Today we remember and we grieve...
We Christians are shocked at the way things turned out for Jesus. Yet imagine how his mother Mary and his followers felt as the events of Good Friday took place in real time. What were the Jewish people so afraid of? Some were afraid the Romans would punish them if this Jesus threatened to undermine Roman rule. The Jewish leaders were afraid of losing their power and influence should Christianity take hold. What Jews and Romans were really afraid of was the truth.
Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate and declared that he was the truth. And Pilate asked. "What is truth?" For Pilate, truth was Rome and all it stood for: power, might, control, pride, authority. Yet the Roman empire would fall to the pagan Goths. For the Jews, truth was contained in all of their laws. But God himself would replace the old covenant of ritual and regulation, which did not forgive sin, with a new covenant of forgiveness and reconciliation sealed in the bloody sacrifice of our Savior. It was his body and his blood that was given up for us so that all sins would be forgiven.
He tried to prepare his disciples for his passion. Did he not tell James and John that they would surely be called to make the ultimate sacrifice, to drink of his same cup? Jesus told them that the Son of Man would be tortured and killed. Yet they were shocked when it finally happened. He also showed Peter, James and John at the Transfiguration the glory that was to follow at the resurrection. But that was still two very long days away. And it would take a lot longer before the truth of what really took place on Calvary would be understood as necessary for our salvation.
Jesus on the way to his crucifixion encountered some women who were crying bitterly at what they saw. He told them not to cry for him, but for themselves and for future generations who would refuse to believe in him. For if they treated the Son of Man so harshly when he walked among them, how would they treat his followers once he had ascended to the Father? It has been reported that almost 200 hundred million Christians are being persecuted today all over the world, even in America. Jesus knew the day would come when we would beg for a mountain to fall on top of us than rather then endure such horrible mistreatment. But this too shall pass.
In the meantime we remember and we grieve...
We remember Jesus' sacrifice, for without his death there would have been no resurrection. We remember how he healed the sick and the dying, the lame and the blind. He was really healing their souls. And he still heals our souls today. And we grieve because we miss his physical presence. Yet he is still with us in spirit. And he is coming back!
Let us thank the Father today for sending his son to save us. And let us repent for all that we have done to hurt our Lord. For our sins were the nails that pierced his hands and feet. Our sins were the thorns that pierced his sacred head. Our sins were the spear that pierced his side. Today we remember and we grieve. So let us in deep gratitude nail our heart to the foot of his cross and pledge to never stray from him again. Amen.
Now go and serve our King!
John
Friday, April 19, 2019
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Palm Sunday...
Today we will focus on Luke's depiction of Christ's arrival in Jerusalem at the start of passion week and St Paul's letter to the Philippians.
Luke 19:28-40
And having said these things, he went ahead, ascending to Jerusalem. And it happened that, when he had drawn near to Bethphage and Bethania, to the mount which is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples, saying: “Go into the town which is opposite you. Upon entering it, you will find the colt of a donkey, tied, on which no man has ever sat. Untie it, and lead it here. And if anyone will ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this to him: ‘Because the Lord has requested its service.’”
And those who were sent went out, and they found the colt standing, just as he told them. Then, as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” -So they said, “Because the Lord has need of it.” And they led it to Jesus. And casting their garments on the colt, they helped Jesus onto it.
Then, as he was traveling, they were laying down their garments along the way. And when he was now drawing near to the descent of Mount Olivet, the entire crowd of his disciples began to praise God joyfully, with a loud voice, over all the powerful works which they had seen, saying: “Blessed is the king who has arrived in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory on high!”
And certain Pharisees within the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
And he said to them, “I tell you, that if these will keep silent, the stones themselves will cry out.”
Here we see Jesus arriving at the foot of the Mount of Olives. The people are excited that their savior has finally arrived. Yet, we can only ponder the sadness that Jesus must have experienced looking at the mountain where he would be praying so hard in a week to be delivered from his impending torture and death. His disciples are celebrating now, but next week they will be horrified to see their Master betrayed by Judas.
Notice that Jesus is not riding a war horse, but a humble donkey. The people are excited that the Messiah has finally arrive to defeat the Romans and restore the country to the Jewish people. However, his disciples know that Jesus' mission is one of peace and healing. They have seen so many miracles that they are bursting with joy that others are now recognizing the presence of the King of heaven and earth.
Still, the Pharisees want Jesus to silence them. But even if Jesus had silenced his disciples, the earth would have rebelled. For the world is holding its breath. It knows what is about to happen and it can not restrain itself from expressing its joy at the King's arrival, any more than it will restrain itself from reacting when Jesus dies on the cross: the sun will go dark, the earth will quake, the Temple curtain will split in two, graves will burst, and the dead will walk among the people!
Phil 2:6-11
(Though) existing in the form of God, (Jesus) did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Here is one of the most powerful and vivid descriptions of the love of God for his creatures. We can not comprehend a love that prompts God the Son to take on human flesh. Can we even imagine the creator of the universe having to use the bathroom? Or that he would allow himself to be taken prisoner, tortured and murdered? Yet, that is how much he loves us. No wonder all those in heaven, on earth and even in hell (beneath the earth) kneel at the name of Jesus!
Let us take some time this week to meditate on Jesus' death and resurrection, to thank God for his wonderful gift of salvation, and to proclaim with all God's creation that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Now go and serve our King!
John
Today we will focus on Luke's depiction of Christ's arrival in Jerusalem at the start of passion week and St Paul's letter to the Philippians.
Luke 19:28-40
And having said these things, he went ahead, ascending to Jerusalem. And it happened that, when he had drawn near to Bethphage and Bethania, to the mount which is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples, saying: “Go into the town which is opposite you. Upon entering it, you will find the colt of a donkey, tied, on which no man has ever sat. Untie it, and lead it here. And if anyone will ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this to him: ‘Because the Lord has requested its service.’”
And those who were sent went out, and they found the colt standing, just as he told them. Then, as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” -So they said, “Because the Lord has need of it.” And they led it to Jesus. And casting their garments on the colt, they helped Jesus onto it.
Then, as he was traveling, they were laying down their garments along the way. And when he was now drawing near to the descent of Mount Olivet, the entire crowd of his disciples began to praise God joyfully, with a loud voice, over all the powerful works which they had seen, saying: “Blessed is the king who has arrived in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory on high!”
And certain Pharisees within the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
And he said to them, “I tell you, that if these will keep silent, the stones themselves will cry out.”
Here we see Jesus arriving at the foot of the Mount of Olives. The people are excited that their savior has finally arrived. Yet, we can only ponder the sadness that Jesus must have experienced looking at the mountain where he would be praying so hard in a week to be delivered from his impending torture and death. His disciples are celebrating now, but next week they will be horrified to see their Master betrayed by Judas.
Notice that Jesus is not riding a war horse, but a humble donkey. The people are excited that the Messiah has finally arrive to defeat the Romans and restore the country to the Jewish people. However, his disciples know that Jesus' mission is one of peace and healing. They have seen so many miracles that they are bursting with joy that others are now recognizing the presence of the King of heaven and earth.
Still, the Pharisees want Jesus to silence them. But even if Jesus had silenced his disciples, the earth would have rebelled. For the world is holding its breath. It knows what is about to happen and it can not restrain itself from expressing its joy at the King's arrival, any more than it will restrain itself from reacting when Jesus dies on the cross: the sun will go dark, the earth will quake, the Temple curtain will split in two, graves will burst, and the dead will walk among the people!
Phil 2:6-11
(Though) existing in the form of God, (Jesus) did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Here is one of the most powerful and vivid descriptions of the love of God for his creatures. We can not comprehend a love that prompts God the Son to take on human flesh. Can we even imagine the creator of the universe having to use the bathroom? Or that he would allow himself to be taken prisoner, tortured and murdered? Yet, that is how much he loves us. No wonder all those in heaven, on earth and even in hell (beneath the earth) kneel at the name of Jesus!
Let us take some time this week to meditate on Jesus' death and resurrection, to thank God for his wonderful gift of salvation, and to proclaim with all God's creation that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Now go and serve our King!
John
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Today's readings are about forgiveness:
First reading: Is 43:16-21
Thus says the Lord, who gave you a way through the sea and a path through the torrent of waters, who led out the chariot and the horse, the column of robust troops. They went to sleep together, and they will not arise. They have been crushed like flax, and they have been extinguished. You need not call to mind the past, nor consider the things of antiquity. Behold, I am accomplishing new things. And presently, they will spring forth. With certainty, you will know them. I will make a way in the desert, and rivers in an impassible place. The wild beasts of the field will glorify me, with the serpents and the ostriches. For I have brought waters to the desert, rivers to inaccessible places, in order to give drink to my people, to my elect. This is the people whom I have formed for myself. They will speak my praise.
In the first reading, God tells us through Isaiah to forget the past for he is creating something brand new. The law of Moses was not enough to reconcile us to God. Sure he saved his people from the Egyptians, but the gates of heaven were still closed. However, God says all of that is about to change for the elect. Who are the elect? Keep reading!
Second reading: Ps 126:1-6
When the Lord turned back the captivity of Zion, we became like those who are consoled. Then our mouth was filled with gladness and our tongue with exultation. Then they will say among the nations: “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us. We have become joyful. Convert our captivity, O Lord, like a torrent in the south. Those who sow in tears shall reap in exultation. When departing, they went forth and wept, sowing their seeds. But when returning, they will arrive with exultation, carrying their sheaves. Ps 126:1-6
In the second reading, the psalmist reminds us again of how elated the Israelites were when they were freed from captivity. Yet right now he is doing great things for us! Sowers of seed are about to reap a great harvest. But who are these reapers? Keep reading!
Third reading: Ph 3:8-14
Yet truly, I consider everything to be a loss, because of the preeminent knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of everything, considering it all to be like dung, so that I may gain Christ, and so that you may be found in him, not having my justice, which is of the law, but that which is of the faith of Christ Jesus, the justice within faith, which is of God. So shall I know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his Passion, having been fashioned according to his death, if, by some means, I might attain to the resurrection which is from the dead. It is not as though I have already received this, or were already perfect. But rather I pursue, so that by some means I might attain, that in which I have already been attained by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider that I have already attained this. Instead, I do one thing: forgetting those things that are behind, and extending myself toward those things that are ahead, I pursue the destination, the prize of the heavenly calling of God in Christ Jesus.
In the third reading, St. Paul also advises us to forget the imperfect laws of the past. They could not save God's people. Our true salvation comes from our faith in Jesus who died and rose from the dead.
Fourth reading: John 8:1-11
But Jesus continued on to the Mount of Olives. And early in the morning, he went again to the temple; and all the people came to him. And sitting down, he taught them. Now the scribes and Pharisees brought forward a woman caught in adultery, and they stood her in front of them. And they said to him: “Teacher, this woman was just now caught in adultery. And in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such a one. Therefore, what do you say?” But they were saying this to test him, so that they might be able to accuse him. Then Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the earth. And then, when they persevered in questioning him, he stood upright and said to them, “Let whoever is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” And bending down again, he wrote on the earth. But upon hearing this, they went away, one by one, beginning with the eldest. And Jesus alone remained, with the woman standing in front of him. Then Jesus, raising himself up, said to her: “Woman, where are those who accused you? Has no one condemned you?” And she said, “No one, Lord.” Then Jesus said: “Neither will I condemn you. Go, and now do not choose to sin anymore.”
In John's gospel, we see that the Jewish elders are trying to trick Jesus into committing an offense against the law of Moses. But Jesus knows what they are up to and he starts to write their sins in the sand. He knew that they were just as guilty of sin as she was. So who was left to accuse the woman? Jesus. And was Jesus going to condemn her? He had every right since he was God and completely sinless. Yet he forgave her without hesitation. And although he told her to not sin any more, he knows how weak we are and that no one alive is capable of living a life without sin.
So did Jesus expect her to sin again? Yes. And would he forgive her again. Yes, if she repented again. We have to keep repenting, again and again. How many times will Jesus forgive us for committing the same sins? 7 times 70 times? No, he will forgive us an unlimited number of times as long as we try to do what is right and beg forgiveness when we fail. That's what sin means: "to miss the mark." In other words, we have to at least aim at the target (live a righteous life).
So what's the good news? We have been saved by the death and resurrection of Christ. Who are the elect? Those who place their faith in Christ. Who are the happy reapers? Those who have been released from the captivity of sin and realize that heaven is their reward if they repent and keep trying to do God's will. And who is in hell? Only those who refuse to repent! So let us keep fighting the good fight, trusting that Jesus will always forgive repentant sinners. For they shall see God!
Now go and serve our King!
John
First reading: Is 43:16-21
Thus says the Lord, who gave you a way through the sea and a path through the torrent of waters, who led out the chariot and the horse, the column of robust troops. They went to sleep together, and they will not arise. They have been crushed like flax, and they have been extinguished. You need not call to mind the past, nor consider the things of antiquity. Behold, I am accomplishing new things. And presently, they will spring forth. With certainty, you will know them. I will make a way in the desert, and rivers in an impassible place. The wild beasts of the field will glorify me, with the serpents and the ostriches. For I have brought waters to the desert, rivers to inaccessible places, in order to give drink to my people, to my elect. This is the people whom I have formed for myself. They will speak my praise.
In the first reading, God tells us through Isaiah to forget the past for he is creating something brand new. The law of Moses was not enough to reconcile us to God. Sure he saved his people from the Egyptians, but the gates of heaven were still closed. However, God says all of that is about to change for the elect. Who are the elect? Keep reading!
Second reading: Ps 126:1-6
When the Lord turned back the captivity of Zion, we became like those who are consoled. Then our mouth was filled with gladness and our tongue with exultation. Then they will say among the nations: “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us. We have become joyful. Convert our captivity, O Lord, like a torrent in the south. Those who sow in tears shall reap in exultation. When departing, they went forth and wept, sowing their seeds. But when returning, they will arrive with exultation, carrying their sheaves. Ps 126:1-6
In the second reading, the psalmist reminds us again of how elated the Israelites were when they were freed from captivity. Yet right now he is doing great things for us! Sowers of seed are about to reap a great harvest. But who are these reapers? Keep reading!
Third reading: Ph 3:8-14
Yet truly, I consider everything to be a loss, because of the preeminent knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of everything, considering it all to be like dung, so that I may gain Christ, and so that you may be found in him, not having my justice, which is of the law, but that which is of the faith of Christ Jesus, the justice within faith, which is of God. So shall I know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his Passion, having been fashioned according to his death, if, by some means, I might attain to the resurrection which is from the dead. It is not as though I have already received this, or were already perfect. But rather I pursue, so that by some means I might attain, that in which I have already been attained by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider that I have already attained this. Instead, I do one thing: forgetting those things that are behind, and extending myself toward those things that are ahead, I pursue the destination, the prize of the heavenly calling of God in Christ Jesus.
In the third reading, St. Paul also advises us to forget the imperfect laws of the past. They could not save God's people. Our true salvation comes from our faith in Jesus who died and rose from the dead.
Fourth reading: John 8:1-11
But Jesus continued on to the Mount of Olives. And early in the morning, he went again to the temple; and all the people came to him. And sitting down, he taught them. Now the scribes and Pharisees brought forward a woman caught in adultery, and they stood her in front of them. And they said to him: “Teacher, this woman was just now caught in adultery. And in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such a one. Therefore, what do you say?” But they were saying this to test him, so that they might be able to accuse him. Then Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the earth. And then, when they persevered in questioning him, he stood upright and said to them, “Let whoever is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” And bending down again, he wrote on the earth. But upon hearing this, they went away, one by one, beginning with the eldest. And Jesus alone remained, with the woman standing in front of him. Then Jesus, raising himself up, said to her: “Woman, where are those who accused you? Has no one condemned you?” And she said, “No one, Lord.” Then Jesus said: “Neither will I condemn you. Go, and now do not choose to sin anymore.”
In John's gospel, we see that the Jewish elders are trying to trick Jesus into committing an offense against the law of Moses. But Jesus knows what they are up to and he starts to write their sins in the sand. He knew that they were just as guilty of sin as she was. So who was left to accuse the woman? Jesus. And was Jesus going to condemn her? He had every right since he was God and completely sinless. Yet he forgave her without hesitation. And although he told her to not sin any more, he knows how weak we are and that no one alive is capable of living a life without sin.
So did Jesus expect her to sin again? Yes. And would he forgive her again. Yes, if she repented again. We have to keep repenting, again and again. How many times will Jesus forgive us for committing the same sins? 7 times 70 times? No, he will forgive us an unlimited number of times as long as we try to do what is right and beg forgiveness when we fail. That's what sin means: "to miss the mark." In other words, we have to at least aim at the target (live a righteous life).
So what's the good news? We have been saved by the death and resurrection of Christ. Who are the elect? Those who place their faith in Christ. Who are the happy reapers? Those who have been released from the captivity of sin and realize that heaven is their reward if they repent and keep trying to do God's will. And who is in hell? Only those who refuse to repent! So let us keep fighting the good fight, trusting that Jesus will always forgive repentant sinners. For they shall see God!
Now go and serve our King!
John
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Readings for Sunday March 31, 2019
Joshua 5:9, 10-12
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Second Corinthians 5:17-21
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Second Corinthians 5:17-21
Today's readings are about forgiveness.
First Reading: Joshua 5:9, 10-12
And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have taken away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” And the name of that place was called Gilgal, even to the present day. And the sons of Israel stayed at Gilgal, and they kept the Passover, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, in the plains of Jericho. And on the following day, they ate unleavened bread from the grain of the land, and cooked grain, of the same year. And the manna ceased after they ate from the grain of the land. And the sons of Israel no longer made use of that food. Instead, they ate from the grain of the present year, from the land of Canaan.
The first reading relates how God forgave the Israelites for rebelling against him that led to their captivity in Egypt. They were finally able to feed themselves in Canaan and no longer needed manna for sustenance. It is interesting to note that the place where they enjoyed their first meal that resulted from the fruits of their own labor was "Gilgal." Gilgal means "rolled away" or the place where God rolled away from the Jews their former disgrace.
Second Reading: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will be ever in my mouth. In the Lord, my soul will be praised. May the meek listen and rejoice. Magnify the Lord with me, and let us extol his name in itself. I sought the Lord, and he heeded me, and he carried me away from all my tribulations. Approach him and be enlightened, and your faces will not be confounded. This poor one cried out, and the Lord heeded him, and he saved him from all his tribulations.
The second reading from Psalm 32 is about a sinner who sought forgiveness and the Lord removed (rolled away) from him all his fears, anxieties and tribulations.
Third Reading: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Now tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to him, so that they might listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This one accepts sinners and eats with them.” And he told this parable to them, saying:
“A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to the father, ‘Father, give me the portion of your estate which would go to me.’ And he divided the estate between them. And after not many days, the younger son, gathering it all together, set out on a long journey to a distant region. And there, he dissipated his substance, living in luxury.
And after he had consumed it all, a great famine occurred in that region, and he began to be in need. And he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that region. And he sent him to his farm, in order to feed the swine. And he wanted to fill his belly with the scraps that the swine ate. But no one would give it to him. And returning to his senses, he said: ‘How many hired hands in my father’s house have abundant bread, while I perish here in famine! I shall rise up and go to my father, and I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am not worthy to be called your son. Make me one of your hired hands.’
And rising up, he went to his father. But while he was still at a distance, his father saw him, and he was moved with compassion, and running to him, he fell upon his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. Now I am not worthy to be called your son.’
But the father said to his servants: ‘Quickly! Bring out the best robe, and clothe him with it. And put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here, and kill it. And let us eat and hold a feast. For this son of mine was dead, and has revived; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to feast.
But his elder son was in the field. And when he returned and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and he questioned him as to what these things meant. And he said to him: ‘Your brother has returned, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safely.’ Then he became indignant, and he was unwilling to enter.
Therefore, his father, going out, began to plead with him. And in response, he said to his father: ‘Behold, I have been serving you for so many years. And I have never transgressed your commandment. And yet, you have never given me even a young goat, so that I might feast with my friends. Yet after this son of yours returned, who has devoured his substance with loose women, you have killed the fatted calf for him.’ But he said to him: ‘Son, you are with me always, and all that I have is yours. But it was necessary to feast and to rejoice. For this brother of yours was dead, and has revived; he was lost, and is found.’"
The third reading is the famous parable about the prodigal son. Even after wasting his inheritance on pleasure and luxury, the son returned home and begged for his father's forgiveness. The father was filled with joy for his son had "rolled away" from the disgrace of his former life.
Fourth Reading: Second Corinthians 5:17-21
So if anyone is a new creature in Christ, what is old has passed away. Behold, all things have been made new. But all is of God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation. For certainly God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not charging them with their sins. And he has placed in us the Word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, so that God is exhorting through us. We beseech you for Christ: be reconciled to God. For God made him who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the justice of God in him.
The fourth reading is about Christ removing (rolling away) our sins by his death on the cross. Jesus endured the punishment for our sins so that we would once again become the righteous creatures God created us to be.
We may wonder if there is any limit to God's mercy. Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, God is always willing to forgive as long as we repent. And therein lies the rub. It's easy to wallow in self pity and believe that we are beyond redemption. That is one of Satan's biggest lies. They do not call him the father of lies for nothing!
Yet there is one sin God will not forgive: the sin of refusing to accept his mercy by not asking for forgiveness. They call this this a sin against the Holy Spirit. If we refuse to ask for forgiveness than we condemn ourselves. Yet all we have to say is "I'm sorry" and mean it! Unlike that famous line from the movie "Love Story," ("Love means never having to say you're sorry.") We know that love always means having to say you're sorry. And let's not forget that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. So God also expects us to make the effort to avoid those sins in the future.
Now go and serve our King!
John
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Hi Everyone!
Today's Gospel readings helped shed some light on the question: Can I lose my salvation?
In St Paul's letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12), he warns the people that they must hold firm to Jesus's teachings or they will fall.
In Luke 13: 1-9, Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree that bore no fruit. The man who owned the garden ordered the gardener to cut it down, but the gardener asked for another year to tend the tree and see if it would produce fruit then.
We know that Jesus died on the cross to reopen the gates of heaven and make us once again pleasing in the eyes of God. But does that mean that once saved, always saved? We know that Jesus said that we must become as holy as the Father is holy. Well, that certainly precludes our going back to our former life of sin. After all, to "repent" means to "turn around, to face another direction." So do we have to work to keep moving forward in our new direction? St Paul says we will fall if we do not continue to strive to do God's will. That's a big "yes."
And Jesus himself warned that unproductive Christians who produce no fruit (like the fig tree) will be judged and condemned accordingly when we appear before his Judgment Seat. So can we lose our salvation if we produce no fruit? Jesus says we can.
Yes, we know how merciful God can be. In the first reading (Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15) he took pity on the Israelites and led them out of Egypt. In today's Psalm 103: 1-4, 6-8, 11, the psalmist extols the mercy of God whose love is without limit for those who revere him. Notice the proviso: "for those who revere him." And what happens to those who persist in their evil ways by not giving God the love and respect he deserves? They will find that his mercy only goes so far before his judgment must be exercised. God is loving, but he is also just and fair. After all, he loved the Israelites, but he still destroyed those who had built a golden calf when Moses came back with the 10 Commandments.
So is God merciful to sinners? Of course! Does he expect us to bear fruit? Of course! Does he understand our weaknesses? Of course! Can we lose our salvation? Yes, if we make no effort to bear fruit. And that's the key! His mercy kicks in when he sees that we are trying! So don't sit on your laurels believing that you have a "get out of jail free" card just because Jesus atoned for our sins on the cross. Go bear some fruit! Go and serve our King!
John
Today's Gospel readings helped shed some light on the question: Can I lose my salvation?
In St Paul's letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12), he warns the people that they must hold firm to Jesus's teachings or they will fall.
In Luke 13: 1-9, Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree that bore no fruit. The man who owned the garden ordered the gardener to cut it down, but the gardener asked for another year to tend the tree and see if it would produce fruit then.
We know that Jesus died on the cross to reopen the gates of heaven and make us once again pleasing in the eyes of God. But does that mean that once saved, always saved? We know that Jesus said that we must become as holy as the Father is holy. Well, that certainly precludes our going back to our former life of sin. After all, to "repent" means to "turn around, to face another direction." So do we have to work to keep moving forward in our new direction? St Paul says we will fall if we do not continue to strive to do God's will. That's a big "yes."
And Jesus himself warned that unproductive Christians who produce no fruit (like the fig tree) will be judged and condemned accordingly when we appear before his Judgment Seat. So can we lose our salvation if we produce no fruit? Jesus says we can.
Yes, we know how merciful God can be. In the first reading (Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15) he took pity on the Israelites and led them out of Egypt. In today's Psalm 103: 1-4, 6-8, 11, the psalmist extols the mercy of God whose love is without limit for those who revere him. Notice the proviso: "for those who revere him." And what happens to those who persist in their evil ways by not giving God the love and respect he deserves? They will find that his mercy only goes so far before his judgment must be exercised. God is loving, but he is also just and fair. After all, he loved the Israelites, but he still destroyed those who had built a golden calf when Moses came back with the 10 Commandments.
So is God merciful to sinners? Of course! Does he expect us to bear fruit? Of course! Does he understand our weaknesses? Of course! Can we lose our salvation? Yes, if we make no effort to bear fruit. And that's the key! His mercy kicks in when he sees that we are trying! So don't sit on your laurels believing that you have a "get out of jail free" card just because Jesus atoned for our sins on the cross. Go bear some fruit! Go and serve our King!
John
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Hi Everyone,
Sunday's gospel was about the Transfiguration. Jesus appeared in his glorified body with Moses and Elijah. Peter, James and John were amazed at what they saw. They even heard God the Father tell them to listen to Jesus. And what was Jesus trying to make his Apostles understand? That his next trip would be to Jerusalem where he would suffer and die. Yet he did not want his followers to lose heart. For three days later he would rise from the dead and his Godhood would burst forth in his glorified body. Just as it did during his transfiguration.
And Jesus' message is still just as fresh today as it was then: although you may have a heavy cross to bear - sickness, loss of a family member or friend, or just the aches and pains of growing older - you can be sure that your suffering is temporary, For after this life we, too, will take on a glorified body and spend eternity with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
So let not your heart be troubled. Jesus is with you now and waiting to welcome you into his kingdom where every tear will be erased. Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth to help us find our way home.
Now go and serve our King!
John
Sunday's gospel was about the Transfiguration. Jesus appeared in his glorified body with Moses and Elijah. Peter, James and John were amazed at what they saw. They even heard God the Father tell them to listen to Jesus. And what was Jesus trying to make his Apostles understand? That his next trip would be to Jerusalem where he would suffer and die. Yet he did not want his followers to lose heart. For three days later he would rise from the dead and his Godhood would burst forth in his glorified body. Just as it did during his transfiguration.
And Jesus' message is still just as fresh today as it was then: although you may have a heavy cross to bear - sickness, loss of a family member or friend, or just the aches and pains of growing older - you can be sure that your suffering is temporary, For after this life we, too, will take on a glorified body and spend eternity with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
So let not your heart be troubled. Jesus is with you now and waiting to welcome you into his kingdom where every tear will be erased. Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth to help us find our way home.
Now go and serve our King!
John
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Hi Everyone,
Today's readings point out that our true nature is revealed by our words and actions. A person's words reveal his doubts, his strengths, and his true thoughts.
Just as the dust remains when one shakes a sieve, so will the doubt of a man remain in his thoughts. The furnace tests the potter’s vessels, and the trial of the tribulation tests just men. As the pruning of a tree reveals its fruit, so does a word reveal the thoughts in the heart of a man. SIR 27:5-7
So what words does a righteous man express? Certainly, words of praise to the Lord. And how will God reward a man who utters such words? He will live life abundantly, not necessarily in terms of financial success, but his basic material, spiritual and emotional needs will be satisfied: food, clothing, shelter, peace, and grace. And if he does not enjoy great success in this life, then he will certainly experience it in heaven!
It is good to confess to the Lord and to sing psalms to your name, O Most High: to announce your mercy in the morning, and your truth throughout the night, The just one will flourish like the palm tree. He will be multiplied like the cedar of Lebanon. Those planted in the house of the Lord will flourish in the courts of the house of our God. They will still be multiplied in a fruitful old age, and they will endure well, so that they may announce that the Lord our God is righteous and that there is no iniquity in him. PS 92: 2-3, 13-16
And what actions should we be taking? Actions that bring glory to God. St Paul says that our actions should reveal tenacious faith and a willingness to labor for the Lord. The world may not see the benefit of such a life, but God does and he rewards such devoted laborers with eternal life.
And when this mortality has been clothed with immortality, then the word that was written shall occur: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who has given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. And so, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and unmovable, abounding always in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not useless in the Lord.
1 Cor: 54-58
In the Gospel, Jesus takes up the same message: your words and actions reflect the state of your soul. Is your own life in order before you start criticizing others for the life they lead? If not, you would be like a blind man trying to lead another blind man across a highway full of speeding cars! We need to get our own house in order, before we start complaining about someone else's house.
Now he told them another comparison: “How can the blind lead the blind? Would they not both fall into a pit? The disciple is not above his teacher. But each one will be perfected, if he is like his teacher. And why do you see the straw that is in your brother’s eye, while the log that is in your own eye, you do not consider? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, allow me to remove the straw from your eye,’ while you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? Hypocrite, first remove the log from your own eye, and then will you see clearly, so that you may lead out the straw from your brother’s eye.
Jesus goes on to talk about how our actions and words reveal our true motives. Good comes from good; evil comes from evil.
For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor does an evil tree produce good fruit. For each and every tree is known by its fruit. For they do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather the grape from the bramble bush. A good man, from the good storehouse of his heart, offers what is good. And an evil man, from the evil storehouse, offers what is evil. For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. LK 6: 39-45
It is in the next line (which is not part of today's reading) that Jesus says that there are souls who come before him to be judged and call him "Lord, Lord!" But Jesus then asks the soul what he has done for his kingdom. The soul may try to bluff his way into heaven, but Jesus can read one's heart and he knows if the soul sincerely spoke and acted in ways that promoted God's kingdom. If not, Jesus will cast that soul into hell for Jesus never knew him. His words and actions bore no fruit.
Now go and serve our King!
God bless!
Today's readings point out that our true nature is revealed by our words and actions. A person's words reveal his doubts, his strengths, and his true thoughts.
Just as the dust remains when one shakes a sieve, so will the doubt of a man remain in his thoughts. The furnace tests the potter’s vessels, and the trial of the tribulation tests just men. As the pruning of a tree reveals its fruit, so does a word reveal the thoughts in the heart of a man. SIR 27:5-7
So what words does a righteous man express? Certainly, words of praise to the Lord. And how will God reward a man who utters such words? He will live life abundantly, not necessarily in terms of financial success, but his basic material, spiritual and emotional needs will be satisfied: food, clothing, shelter, peace, and grace. And if he does not enjoy great success in this life, then he will certainly experience it in heaven!
And what actions should we be taking? Actions that bring glory to God. St Paul says that our actions should reveal tenacious faith and a willingness to labor for the Lord. The world may not see the benefit of such a life, but God does and he rewards such devoted laborers with eternal life.
And when this mortality has been clothed with immortality, then the word that was written shall occur: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who has given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. And so, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and unmovable, abounding always in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not useless in the Lord.
1 Cor: 54-58
In the Gospel, Jesus takes up the same message: your words and actions reflect the state of your soul. Is your own life in order before you start criticizing others for the life they lead? If not, you would be like a blind man trying to lead another blind man across a highway full of speeding cars! We need to get our own house in order, before we start complaining about someone else's house.
Now he told them another comparison: “How can the blind lead the blind? Would they not both fall into a pit? The disciple is not above his teacher. But each one will be perfected, if he is like his teacher. And why do you see the straw that is in your brother’s eye, while the log that is in your own eye, you do not consider? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, allow me to remove the straw from your eye,’ while you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? Hypocrite, first remove the log from your own eye, and then will you see clearly, so that you may lead out the straw from your brother’s eye.
Jesus goes on to talk about how our actions and words reveal our true motives. Good comes from good; evil comes from evil.
For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor does an evil tree produce good fruit. For each and every tree is known by its fruit. For they do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather the grape from the bramble bush. A good man, from the good storehouse of his heart, offers what is good. And an evil man, from the evil storehouse, offers what is evil. For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. LK 6: 39-45
It is in the next line (which is not part of today's reading) that Jesus says that there are souls who come before him to be judged and call him "Lord, Lord!" But Jesus then asks the soul what he has done for his kingdom. The soul may try to bluff his way into heaven, but Jesus can read one's heart and he knows if the soul sincerely spoke and acted in ways that promoted God's kingdom. If not, Jesus will cast that soul into hell for Jesus never knew him. His words and actions bore no fruit.
Now go and serve our King!
God bless!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)