Wednesday of Holy Week

Hail to you, our King, obedient to the Father; you were led to your crucifixion like a gentle lamb to the slaughter.  Verse before Gospel

Jesus is the sacrificial offering, the Lamb of God offered up for our sins so that we may live. In the Old Testament, offerings were the prescribed way the Jews would worship God with appropriate reverence. There were various types of offerings to symbolize different things. A sin offering was made to make atonement for their sins. So Jesus became our sin offering for His death on the cross took away our sins once and for all. He was the ultimate sacrifice.

Sacrifice is a word that doesn’t sit so well in today’s context, and yet, when we throw love into the equation, it changes everything. For love we are willing to sacrifice much as Jesus did, who knowingly and peaceably went to His extremely painful death just because He wanted to redeem us. As His disciples, we may not have to prove our love for Him by crucifixion, but we are called to do His will which may require dying to self in numerous ways. 

What is key in all this is obedience to the Father. Jesus always did as His Father desired, which meant He was without sin, loving, and always reaching out to others such that they were never the same - they were invariably better, happier, stronger people.  

Thank you, Lord, for loving us, and for dying for us. Teach us to be obedient as you were, and to be gentle in all our ways as You were.

Tuesday of Holy Week

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”  John 13:21

Sin is a funny thing, you start small, merely bending the rules, but before you know it, you have stepped into quicksand and might even be breaking the law. It doesn’t even take very much or very long to get there. Soon you find yourself hiding in darkness.

Judas was a disciple, a follower of Christ, but he had dishonest tendencies, petty thievery. Sadly this caused him to have a wonky conscience and his greed eventually led to his betrayal of someone he obviously loved and respected. He later realizes the error of his ways but it is too late. Out of deep guilt and most probably horror, he throws the money away and he kills himself. Rather than go down that tragic route, it is better to acknowledge your sins and turn back to Christ whom we know is forgiving and compassionate. After all, Christ died to redeem us so you are already redeemed if you say yes to following Him.

True repentance means not sinning again in such a manner or to such a degree. On the way back to Christ we will, of course commit the same sins and fail repeatedly. But one hopes with time, things improve and we learn continence, ever honing new virtues. It takes great effort, abject humility, much prayer and the frequent availing of the sacraments, but it is possible to be better than you were yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that.

Keep on trying every new day, don’t give up like Judas did. Do not hide your sins as Judas did, layering one on top of the other. Painful as truths may be, they are also liberating so embrace God’s truth every day in repentance so that even if you betray the Lord, there is a way home, out of the darkness.  

Monday of Holy Week

Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, Upon whom I have put my Spirit;  Isaiah 42:1

If there is one thing I would like to hear the Father say to me, it is these opening lines from Isaiah chapter 42. It tells me I have been obedient to Him and that I have served Him in a manner which makes Him happy. He is never far from me for I choose to bear His Spirit within me, just as He chose me and singled me out to carry out His plans for Him. 

God chooses each one of us specifically to do His will in ways that are unique to each of us. We each have a personal mission. And yet, at the same time, our personal missions hold a common thread through them, and that is the love of God. We are all called to glorify Him by bringing His love into the world in visible and influential words and actions. 

What we do on a day to day basis, and in the months and years ahead of us, we must do with careful attention and cheerful care. 

Each day we must choose to be on the side of the Christ, to be like Him as He is described here.  He was someone who brought justice to the nations, shedding light such that the blind see, prisoners were set free and those who live in darkness were released from the bleakest dungeons.

Let us honour Jesus today for what He did to set us free, to help us see, and that is to go to His death willingly. 

Lord Jesus, may I die to myself and become bread broken for others as You were. 

May I please Our Father as You did, as much as You did. 

Lenten Reflection Day 40

he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Philemon 2:8-9

And so we have entered into Holy Week with Palm Sunday. What seemed to be a triumphal entry into Jerusalem descended all too quickly into an arrest, false trial, agonizing scourging, excruciating crowning with thorns and a cruel crucifixion. This harsh ending for the Son of God was foretold much earlier on by prophets inspired by the Lord. Jesus Himself knew what was coming up. He probably knew, at a tender age, what His mission in the world was. 

How does one live knowing one is going to die with great persecution and suffering? I have to admit when I attended the Stations of the Cross, something in me rejected the idea of accepting my sufferings as Christ did. It is not humanly possible to welcome pain and suffering with such calm equanimity. 

But as Christians, we do have some formidable weapons to help us. We have the power of the Eucharist and the Spirit of God to give us supernatural courage and steadfastness. We have the years of discipline of centring ourselves on Jesus to draw on strength. We also have the loving support of the Christian community, brothers and sisters who lift us up on wings of prayer. 

A peaceful passing from this earth is granted to only a few so I will most likely suffer before I die. May I be given the humility and obedience of Christ at that crucial time and look forward to life eternal after death. 

 

Lenten Reflection Day 39

he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.  John 11:51-52

We are about to enter into Holy Week and the readings reflect the imminence of Jesus’ death. His death as described by the Passion was a horrific one and it is quite easy to get caught up in the gory details and stay in sorrow. But the one main message remains, and that is love.

Out of love, Christ will die to save all of us. Out of love, God doesn’t give up on us and instead, through the sacrifice of His Son, He will gather into one all His scattered children. It is a purifying love, full of sanctifying grace, and it perseveres to the end. It is a love that refuses to die as seen by Christ’s resurrection and ascension. The best thing about the love of God is Jesus leaves us a Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, who is with us wherever we go.  

His is a presence who brings us supernatural grace such as wisdom, encouragement, comfort and helps us maintain a close and vibrant relationship with Jesus. If there is one thing we can learn from this heinous decision of the Pharisees, it is that murder is so easy to commit when we allow our pride to judge others meanly and when we reject the Father’s loving promise - the promise of covenantal peace and a chance to live forever. 

As Ezekiel 18:31 exhorts: Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the LORD, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.

Lenten Reflection Day 38

Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.” And many there began to believe in him.  John 10:41-42

Saint Paul tells the Ephesians in chapter 2 verse 8:  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Faith is a gift that God extends to all humankind. From time immemorial He has never stopped extending the invitation to believe in Him and to enter into a covenantal relationship with Him. 

Baptism is the entry point for every believer where we are not only cleansed from all our sins but we enter into new life with the Holy Spirit residing within us. Besides the ability to gain entry into heaven, as a child of God, the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to grow in faith, hope and love. We are better able to grow in virtue and to reach out confidently in love to others so that they, too, may experience the light and love of the gospel through us. Baptism brings an inner strength to the human spirit, a strength marked by peace and joy even in the worst storms of life.

Sadly the Jews refused to even believe in the good works, the many miracles Jesus performed. Instead they sought to kill Him for blasphemy. It is those who first believed in the God of John the Baptist who came to believe in Jesus. Where are we today, are we like the Jews who stubbornly clung onto pride or fear to the point of sin and death?  Or do we step out in faith, tapping into our baptismal graces, going boldly where He wills, thereby earning the right to everlasting life?  

Lenten Reflection Day 37

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”  Luke 1:38

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is one of our most important feast days for it was at this encounter between the angel Gabriel and Mother Mary that she conceived, and thus the incarnation of Christ happened, right within her womb. Reflecting on the mystery of the Annunciation never ceases to amaze me and to inspire me. This sincere and humble yes of a young girl to the announcement of an angel after one simple clarification changed the course of history around the world. 

The incisive insight Mary had, that what she was hearing was an actual message from God, and the firm, swift faith with which she made her decision speaks volumes of who she was, a young woman who clearly loved God with all her heart, with all her soul, with all her strength and with all her mind (Luke 10:27). In Mary we find an exemplar of living faith and great love, someone to be much admired and emulated.

I have heard countless stories of people who returned to the Lord because of Mother Mary. She has always been a kindly presence in my life especially when I stayed away from Jesus. And she is certainly instrumental in the deepening of my faith for I have found a more intimate relationship with her son Jesus because of my devotion to her. I consecrated myself to her in 2016 and have found, through Mary an extremely enriching consecration to Jesus himself. 

We would do well to always heed her advice regarding her son in John 2:5 - Do whatever He tells you.

Lenten Reflection Day 36

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.  John 8:31-32

Jesus promises those who believe in Him that they can be true disciples; they just have to remain in His word. Jesus who is the Word made flesh, the Son of God who came to redeem us so that we may gain eternal life, tells us simply to be like Him. 

The Bible is our book of reference that helps us to become like Him. It shares with us what He did, what He was all about, and what God, our Heavenly Father did through history. As Saint Jerome said: Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. Other ways to study and know Him are sacred Tradition, the teachings of the Church, and people like Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, all those we call saints who teach us how to be just like Him. 

Contemplate His face in prayer and find Him in all the practices of faith set out. Be good. Be kind. Be obedient. Be loving. Believe. We actually know all the ways that will make us good disciples and many truths that can set us free. The question is do we embrace the truths, the ways, the life of Christ, not just today but every day? It’s a long road ahead, we will get weary and distracted, dispirited, so we must persevere in His word for the truths set within will sustain us, refresh us, inspire us and liberate us for the journey.

Lenten Reflection Day 35

 The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.”  John 8:29

There is only one thing we need do as followers of Christ, and that is to do what is pleasing to His Heavenly Father, just as Jesus did. Jesus knew His Father was with Him every step of the way, especially when it came time for Him to finish what He was sent to do. To know and do the will of the Father such that He finds us delightful means we must know the heart of the Father intimately. 

Most parents know exactly what their children prefer. Conversely, not many children know what their parents like, unless, out of deep gratitude and love, they have actually paid close attention and sought to serve their parents, to give back as a means of thanking them.  

Do we behave like filial and loving children? 

Do we seek wholeheartedly to do what is pleasing to Him? 

Have we listened carefully in order to carry out what He desires for us, trusting He knows what’s best for us? 

Do we seek the good of others even at our own inconvenience? 

Do we obey Him in all things? 

These are questions worth pondering each day. 

To know the heart of our Father requires first a heart of gratitude, followed by a tongue of praise, and cheerful, generous and untiring hands that bring light and life to the world around us. 

Let us cultivate these pleasing attitudes of Christ, lest we are doomed by our disobedience and our sin. 

Lenten Reflection Day 34

Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side. Psalm 23:4

Two women stand accused of adultery. One was Susanna, a woman of virtue who was wrongfully accused for she refused to submit to the evil intentions of two lustful men. The other a guilty, unnamed woman who was brought to Jesus by the Pharisees to test Jesus on the law. Both were in danger of being stoned to death and most probably praying hard for their lives.  

God heard and intervened.  Susanna trusted God wholeheartedly and God used Daniel to expose the wicked lies of her two accusers. While Jesus kept silent and merely reminded those present that only one who had not sinned should cast the first stone. When everyone left eventually, Jesus forgave the woman her sin and told her to sin no more. 

The message is clear, trust in God and God alone. He is our Good Shepherd who will guide us and protect us from evil. Even when tragedy strikes, He will be there with us, and will help us to overcome our sorrows. Continue to put your hope in Him, stay away from sin, and call on Him unceasingly in times of trouble. 

Lenten Reflection Day 33

 “I am troubled now.  Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour.  John 12:27

So it seems that He was human after all

That he could be troubled by how it would all end

Rejection, persecution, torture, crucifixion.

Only by dying can others live in the light 

Given a fighting chance for eternal salvation

God’s gift to those who would obey

His purpose was as clear as day.

If I truly follow Him then my purpose is equally clear 

Obedience to the Father in all matters

Especially in what matters most to me

To die to self and produce much fruit

Be humble, small as a tiny grain of wheat 

It all sounds most difficult, it is.

There is a way though, it is through Jesus.

As He glorified the Father by obeying perfectly 

So can I, if I do as He does.

A life of prayer, fasting and alms giving

Graces will be given if I begin each new day

Asking for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. 

Lord, let me be ready when my hour comes

Give me strength, give me purpose

So that I may be with you in eternal life 

As You are with me in this life on earth.  

 

Lenten Reflection Day 32

“You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”  John 7:52

When we make up our minds about people and refuse to alter our views no matter what, we are guilty of being judgemental. Prejudice colours our thoughts, commonly fuelled by insecurity, fear, pride and envy. No matter what our friends, peers or elders say, we refuse to listen and may even resort to lashing out irrationally as the Pharisees did to Nicodemus who merely pointed out what due process of the law was.

The Pharisees clearly disparaged Jesus’ humble beginnings, refusing to believe a carpenter’s son had anything to teach them, and they were furious when he showed them up time and time again. When they witnessed his many miracles of healings and saw his rise in popularity, this was their tipping point from derisive scorn into murderous anger.

The lessons we can draw from today’s readings are significant. We must take care never to think ourselves above others just because we happen to be “good” followers of Christ. If we truly follow Christ, then we must welcome everyone in our midst, respect and love every fellow human being, and care for especially the least of our brothers and sisters among us. 

As kingdom builders we are called to build relationships and bonds, not to  separate or isolate ourselves from “sinners” or people whom we deem unworthy of our attention. And finally it’s important to keep an open mind about people, judging them with impartiality and compassion, not sanctimonious indifference. 

Lenten Reflection Day 31

the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.  Matthew 1:20

Today is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and father of our saviour Jesus Christ. It always astounds me how Saint Joseph sought to protect Mary even when he was “cuckolded”. Most other men would have fed her to the wolves and it would have been well within their right. Yet, here he was, still solicitous of her situation until he received divine revelation that the child in Mary’s womb was the Messiah. Then ever obedient, he did as the Lord commanded him. What a noble man.

Pope Francis proclaimed this year as the Year of Saint Joseph as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the declaration by Pope Pius IX of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. In His Apostolic Letter Patris corde (With a Father’s Heart) Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as “the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence,” who nonetheless played “an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”

Saint Joseph is truly an inspiration for all of us, of an ordinary man who took on the role of guardian of Jesus and Mary and shows us, as Pope Francis writes, how to be a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.

Not much is written about him in Scripture but the silence speaks volumes. We have much to learn from such a man who walked with God so intimately that he became the earthly father to Jesus, inculcating his own deep faith, his patience and his gentleness. Saint Joseph, show us how to love Jesus as you did, and teach us to be obedient to the Father as you were. 

Lenten Reflection Day 30

and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent.  John 5:38

In John’s gospel, chapter 1, Jesus is identified as the Word of God, the Word that became flesh, who brought life and light into the world. As His followers, we are recipients of His grace and truth. Unfortunately there are times, all too many, when we eject Jesus from our hearts and reject His ways completely. 

Every time we sin, every time we are unloving, ungracious and  unforgiving, we behave as though we do not believe in Jesus. Often we allow ourselves to follow idols of our own making, and lose sight of He who came to bring us eternal life. We begin to dwell in darkness, descending into a world of self-righteous, judgemental rigidity. 

It is easy to follow rules, statutes and ordinances, but Jesus came to reveal a higher order of religion, the practice of a faith that is filled with love, alive and transformative. He teaches us to love in a way that is frankly impossible. It is only possible when we submit to Him and allow Him to school our hearts, to make us over in such a way that we become His channels of grace in this world. In so doing, we ourselves will experience His blessings in impossibly rich and ineffable ways. 

When we come into our heritage as beloved children of God who live only to glorify His name, we can call ourselves true believers for then Jesus lives and loves in us and through us. Till then, we try our best. And when we fall, we pick ourselves up and try again. Don’t stop believing. Ever.

Lenten Reflection Day 29

Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.  John 5:25

There is an eschatological theme in today’s readings where the Father will bless those who have kept the faith in this life with a promise of eternal life. The image of eternal union with God is a beautiful one as foretold by Isaiah (chapter 49) where the heavens rejoice and the earth breaks forth into song. Again and again we are told of God’s faithfulness, His graciousness and mercy. He never forgets us like the loving Father He is, and He is incapable of abandoning us.

However, the question remains do we say yes to this promise of living gloriously forever?  Or do we choose to remain dead, even now, living life apart from Him? The reality is we have to choose: either to have Jesus in our lives or to walk on our own. There are no two ways about it, and there is an immediacy to this decision, going by Jesus’ words in John, chapter 5. 

Many believe, if their actions are anything to go by, that given God’s merciful and forgiving disposition, they can choose to “be good” later on, that worldly pleasures are more important now. If only one knew the exact minute one will die. A last minute decision might actually be too late. What’s more, good things, truly good things like a harmonious marriage, a peaceful family life and satisfying friendships are good fruit enjoyed by those who work for it by applying godly principles of love day after day. 

Perhaps the most compelling reason to say a fullhearted yes today is you get to live in the light of His love where you are nourished every day with His peace and a sense of deep joy. He lifts you up when you fall, He raises you when you are bowed down, He is near when you call Him, and He is ever so gentle and kind (see Psalm 145). He is the best Daddy ever for He always knows how to make you feel better when you are down. And Jesus is the eternal Bridegroom who loves, honours and respects you such that you will glow with great contentment day after day when you grow your relationship with Him. So consider a new and glorious life not only in your eternal future but in your very present day.

Lenten Reflection Day 28

 

Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.  John 5:8-9

Sometimes we can be like the lame man in John’s gospel, we don’t make any effort to progress in life, preferring to just lie there and moulder away in self-pity. We even make excuses for not trying at all, whining about the rough deal life has dealt us. 

While all of us will experience ups and downs in life, the promise that Christ makes is we can always get up, like the lame man, and walk away with mat in hand. Miracles like this don’t happen every day, you say? I think they do, you  may have to look a little harder, try a little more convincingly, and perhaps pray with more trust, with a heart open to what will happen.  

Life is what you make of it, especially the lemons that are handed to you. I find that if I give them over to Jesus, He knows exactly what I should do and when I follow His instruction, even if I do grumble at times, the lemons will transform into something incredible, way beyond my imagination. It may not happen immediately most of the time, I may have to stomach the sharpness far longer than I would like, but in the long run, by trusting completely in the Lord, there is a joyful abundance in it all, even during the arid seasons.

Amidst the backdrop of impending doom as Jesus knowingly walks closer to Calvary, He shows us how we should live, unafraid and still very much involved in being a source of healing and light to those around us. He doesn’t compromise on doing what’s right even when it brings Him closer to death. May we learn from His example and become more like Him each day - take up our mats with gratitude and walk in His Spirit. 

 

Lenten Reflection Day 27

You changed my mourning into dancing; O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.  Psalm 12-13

Faith in Jesus Christ is an invitation to a new way of living. As Isaiah 65:18 proclaims there will always be rejoicing and happiness for the Creator has created us to be a joy, a delight. 

This was so in the beginning, life in the Garden of Eden was meant be one of joyful living. But our first father and first mother opted out when they disobeyed God. Yet we were given a huge second chance with Jesus. 

If we take up the challenge of living as committed Christians today, then we will be able to catch glimmers of this new heaven and new earth in our lives. We are never alone for Christ walks with us in every moment. We are strengthened and encouraged by His Spirit when we sail in turbulent waters. Our Father protects us and keeps us from danger. When we encounter loss and experience sorrow, holding fast to Him can help us see things in a new light that can be comforting. 

With a view to eternal life, many wrongs can be put right. What was lost, can be found. We can always find redemption in life, as long as we repent sincerely and wholeheartedly. 

Remember, nothing is impossible with God. So put on your dancing shoes and dance.  

Lenten Reflection Day 26

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.  John 3:17

Today’s gospel from John chapter 3 contains the greatest love story ever told. It is the story of great sacrifice, both on the part of a father, and that of a son. It was purely out of love for the world that God sent His only Son to bring us eternal life. It was purely out of love that Jesus suffered and died for us on the cross so that we may be redeemed of our sins, saved. 

Who does that? Give up His life so that fickle, forgetful and mostly faithless people might get a stab at immortality? If I were Jesus, I would’ve walked away, but that’s because my faith is more uncertain. Although, I am most certainly glad that the Father sent Him, and Jesus stayed to the bitter end. 

I am happy I was given more than a few chances to turn back, and to say I believe so that I can now spend the rest of my life proving my love for Him. I love greatly today because I have been taught by Him who first loved me so compassionately, so tenderly. I thank the Lord for the gift of faith, the immeasurable riches of His grace, and I rejoice that I will someday, as He wills, be seated with Him in the heavens. 

Lenten Reflection Day 25

...for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.  Luke 18:14

The thing that often trips us up is sin which leads invariably to spiritual blindness. Sin dulls the conscience and subverts an individual over time into a lesser, proud and selfish being. The Pharisee in Luke’s Gospel followed the Law perfectly, and in his own eyes he was a righteous man. He was “safe”. However, he failed to see that he was full of spiritual pride, frequently condemning others for being greedy, dishonest and adulterous. 

His faith was an egocentric, inward-looking one whereas the practice of true faith is always an outward movement, of reaching out in love to others. Faith, religion, is not about what you don’t do but what you do. Have we been kind, compassionate, patient, loving, giving today? Have we actually made the world a better place in small and big ways? Have we spread the gospel of love just as Jesus did?

Like it or not, we are all sinners in our own, hopefully, little ways. The key is to know where one’s sinful tendencies are, and when one has actually sinned, and to humbly keep coming back to the Lord like the tax collector with downcast eyes, who stood in the temple and kept praying for God’s mercy. 

This humbling of one’s self is the only way to return to Jesus and to one’s true self, made in the image and likeness of God, so that one may be exalted into a more virtuous, more loving, a greater man or woman. Humility is the way to go.

Lenten Reflection Day 24

He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding,  with all your strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.  Matthew 12:32-33

There is only one God, the only One who will love you unconditionally, who keeps calling you to return, and when you do, He will forgive you all your sins. He will help you walk safely if you submit to His ways and He will prosper you. Only the best will He give you, even honey from the rock for He is the God of the impossible. No one else can promise you this. 

That is not to say your life will be all roses, but at the same time, when troubles come your way, you will know what to do and you will be able to come out of dark times with your integrity intact, and your place in the eternal Kingdom assured. God sends His angels to guide you, His Holy Spirit endows you with true wisdom so that you will always be filled with the consolation of joy and peace.

There is only one thing required of you, that you simply love Him. You don’t have to do anything else, just love Him for the compassionate, wise and gentle Father that He is, the caring, generous and passionate spouse that Jesus is, and the faithful, persevering and generous alter ego that the Holy Spirit is. 

As Saint Augustine said: Love God and do whatever you please. It implies that the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved. Love Him. Trust Him. 

Lenten Reflection Day 23

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.  Luke 11:23

We are made by the Creator, we belong to Him, and He always wants what’s good for us because He loves us. Unfortunately we don’t always agree with what we think of as interference. We tend to want to walk our own way, calling it independence and our right to freedom. I have done that and I have to say it is not all it is cracked up to be. In fact, I was lost and miserable. 

Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper. Conversely this statement from Jeremiah 7:23 I have found to be true. In choosing to walk down the exact path God has planned for me, I have found great freedom, satisfaction and much joy. He has answered the many desires of my heart with great indulgence. I am living my dream. I am happy and swimming in fulfillment.

Certainly total obedience at times may have seemed the poorer and even ridiculous choice; I may have struggled and questioned if I was doing the right thing occasionally, but God is never wrong and He is always on time. He knows exactly when we need something and He always provides in great abundance. 

So heed His words, run to Him with your whole heart, and experience His love and mercy firsthand today. Try not to procrastinate for as Jesus put it, if you are not for Him, you are against Him. You’re either in or you’re out. Choose in all the way.

Lenten Reflection Day 22

 

But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5:19

Little children have no idea what is dangerous or bad for them. Loving parents set boundaries, create routines, and teach their children right from wrong, good from bad, just so that their children can grow up to be physically and emotionally healthy, socially adjusted, resilient and happy individuals. 

Likewise, God gave Moses commandments to set before the people and their descendants. If they followed the commandments, they would be admired by other nations for their wisdom and intelligence and seen as a developed and civilized nation.

Jesus teaches his disciples that He came to fulfil the Law,  not abolish it. We saw what He meant by this earlier on, that Jesus was calling us to a new order of law. He wants us to go beyond the Law, to live by the principle of a self-giving love that breathes life, purity and new heart into the Law. 

If all our thoughts, words and actions are dictated by the love of God and others, then by virtue of this, we will never break any Law, spiritual or secular, and we would perpetuate this love-infused Law to others, sharing and spreading the gospel love of God, as it were. We would become, most naturally, upright and outstanding human beings, worthy of being called great citizens of the Kingdom of God.

Lenten Reflection Day 21

Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.  Matthew 18:22

Forgiveness - this is and will always be a challenge. How can I forgive the one who hurts me when I have, in good conscience, done nothing to deserve such condemnation? What do I do when someone refuses to allow reason or mercy in to mend the breach? What if I have not done anything wrong at all? 

I still have to keep forgiving the person who even today adamantly refuses reconciliation. In concrete terms it means letting go of my ego and emotions and arriving at a decision to disallow any of his or her mud of bitter anger stick onto me. It isn’t easy, but with the grace of the Spirit it can be done. Hasn’t the Lord shown us how it is done, taking our hurtful sins on the cross with Him, allowing them to crucify Him? Hasn’t the Father shown us by sacrificing His son so that we may be redeemed by this supreme act of love?

If we have received mercy and compassion, we, too, must give mercy and compassion. Do not be like the servant who was forgiven his huge debt by the king but decided to be merciless to a fellow servant who owed him a small sum. He was judged with mercy but he judged with justice, forgetting the mercy he had just received, and this led to a sorry end for him. So forgive again and again, and you will be forgiven with as much, if not more kindness that you show others.