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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Did you forget something?

Stay humble. Stay focus.

1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 [b]saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens[c] [hard to carry] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. 5 [d]All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6 [e]They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, 7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 8 [f]As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.-Matthew23:1-12

This is true, very true. This warning of Jesus against the yeast of hypocrisy is not only for the Pharisees of His time, but also for the present religious, government, community, social and world leaders. A true leader is well-meaning and originally is selfless. However, along the way something happens where the leaders must make a decision about where they want to be. Do they want to be the leader of the people, selfless, dedicated, serving? Or, do they want to be a leader for life, living in a life of luxury, always respected, always honored, willing to take the crooked path for ambition? Sad to say, many go in the second category. Salt has lost its saltiness. Leaders lost the very essence why they are in their position, who they are, and what they are supposed to do.

I remember a story (forgive me if I cannot remember the exact location and details). There is a part of the coasts where shipwrecks are frequent. Some people decided to put up a first-aid camp to help the victims of shipwrecks. Then they decided to make the first-aid camp bigger and better by putting in beds, refreshments and lounging areas for the people. Later still, they decided to make the camp into a clubhouse. Then, no more first-aids, no more 'save the people', no more 'care for the people.' One of the original founders broke from this and decided to put up a first-aid camp to save the shipwrecked victims just like before. Along with some other people, it was a success because they are helping and doing what they really want to do - to care, to give shelter. Then they decided to make the first-aid camp bigger and better by putting in beds, refreshments and lounging areas for the people. Later still, they decided to make the camp into a clubhouse. Then, no more first-aids, no more 'save the people', no more 'care for the people.' Jesus is inviting us to be very careful against the yeast of hypocrisy, of ambition, of losing our 'saltiness,' above all, of losing our purpose. He is calling us to live in humility.

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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.

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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.

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The Big Yes

Somebody's calling you.

14 After John had been arrested,[a] Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: 15 “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

16 As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. 17 Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 18 Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. 19 He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. 20 Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.-Mark1:14-20

The call is so mysterious. Indeed, why did Jesus choose common folks? Were there not an abundance of learned men during His time? Were not Pharisees, Sadducees, Elders, Scribes or "more deserving people" in abundance during Jesus' active ministry? God's ways are indeed not our ways. God's thoughts are not our thoughts. God has planned it all way ahead of time. God has already pre-destined men and women for a role they are to fill later on. The plan is there. The destined role is there. The stage is there. All that is missing is our Yes. Our "Yes" to God is not so difficult to give as exemplified by His disciples' response.

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The Essence of our Mission, Profession and Purpose

Remember the heart of the mission.

13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”-Mark2:13-17

There are certain individuals who are entrusted with a mission. Some individuals seek a certain profession (i.e. medical doctor), usually and normally with pure intentions. Unfortunately, there are those who forgot or lost the essence as to why there are entrusted with a mission, or why they are professionals. Some religious who ran hospitals originally have pure intentions - to heal the sick. But now, the very religious who promised to heal and care for the sick, refuse the sick if the latter has nothing to pay! In the same way, the leaders that we elect to serve the country are the very ones who corrupt the country! What has happened to us?

Jesus is encouraging us to always remember the heart and essence of our mission and profession. If we are doctors, we do not turn away the sick. If we are government workers, we serve the people. If we are teachers, we teach. If we are clergy members and religious men/women, we do not lose being Christ to others.

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Mission and Purpose

Attach and Detach.

29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.-Mark1:29-39

When we found a place that we call 'home,' sometimes it is difficult to let it go. Parents grieve over their children who must leave home to study, or marry or work somewhere else. It pains to leave a good job. It pains to leave a place that we learned to love. As I reflected in today's Gospel, I cannot help but wonder if Jesus felt at home in Simon's town. Remember that Jesus and His disciples are always traveling, perhaps sleeping on the road, eating leftover food. But when they stayed in Simon's house, there was possibly a bed for them, warm food and welcoming people. Perhaps it was nice to stay there, but Jesus was firm and focused in His mission and purpose - He was not born for a selected group of people only but to all mankind. What about us? If we know God's mission and purpose for us, are we willing to embrace and accept it even if it means leaving our comfortable life?

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Mission and Purpose

Our mission and purpose may lie somewhere.

12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.-Luke6:12-16

As I read and reflected, a part of me wondered what kind of men (and women) the other disciples - who were not chosen - are like. We know the composition of the 12 - fishermen, tax collector, zealot, a traitor and others. But what about the other disciples?

Why are they not chosen? Are there lettered men (and women)? Are there synagogue officials? Is there a Pharisee that secretly followed Jesus? One thing is certain, Jesus spent the night in deep prayer before making an important decision. As I reflected, grace has been given to me to realize that the 12 apostles were predestined long before they were born to be in Jesus' intimate circle of believers. It does not mean that the other followers and disciples were bad that's why they were not chosen. It is most likely that their capabilities, skills, talents and gifts are much utilized if they are not in the inner circle. It's like they glorify and help in Jesus' ministry more if they are not in the inner circle. Notice that for every town, there are always persons who are more religious than the rest. For every religious persons, there will always be those who are set apart to be a priest, religious brother or sister. For every priest, there will always be those who are still set apart to be bishops. For every bishops, there will always be those who are still set apart to be a cardinal.

And for every cardinal, there will always be one who will be a pope later on. Yes, we all have a mission. We all have a purpose. And it lies somewhere in our hearts waiting to be known. The Gospel reading is not just about the 12 who were chosen and not just about praying before making an important decision, but also Jesus' way of reminding us of our mission and purpose alongside with Him.

Image courtesy: Huffington Post, various artists