by assuring them that it is for their good that He leave, and He will leave only to return again (in Spirit that is). If we believe that we are a bodied spirit, then our spirit knows how to communicate with Jesus and knows how to listen to Him spiritually as if in person. We are not orphans, for Jesus lives in each and everyone of us. Jesus is very much present with us as if in real life, but it takes a spiritual eye to see Him.

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Rejoicing Heart

There is another morning for every evening.

20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
21 When a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world.
22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name.-John16:20-23

Nothing lasts forever. When a mother is in labor, the pain seems forever and almost 50% of her body is buried in the ground. Like her, though we find ourselves in deep trouble, in extreme suffering, or endless hopelessness and despair, yet one day, it will all end. And when it does end, there is only happiness, rejoicing and gratitude that we have surpassed the test and emerged as better persons and much stronger. Above all, we have learned and have grown closer to God.

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What to Ask?

Ask and you shall receive.

23 On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. 24 Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
25 [a]“I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father. 26 On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. 27 For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”-John16:23-28

Here, Jesus is inviting us to ask anything in His name, and whatever we ask, the Father will give it. However, when we ask, it has to be sincere. Above all, it should be for our own good or according to the will of God. Once there was a family who wished to win the lottery so that their hunger and difficulties will end. One day, they indeed won the jackpot. They lived a life of affluence and wealth. They bought so many things. Pampered everybody. Lived as if money will never run out. Along with it, they became proud people, refusing to come near anything or anybody that is poor or smelly. Time passed and they woke up one day with nothing. Their money is gone. It was a time of reflection for everybody including me who heard their story. I will be honest that I am one of those who want to win the lottery. But is it worth it if I or my family turn into proud and highly materialistic people? No! I would prefer, though, a little win and little money just to settle a few bills all for the greater glory of God. :D

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Complete Joy

Complete joy!

9 As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. 13 [a]No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends,[b] because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This I command you: love one another.-John15:9-17

If we want a joy that is complete, we have to be open and receptive to the joy of Christ. To receive the joy of Christ, one must remain in His love. To remain in His love, one must keep His commandments - which is still about Love. Is there really such a thing as joy that is complete? I say, "Yes!" Jesus Himself said, 'I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.' To stay in Jesus' love and to keep His commandments also mean doing the will of God. The will of God can also be in the smallest of all actions i.e. being kind to our employees.

Handling Truth

The Spirit of Truth will guide us to the Truth.

12 “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 [a]But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.-John16:12-15

Life is really full of mysteries. We cannot understand why some things happen such as a sudden death to somebody so young, or a failed dream for somebody so promising. We ask God, "Why?" And yes, God answers. But can we handle the truth? Can we really handle all truths? If the truth may be so overpowering, God has sent the Spirit to guide us through it. Truth, no matter how helpful or menacing it may be, will always be beneficial if we allow the Spirit to guide us through it.

Advocate

The Advocate comes.

5 But now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me,[a] ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. 7 But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 [b]And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: 9 sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; 11 condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.-John16:5-11

Yes, it is hard to say goodbye. However, there is more to all relationships than having physical contact. Jesus is saying goodbye to His disciples. Jesus leaves, only to come back again through the Holy Spirit. What is better - to be with Jesus in flesh, or to be with Him in spirit? If Jesus is here in the flesh, He would be subject to the limits of the flesh which is contrary to His true nature. How can He be with all of us - billions of people? In Spirit, Jesus becomes one with us 24/7. He is with me, as He is with you. Actually, since we are a spirited body or a bodied spirit, we can sense Him as clear as though He is in flesh as if He is before us. The question is, are we open to the Spirit?

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Spirit of Truth

"I have told you this so that you may not fall away."

26 “When the Advocate comes whom I will send[a] you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. 27 And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
1 “I have told you this so that you may not fall away. 2 They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour[b] is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. 3 They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. 4 I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.
[c] “I did not tell you this from the beginning, because I was with you.-John15:26-16:4

Sometimes we experience an encounter with God at a certain point in our life that left a very deep impact or a massive turning point or change in us. It can be a loss, bankruptcy, imprisonment, or even death. These experiences bring us closer to God. Jesus is saying to us, "I have told you this so that you may not fall away." If we have Jesus in us, we need not fear. Though very tough times may come our way, Jesus is encouraging us to be steadfast in holding on to the Holy Spirit that says, "Be not afraid. I am with you." Through our own experiences of the presence of God in our life, we can contribute and help in spreading the Good News that Jesus is the true Savior and Messiah, and that He is truly with us alive and guiding us every step of the way.

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God is Love

Love and Commandments.

9 As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. 13 [a]No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends,[b] because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This I command you: love one another.-John15:9-17

They said we make our own love story. The love story of Couple1 will never be the same with Couple2 or with Couple3 even if there are similarities. But I say, God is the one who chooses for us because He is Love and He knows us better than we know ourselves. Some think that it is fate or destiny that they end up with this or that person. But for me, it is a predestined plan of God for us. It is, however, unfortunate that we take the matter into our hands and simply settle for second best. Instead of letting God guide us, we want to control our life. And with this action, we sometimes regret our decision or live a miserable life. Let us allow God, who is Love, to direct our paths to where it should be. Our Lady of Velankanni, pray for us!

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Knowledge of Jesus

Without God, there is chaos.

18 “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. 20 Remember the word I spoke to you,[a] ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,[b] because they do not know the one who sent me.-John15:18-21

Such is the love of God for us. Sometimes the depth and absurdity of God's love is so difficult to fathom. Why not simply eliminate His foes? Why not simply silence the people who hated or persecuted the Christians? The answer is Love. No one is unforgivable. No one deserves damnation if s/he tries to change and be better. God has faith too, in each and every one of us. God believes in us that no matter how chaotic our life or surroundings may be, we will find our way home to Him.

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Friendship

I have called you friends.

12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. 13 [a]No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends,[b] because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This I command you: love one another.-John15:12-17

Everything started in friendship. The best of friends started in a simple friendship. Husbands and wives started as friends. Members of a thriving community must always be-friend one another. Almost always we are friends with many staff and company members. By making His disciples His friends, and by instituting Love as the foundation of the community and the ministry, Jesus has taught all of us how we should be with one another. Wherever we go, we must bring along love with us.

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Commandments and Love

Commandment and Love.

9 As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.-John15:9-11

Jesus said, "If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love." To love is to keep the commandments. To keep the commandments is to love. Commandments and love cannot be separated. Commandments are all about love - loving God and one's neighbor. To love God and one's neighbor is to keep the commandments. I watched a TV series about a very-much married man falling in love with another woman. Later, the man left his family for his mistress. Though they know their sin before God, yet they justify their action by saying, "We did not sin. We only love." Though I champion love, I cannot tolerate a love that rooted from infidelity and unfaithfulness. Jesus is inviting us all to love - love God and to love our neighbor. Yes, there are temptations and 'tests' which challenge our love, faithfulness and fidelity. But we have a choice. We are gifted with a conscience that tells us if sin disguises itself in love.

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Vine and Branches

Bear much fruit!

1 [a]“I am the true vine,[b] and my Father is the vine grower. 2 He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes[c] so that it bears more fruit. 3 You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. 4 Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. 6 [d]Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.-John15:1-8

Such a beautiful reading. It is totally true that without Jesus, we can do nothing. Some atheists would challenge this though. For them, we are naturally endowed with gifts and talents. Thus, we can do things on our own. But then, one would wonder - where exactly did we get the gifts and talents? How come we have these gifts, but it is not given to the rest of the animals? I have experienced being stripped of everything. Yes, I really have nothing, everything is gone. As I started picking myself again, and as I filled up an application form, I realized how nothing I am. No matter how excellent my answers are or how brilliant I am, if it is not the will of God, I cannot push through at all or go anywhere. Thus, I can say, we need Jesus in our life. Without Him, we are totally lost, and we cannot bear fruit at all. It is only through Jesus that great things can happen to us.

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A Kind of Peace

The peace of Jesus.

27 Peace[a] I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 28 [b]You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. 30 I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world[c] is coming. He has no power over me, 31 but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up, let us go.-John14:27-31

Some people say that peace is the absence of war. Well, Jesus lived at the time when His country is conquered by the Romans. Yet, Jesus gave His followers 'Peace.' Can one live and feel in peace in the middle of war and oppression? "Not as the world gives do I give it to you." Jesus' peace is not the same as the peace that the world gives. What kind of peace? The peace that comes from the confidence and faith that Jesus is with us and has never abandoned us. This peace gives hope and courage. This peace makes one rise up and try again. This peace lets go and forgives.

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Jesus reveals Himself

Jesus reveals Himself to those who love Him.

21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” 22 Judas, not the Iscariot,[a] said to him, “Master, [then] what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.
25 “I have told you this while I am with you. 26 The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you.-John14:21-26

So many people claim that they cannot see God nor can they relate to Jesus. They say, "It happened a long time ago." or "Religion is outdated in our modern world." or even question "Can it be true?" Today, Jesus has answer to them, "And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him." To see Jesus, one must love Him. Love means believing. There are many ways to know Jesus such as - one must open one's mind to the Scriptures, one must open one's heart to Love, and one must be open to grace.

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Transcendence

Jesus will never leave us.

7 If you know me, then you will also know my Father.[a] From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father,[b] and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. 12 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.-John14:7-14

There are people who say that religion is outdated. Some people say, "Why do you still want to believe on something or Someone that existed a long time ago? Can it really be true?" As for me, I believe in Jesus and/or His works. If it is difficult to believe in His person, then "believe because of the works themselves." The problem with many of us is that we want everything to be seen, heard, touched, smelled or tasted. Well, there are things that go beyond the limits of nature and the universe - and that is Faith, Hope and Love.

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Pruning

God prunes us that we many grow more.

1 [a]“I am the true vine,[b] and my Father is the vine grower. 2 He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes[c] so that it bears more fruit. 3 You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. 4 Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. 6 [d]Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.-John15:1-8

As I reflected, I asked myself if God truly takes or cuts away a branch - that is, reject us. If it is so, that will be contrary to His image as a Father and a Good Shepherd. I do believe that God never rejects, rather He prunes and prunes and prunes. Nobody is too slow to be overlooked. Nobody bears too little to be rejected. Nobody just suddenly stops bearing fruit or stops doing good. Remember, we are born good right from the start. God prunes us so that virtues will come out, or the good in us will come out. However, since pruning means cutting, sometimes we are pained along the way. Today, Jesus is encouraging us to not be afraid because He means well if He prunes us. When He prunes us, it is expected that we will bear much much fruit - and these fruits will make our lives more fulfilling, beautiful and enriching.

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A trifle thing

Much is lost because of their lack of faith.

54 [a]He came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished[b] and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? 55 Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? 56 Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” 58 And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.-Matthew13:54-58

As I reflected on the gospel reading, I was saddened in some way by Jesus' town mates. Because they knew Him, they couldn't believe that Jesus can be greater. For them, Jesus will always be a carpenter just like His father, the boy next door, the man across the street, anything except a great Man. Sometimes we are like that too. We cannot believe that somebody so little before can be great today. Perhaps it is because of jealousy? Or perhaps our ego was hurt by other's success? Jesus is teaching us how much grace is lost when one gives in to jealousy. Let us then be free of it! Let us rejoice when our neighbors receive much blessings!