A brand new life

Bright morning has come at last.

1 When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go and anoint him. 2 Very early when the sun had risen, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb. 3 They were saying to one another, “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back; it was very large. 5 On entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe, and they were utterly amazed. 6 He said to them, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Behold, the place where they laid him. 7 But go and tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.’”-Mark16:1-7

If the past days are marked by anticipation and sobriety as we relive Jesus' Passion, Crucifixion and Death, now is the beginning of a series of Celebrations as we relive Jesus' Resurrection and Triumph over death and sin. Darkness will give way to Light. Sadness and sorrow will give way to Happiness and Joy. Death will give way to Life. But take note, despite Peter's denial, the white-robed young man (assumed to be a messenger of God) specifically mentioned the name of Peter as one of those who must go to Galilee to meet Jesus. Yes, despite what happened, indeed God remains faithful to us. God does not want us to be disheartened and discouraged if ever we have committed mistakes in life because He will always forgive us and show us His infinite mercy and compassion. The question is, are we willing to ask forgiveness? Are we willing to return to Him?

Image courtesy: artist

Jesus Christ is born for us!

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”-Luke2:1-14

Christ is born for us! The Word became flesh and continues to dwell in us! Have a blessed Christmas!

A life of such

We are a 'house of prayer.'

45 When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’[a]; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’[b]”

47 Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48 Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.-Luke19:45-48

Each person is a house of prayer, that is, each individual is a holy sanctuary, a dwelling place of God, a Temple. What we do against others or every time we sin, is a defilement of our holiness and sacredness.

Many people today prefer a life of dissipation or debauchery. Parties here and there. Drugs here and there. Spending money here and there. Sex here and there. Physical and facial surgeries here and there. In other words, over-indulging one's self. But at the end of the day, all these things never give true happiness. But perhaps these people are already contented with superficial happiness.

A life of dissipation and debauchery will never bring true happiness even if it was packaged as the coolest thing on earth. Besides, a life of such makes us a mere 'den of robbers.'

Image courtesy: El Greco (Clearing of the temple); Hannah More quote