God's Not Dead

I testify to God's Chosen One.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”-John1:29-34

In the Gospel reading, John testified to Jesus as God's Chosen One. Jesus' disciples and followers continued what John started, and up to this time, continue in being Jesus' witnesses. There are instances when we need to be strong and firm in our faith. And if necessary, be a strong voice for God, for truth and for what is right and good. Are we willing witnesses of Jesus as the Messiah and God's Chosen One? Are we confident to stand by God even if we are surrounded by people who do not believe in Him?

Image courtesy: God's Not Dead

God's Not Dead! He Lives Forever!

Blessed are they who open themselves to God.

21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”-Luke10:21-24

Blessed indeed are the eyes and ears that saw and heard Jesus during His active ministry. We still see and hear Him though obscurely and in faith. How I wish for the time when finally I would see clearly God's Presence through the grace of beatific vision.

Jesus pointed out that the childlike are the ones who easily see and believe in God, whereas the wise and the learned - the thinkers of this time - cannot easily accept Him. The knowledge of God will always be hidden to anyone who does not have a childlike heart. This knowledge is not difficult to gain because what is needed is simple openness, acceptance and understanding that God is alive and lives among us and is in us. Once we opened to this grace, the flood gate of knowledge is opened making us see and understand Him according to our capacity. Strange that thinkers would like to prove that God existed mathematically, scientifically and philosophically. But once proven that indeed He existed, the thinkers use the fact against Him.

I saw the movie "God's Not Dead" the other day and I was so touched by the many students, men and women who defended God, who stood by God, and bravely defied their professors and teachers who taught the opposite. Indeed, these students, men and women are God's instruments, warriors and in some way, present day "Martyrs." Yes, they shared the hardships and persecutions of the early Christians who bravely surrendered themselves for the Faith.

Are we brave enough to stand by God today?

Image courtesy: G. Dore (Paradiso) and 'God's Not Dead' movie