A Beautiful Blessing

What, then, will this child be?

57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 [a]When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
... 80 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.-Luke1:57-80

“What, then, will this child be?” Every child has a promising future. S/He can be the next president, an astronaut, a company founder, a well-meaning medical doctor, a brilliant scientist, a beloved child that will be there for his/her parents, etc. A baby is never a mistake because primarily it did not choose to be conceived, it did not choose his/her parents, it did not choose the time, place and circumstances of its birth. A baby is always a blessing even though the circumstances surrounding his/her conception might be a little wrong. Why condemn an innocent and pure baby for the wrongs made his/her parents? St. John the Baptist's birth is a reminder to us all that a baby is a blessing from the Lord, a beautiful creation of God fashioned after His image and likeness.

Image courtesy: artist

Spirit + Body

Where did we come from?

31 The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven [is above all]. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. 34 For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift[a] of the Spirit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.-John3:31-36

Some say that each person is gifted with a body and a spirit. The wisdom evolved. They say we have a spirited body, meaning - a body with a spirit. Then the wisdom still evolved. They say we have a bodied spirit, meaning - a spirit with a body. With these premises, we acknowledge that before we are born, a Mighty Hand was behind our creation. Whether we were created as a spirit first or a body first, one thing is certain, God has given us both body and spirit. Therefore, we are never created primarily to be earthly beings. Rather, beings on a pilgrimage here on earth. It is so sad that the path to our true Home - Jesus Himself - is so taken for granted or twisted to satisfy our earthly needs. But all is not lost for Jesus never gives up to search and find His sheep.

Image courtesy: artist

Mysteries are Born

Life is full of mysteries.

26 He said, “This is how it is with the kingdom of God;[a] it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land 27 and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. 28 Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

30 He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. 32 [b]But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. 34 Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.-Mark4:26-34

Yesterday, I was reading about the finding of scientists on our planet's magnetic field. According to them, the magnetic field mystery is mystery no more! However, science for me is like a sponge. When you look at it on first glance, it seems compact and solid, meaning - full of answers. But once you look at it closer or squeeze it, you will find that it is hollow inside, meaning - there is still a vast and endless abyss of mystery and unanswered questions. Much of the world and much of life is left unanswered. I was asking myself why - in the very first place - there is a magnetic field. Why of all things in this world, a magnetic field was there at the core of the planet? Is there a more and deeper explanation to its existence? Take a look also at the seed. Why does a seed turn into a grown plant when planted? Why can't it turn bigger and bigger instead? Why did Jane chose John for a husband despite the fact that he is far from being a prince charming? In the same way, the Word of God, once planted in our lives, grows and we know not why, but all that we see are the acts of love and kindness that we do to others. Jesus continues inviting us to enter the mystery of His plan and purpose for us. We know not why we are created, but the moment we love and do good to others, we are given glimpses and answers to our existence.

Image courtesy: artist (abyss)

Pay Attention

... with the measure you use, it will be measured to you...

21 And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? 22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. 25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”-Mark4:21-25

Each person has a purpose and it will always be made known. Even if s/he hides it or makes it a secret, it will always be made known. Several times did Jesus prevent people (and even evil spirits) from saying who He really was, yet it cannot remain a secret. We all have flaws, shortcomings and moments of sinfulness. But it is not who we really are and it is not the purpose of our creation. We are created for one purpose and that is to LOVE - to love God and our neighbor. From love comes fear of the Lord, forgiveness, humility, gratitude, mercy, compassion and so much more.

"The measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you." The love that we give will return back to us, much more even. The evil that we do to others will return back to us, much more even. That's why it is better to live our lives according to the light and guidance of God.

Image courtesy: D.Lambert