Knowledge of Jesus

Today’s Gospel Text: Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesare'a Philip'pi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Eli'jah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matt 16:13-19

Reflection: In school and even in quiz contests one is often asked about the naming of the head of state and I have often wondered how relevant or important it is to know the name of the head of state.

If one meets the simple folks in the villages and by lanes of the cites too then one will find that there are many who could be going about life without knowing the names of any of these big peoples.

You could go to the government offices and yet can get your work done without anyone bothering to know your IQ or general knowledge on these matters.

Many a times, it is a rule in government offices to even put up a photograph of these head of state and yet one need not bother to know them in order to get their work done.

Can the same be said about the knowledge of Jesus Christ? Can we go about life without knowing Christ Jesus?

Perhaps we may go about life without Jesus but to live that fullness of life; a life of true happiness here on earth and carry a sure hope of the eternity then it is not possible without the knowledge of Jesus.

No work that concerns our total being and our full maturity can be accomplished without the knowledge of Jesus Christ; “for apart from me you can do nothing.” says he. John 15:5

In other words; it is not just the knowledge about Jesus but a deep intimate knowledge of him.

It is to be based on a relationship with Jesus, which foundation is total faith and trust.

It is not an abstract foundation but a relationship with a risen Christ who assures us of his presence with us even to the end of times.

How then could he assure Peter, that his work of building his church on the rock of Peter, in our midst, will be a continual labor of his?

Hence all knowledge may be passing and for a moment, but the knowledge of Jesus Christ is the only knowledge that will see us through for all eternity.

Prayer:  May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him. (cfr. Eph 1:17)

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

Home with Us

Today’s Gospel Text:  Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.25 "These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe.  John 14:23-29

Reflection: Who doesn’t require a house and, more so, if they were to be offered one free of cost on a platter or by answering a simple questionnaire or with a minimal contribution.

Every individual requires a house to stay in but not all of them would want an intruder in the house to intrude into their space.  Many a times, even a spouse or a friend cannot take that little privacy away from us and hence we may not really share everything within the home of our mind.

We will not mind a V.I.P. for a few minutes to give oneself the pleasure of importance and largely, many may not mind having them in their home even longer.

They will accommodate them with all the fanfare possible, going through all the inconvenience just to make them feel special so that the memories of them may remain in the hearts and minds of the V.I.P., with the hope of a future benefit.

What if demanding circumstances or a difficult or trying situation crops up, then if there was someone who would assuredly have a solution; will we not welcome such a person?

There are times we are strong enough with our ego to carry on with the struggles of life alone with our ideas and mindset.  Even though we may require help more than others yet we will not seek that necessary help because our pride will prevent us from doing so.

But to all who would be humble to turn to him, Jesus offers us himself as the expert consultant of life and much more, by being our joy and consolation, the assurance of a presence that comforts, heals and sets us free:

Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (vs. 23)

Prayer: O save thy people, and bless thy heritage; be thou their shepherd, and carry them forever. Ps 28:9

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