Weak God

Today’s Gospel Text: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40 and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; 41 and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. Matt 5:38-42

Reflection: These above teaching of Jesus sounds so easy, but literally speaking so difficult to practice or at times even impossible if it is literally interpreted and sought to be practiced. 

Yet there have been a few who have been found perfect in practicing  it, yet, it is indeed a very high standard set by Jesus Christ for his followers.

The practice of these teachings of Jesus Christ has been rendered all the more difficult in our time when the very followers of Christ have become the instrument of such evil and make demands for justice and a corruption free atmosphere and on the other hand practice the very evil they preach against.

How can anyone not resist evil? They say and logically put forward a proposition for our times: to not resist evil is to promote evil; to not resist injustice is to promote injustice and to not resist corruption is to promote corruption, to not speak out against the evil is to promote evil.

So very true; does it not contradict what Jesus has to teach us?

It requires a serious reflection on the part of the Christians whether to follow the ideals of Christ Jesus, which to the world are no ideals but foolishness or to follow the idealism of the world which is always practiced and is still practiced and is logically and morally tenable in the name of justice, at least to the human eye. 

Hence many have raised a cry to achieve the idealistic and are striving to accomplish a kingdom of justice, peace and brotherhood.

It is still a choice before us: whether we listen to God, which in reality means to trust God to accomplish his justice and truth in his time or to trust man.  

As someone said: he is slow but never late!

St. Paul extolling the wisdom of God’s working praises the foolishness of God thus: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Cor 1:25

Prayer:  Lord, we believe that no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against you, though the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to you. (cfr. Prov 21:30-31)

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

Teaching with Authority

Today’s Scripture:  And they went into Caper'na-um; and immediately on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; 24 and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. Mark 1:21-28

Reflection: A good father takes on the responsibility of teaching his children the etiquettes of life. He teaches the child the first lessons of survival and in a way becomes a model for his child to emulate.

Likewise, a good child when he has grown up and come of age will always seek a good advice from his father provided he is accessible and has proved himself.

We require instructions and advices to grow and learn, thus we have schools to teach us about the essence of life and survival.

Jesus the greatest teacher takes every opportunity to teach us and thus enters the Synagogue on the Sabbath to teach. We fail to see that when Jesus begins to speak, the man with the unclean spirit sees the power in his teaching to destroy them. 

If you are assailed and experience oppression, then humbly allow his word to speak to you with all authority and power and he will set you free.

Prayer: Lord, speak your word to my weaknesses and so that I may grow more and more in you.

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

Take my Yoke

Scripture: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30

Reflection:  A doctor says come to me if you are sick and a teacher will say; come to me if you want to be educated, a shopkeeper will say come to me to buy your provision and politician will say come to me with your civic problem.

But it’s always a package deal, you got to either pay or give something for the services they render.

But who will handle the deep needs and mental stress that people go through. Jesus offers us the solution. But many of us reject him and what he has to offer. What he offers is a whole package; we want the ‘rest that spells happiness’ but not the ‘yoke of his teachings’.   

Therefore we end up with worldly wise people and psychiatrist and yogi’s and New Age gurus and quick fix experts.  Unfortunately, this problem is not limited to ordinary lay people but to those who are supposed to be close to God by virtue of their consecration.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for this offer, I accept your word, your teachings and desire to live by it in total submission. 

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