Thursday 8 August 2013

Soul Issue

Today’s Gospel Text: Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? 27 For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." Matt 16:24-28

Reflection: The big attractions of life are money, power, wealth, pleasures of life and recognition. 

What will people not exchange in return for these things? The media today gives further impetus to short term popularity and wealth and money.

If one had money then one could even buy these other attractions of life; for such is the power of money and wealth.

No wonder the poor easily get attracted to gambling and lotteries because it fulfills their dreams or some may go for illegal activities or jobs that attracts risks but at the same time an easy windfall of money.

Then there is the cult of power which attracts too; any news concerning the head of state is lapped up easily by the great crowd, so too news concerning great sports star or film stars or great achievers.

An attractive person can get a lot more likes on social networking sites than the less attractive.

Where does a poor wondering mendicant like Jesus fit the bill when it comes to attracting followers for himself?

What is that big attraction in Jesus that we should to go after him?

Yet the audacity of the man to challenge us to follow him, with challenges that least attract in comparison to what the world, with its many attractions has to offer each one of us:

1) Deny yourself

2) Take up your cross

3) then follow him

Why should any sane thinking person risk their precious life in order to follow a person like Jesus?

This is a question which every individual on earth need to ask and better be serious about?

The why of it is clear: Life is the most precious thing than all the allurements and attractions this world can offer.

Prayer:  Lord, I thank you for revealing to us the importance of our soul and the need to save it by following you and your ways.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

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