Free!

Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.

24 No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,[a] how much more those of his household!
26 “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.[b] 27 What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. 30 Even all the hairs of your head are counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 32 [c]Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. 33 But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.-Matthew10:24-33

"Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known." So many men and women love to take pictures or video of themselves (selfie). Sometimes they take pictures or videos of too personal instances that should should have remained off the record. And when it leaked or acquired in a malicious way by other individuals, alas, what shame, horror and fear there is! "Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known." Let us live in light and truth! Jesus is inviting us to live a blameless life, a life where our conscience cannot say anything against us. There is nothing wrong in taking pictures or videos, but let us do this with maturity and responsibility. Let us try to keep private what needed to be kept private. Let us share to the world that which is for the betterment of the world - Love.

Image courtesy: artist

50-50? 60-40?

50-50?

14 Then the disciples of John approached him and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast [much], but your disciples do not fast?” 15 Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.[a] 16 No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth,[b] for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. 17 People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”-Matthew9:14-17

I tried to sew a piece of cotton cloth with a different type of cloth. No matter how good I sew it with a machine, it just won't work. There is reason and logic in the ordinariness of life and in the simple things we do everyday like putting water in a glass. Today, Jesus is teaching us - not only the reason and logic behind patching cloths and putting new wine into new wineskins - but its deeper meaning that can be applied to life as a whole. Jesus is not disregarding the Old - prophets and the Law - just because He teaches differently and with authority. Rather, He fulfills it. We can say a fusion of two worlds - each complementing the other.

The 'New' is not always the answer; the 'Old' does not always have the answer. Sometimes the brand new 'me,' may work out and at other times, it may not. We need the past to help our present, and we need the present to mold the future. We bring to present the lessons of the past to help shape our future.

Image courtesy: artist

 

Sure Foundation

Lord! Lord!

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,[a] but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you.[b] Depart from me, you evildoers.’
24 [c]“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. 26 And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
28 [d]When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 [e]for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.-Matthew7:21-29

As I reflected, I wondered how is it possible that somebody who has done great things for Jesus is unknown to Jesus? Then I realize that Jesus is in some way warning us about a 'yeast' that is present in the religious leaders of His time. The Pharisees, scribes, priests, and other religious leaders of His time where learned men, experts of the Law and Torah. However, one thing is missing, it seems they do not know the core of the Law which is Love, and Love is God. Like them, Jesus warns us that it is also possible to know Him, that is, we can say, “Jesus is Lord” and at the same time, do not “know” Him. We all can testify that Jesus is the Messiah and yet not do the will of the Father, hence, we commit sin. Classic example is a daily Church goer or an active Christian or a daily Bible reader, yet agrees to corrupt practices, agrees to capital punishment and abortion, judges/condemns others, agrees to torture and other inhuman acts, extra marital affairs, etc. We commit sin because there is no solid foundation on Love of God and Love of neighbor, that is, there is no concrete knowledge of God and His love. If we are founded and set solidly on God and His Love, we will have the grace to say no to sin, to be firm in times of trials and difficulties, and have a grace-filled life. We can do this through daily meditation of the Scriptures, Eucharist, prayer, above all, constant practice of Love like charity. On the other hand, if we are not founded and set solidly on God and His Love, we easily fall prey to sin, dissipation, despair, and “darkness.” What is your life's foundation?

Image courtesy: BlackLButterfly

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

Words said in Love

Stop judging.

1 [a]“Stop judging,[b] that you may not be judged. 2 For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. 3 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? 5 You hypocrite,[c] remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.-Matthew7:1-5

Is it really difficult to be quiet and just refrain oneself from passing judgment? Nowadays, people demand the freedom to express. However, freedom to express does not necessarily mean being harsh, rude and ruthless in speech. I do not agree that harsh, rude and ruthless speech (or bashing to some) is freedom of speech because real freedom is knowing what to say, how to say it, and saying it with love and respect. It is not an impediment or a hindrance but as a way of exercising responsibly that freedom. I do not agree that freedom of speech is all about what we say only, rather, it has something to do also with the effect it will cause others.

One day I was dining with some friends, and one of us happened to be the cook. One friend said out loud that the food is bland. I shushed her and said that we are only eating, we did not cook, we ought to be thankful for the effort of our other friend to cook, and that the food is still a blessing. But my friend said, "Why? Can't I express an opinion?" I said, "Of course, you can. But you do it while considering the feelings of the other person who exerted effort for us." Yes, there is, I think, a thin line between expressing an opinion and judging others. For me, whether it is sharing an opinion, voicing out one's self, fraternal correction, etc., it should be done with love, respect and concern.

Image courtesy: artist

Beyond Boundaries

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors[a] do the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same?[b] 48 So be perfect,[c] just as your heavenly Father is perfect.-Matthew5:43-48

We, humans, love only those we want to love. And when we hate, well, we sure would like to make it known one way or another, directly or indirectly. Jesus pushed the boundaries of love. Actually, Jesus has put a brand new name to love. It is easy to say love your enemies, but it is difficult to do especially if the hurt, pain and anger run deep. But all is possible in the name of love and in the name of God. Remember, Jesus still prayed for those who sent Him on the cross. Jesus forgave Peter and His other disciples for leaving Him. Jesus loved those who are unlovable. He did it when He was very much human. We can do it too through His grace.

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ

Go the extra mile for Love

Love your enemy.

38 [a]“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. 40 If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. 41 Should anyone press you into service for one mile,[b] go with him for two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.-Matthew5:38-42

Jesus is not saying we allow ourselves to be abused or be victimized by violence. Remember, we are born out of love, through love and in love. We are born to love and be loved. Violence is not love. For me, Jesus is inviting us to endure for love. Endurance can be an expression of love too. There are certain things that are not worth fighting for. But there are certain things that are worth fighting for, worth keeping and worth protecting. Some marriages have a happily-ever-after ending. Some marriages have a happily-ever-after ending after surpassing some 'tests' in life. And there are some marriages that are, unfortunately, not a happy one. Come to think of it, most fairy tale endings pass through some difficulties like fighting a dragon, fighting a witch, fighting a strong enemy, etc. If the hero or the heroine surrenders immediately, will there be a good ending at all?

Image courtesy: Frozen

 

Sacred Heart

Blood and Water flowed out.

31 Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, 34 [a]but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 35 An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows[b] that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may [come to] believe. 36 For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled:
“Not a bone of it will be broken.”
37 And again another passage says:
“They will look upon him whom they have pierced.”-John19:31-37

Today is the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We are all invited to reflect on the depth of the love of God for us by sending His Son as an ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Many miracles happen everyday. Some are small. Some are too trivial. While others are too awesome and magnificent. All the same, these miracles are God's way of making His Presence and Love known.

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ

Rooted in Love

Blessedness rooted in Love.

1 [a]When he saw the crowds,[b] he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He began to teach them, saying:
[c]
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,[d]
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 [e]Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 [f]Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
6 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,[g]
for they will be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 [h]Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,[i]
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. 12 [j]Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.-Matthew5:1-12

Who are the blessed? Those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who are merciful, who are clean of heart, who are peacemakers, who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness and those who are insulted and persecuted because of Jesus. The Beatitudes is a teaching of Jesus, and Jesus is Love. Therefore, the Beatitudes are all about Love or rooted in Love. It is a love that makes one selfless and sacrificing for others.

Image courtesy: artist

Blamed on Love?

Love.

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

Love. The secret to a fulfilling life is Love. The secret to a happy life is Love. The secret to peace is Love. The greatest weapon there is is Love. Love has always been pure and good. But some Love is twisted, even perverted by others. Is it the fault of Love? No, it is the fault of our sinfulness and twisted ways. A married man abandoned his family for his mistress. They justify their actions by saying, "Our only sin is to Love." Fools! Sin is the opposite of Love! Love cannot be blamed. Our sinfulness corrupted Love. What to do? How must one combat sin? As Jesus said, ‘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.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ We must love God first and foremost. It is through His love that we can truly love our neighbor purely and sincerely.

Image courtesy: artist

It's Complicated

Conflict of interests.

13 [a]They sent some Pharisees and Herodians to him to ensnare him in his speech.[b] 14 They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” 15 Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him.-Mark12:13-17

The other day, my sister challenged me about same-sex issues. She asked why can't the Church accept same-sex marriages, and so on and so forth. To say that you are not in favor of same-sex marriages will incur the wrath of the LGBT community. To say that you are in favor of same-sex marriages will incur the wrath of many groups, institutions and religions. So what will one say? I felt how Jesus felt when He was being trapped by both the Pharisees and the Herodians. If Jesus says, 'No, don't pay taxes to Caesar,' is a passport to His arrest. If He says, 'Yes, pay taxes to Caesar,' will incur the wrath of the Pharisees. Jesus dealt with the situation by separating one's obligations to God and to political leaders. The challenge to political leaders is to make laws for the betterment of the country and that includes the moral side of it. The challenge to religious leaders is to make the love of God and His Kingdom felt by all but not in a way that is suffocating, judging and condemning. How should one deal with LGBT issues? It's complicated, but the best way to start is to Love them. I do believe that the LGBT community deserves to be treated with respect and love. And I do believe that they can be happier, they can have a fulfilling life, they can have a beautiful life while at the same time attuned to God, to holiness and goodness. We do not have to be people of this 'world' just to achieve happiness.

Image courtesy: artist

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.

Image courtesy: artist

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.

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!

Image courtesy: artist

 

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.

Image courtesy: God's not Dead

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.

Image courtesy: God's Not Dead

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.

Image courtesy: artist

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.

Image courtesy: artist

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.

Image courtesy: artist

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.

Image courtesy: artist