There is this quest of the human person to institute procedures of security that guarantees his/her well being against the future and the unknown of the man existence. Security in this sense does not necessarily mean having a police guard or vigilante to ward off unscrupulous agents. It extends to economic buoyance stability in office, drive for the uppermost position and reorganization popularity in the community. The efforts at this quest for “man’s security” are done with every professional dexterity.
What crosses our mind is the story of the “Rich man who have harvested and stored in his ban as a security for the future” of Luke 12:15-21 his struggles and toils are being considered according to scripture as the efforts of a “Fool”. What is wrong and arbitrary in this wise labour of the man? After all, scripture says if you do not work, you should not eat. Cf 2 Thess.3:10. Again the Psalmist state “by the labour of your hand you shall eat”.
The obvious failure of the man is his banking on the security of his wealth as a guarantee of this success and triumph in life. By this way, he removed God from the “scheme of things instead of making him the primordial cause of his success and well-being”.
In the word of the Psalmist (127:1-2) unless the Lord builds the house, in vain does the builder labours, unless he watches over the city, in vain does the watch-man keep vigil.
In this case, we must make God as our priority, reposing our efforts and trust in him, such that our labours are fitted in the edifice that is imperishable, where it becomes a treasure that makes us rich in the sight of God.
In the wisdom literature of Ecclesiastes, he sums up the security of man as fake. He states “Vanity of Vanity. All is vanity” cf Eccle 1:2 the tilling, toils, sufferings and labours of mankind sometimes are turned in futile visions. Think about wonderful Master piece built in the past, and ask yourself the question, why is it that the generation want to pull them down, as they plan for a unique one. Let us consider the laurels of Academic qualification of some of our “Fallen heroes”, they tell us much about the vanity associated in the Psalmist (Ps 89:1) to re-choe our hearts desire. “O Lord you have been our refuge from one generation to the next”. This acclamation of ours goes a long way to illustrate that our attachment to pleasures of this world are illusive. The indulgence in fornication, impurity, greed, evil passions, titles, circumcision, freed-men syndrome etc are only portrayals of our emptiness and the falsity of our security.
St Augustine tells us “that our hearts cannot rest until they rest in God”. This is why we must look out for our maximum security on heavenly thing, pondering and contemplating the eternal values of God.
The security which the children of God must have is to build up themselves into the presence of God. It is also a development to build up faith in the childlike confluence and attitude especially as exhibited by the children.
In sum, the potentials, heritage and natural endowment of life are meant to enhance us, rather than causing divides that does not only separate us, but distance our union our report with our God.
Whatever we do in life, Jesus is there at our side, only turn to him, you will have and receive the maximum security that cannot fail. Man’s security can certainly fail even in the face of need.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
MESSENGERS OF PEACE.
Last Sunday, we saw the qualification that was necessary and the pre-requisite for would be disciple of Jesus Christ. It was a situation that was not attractive, though challenging because it calls for urgency in the life of those who are called and heeded this invitation to following Jesus Christ.
In the election, appointment and commission of the 72 disciples (Lk. 10:1-20), Christ sent them out in two’s as an affirmation that the witness of two sustains a charge.
In their mission they are to show a genuine approach of conversion, since they should consider themselves as “lambs among wolves”. It means that the instrument and value system of the Kingdom they were to proclaim are not violent but Christian and gentle dispositions that was to enter into homes of those that they were to evangelize, by declaring a salutation of “Peace be to this House”.
The salutation of peace is to elicit peace and convoke the author of peace in bringing this peace into the life of the home the disciples have entered into. But we must clearly point out that acceptance of the peace, or rejection of this peace proposal determines the effect of this peace in the life of the recipient.
Peace is always the content of the messengers of Jesus proclamation. The value system of these messengers of Jesus must be discovered in the humble approach of Jesus bringing all men and women into the kingdom of light and joy rather than previous empire of darkness and unperceived dungeon of slavery.
According to John of the Cross, “wherever there is no peace put in peace, such that whenever you come across that way you will meet the peace that you left behind animating the environment” cf Dark night of soul.
The theme of peace reflects also in the Paul address to the problem in the Galatians church (Gal.6:14-18), he instructs them not to make circumcision a norm that qualifies people as righteous but to accept JESUS as their personal Lord and Saviour. To make this decision is to live in peace and tranquility. For Paul “I want no more trouble from anybody after this; the marks on my body are those of Jesus” This are marks of the peace of CHRIST.
The prophecy of Isaiah (66:10-14) is the assurance of the return to the fugitive people of Israel, such that he has come to redress and relent their punishment which has kept them in such bondage of theirs. This assured peace is what has kept them in this august joyful situation.
Today we should ask ourselves this question, As Gods children and messengers what are the content of our personal encounter with others. Are they cauldrons of burning hot oil, or cooling waters that bring about changes for better rather than fighting.
We must put in mind that our messages are to be that of the messengers of Jesus Christ who are gentle as dove and not hostile and un-approachable agents.
In sum, our today’s world is in serious quest for peace makers, not ideologists of a new world order that is merely conceptual without concrete existential value to general good.
In the election, appointment and commission of the 72 disciples (Lk. 10:1-20), Christ sent them out in two’s as an affirmation that the witness of two sustains a charge.
In their mission they are to show a genuine approach of conversion, since they should consider themselves as “lambs among wolves”. It means that the instrument and value system of the Kingdom they were to proclaim are not violent but Christian and gentle dispositions that was to enter into homes of those that they were to evangelize, by declaring a salutation of “Peace be to this House”.
The salutation of peace is to elicit peace and convoke the author of peace in bringing this peace into the life of the home the disciples have entered into. But we must clearly point out that acceptance of the peace, or rejection of this peace proposal determines the effect of this peace in the life of the recipient.
Peace is always the content of the messengers of Jesus proclamation. The value system of these messengers of Jesus must be discovered in the humble approach of Jesus bringing all men and women into the kingdom of light and joy rather than previous empire of darkness and unperceived dungeon of slavery.
According to John of the Cross, “wherever there is no peace put in peace, such that whenever you come across that way you will meet the peace that you left behind animating the environment” cf Dark night of soul.
The theme of peace reflects also in the Paul address to the problem in the Galatians church (Gal.6:14-18), he instructs them not to make circumcision a norm that qualifies people as righteous but to accept JESUS as their personal Lord and Saviour. To make this decision is to live in peace and tranquility. For Paul “I want no more trouble from anybody after this; the marks on my body are those of Jesus” This are marks of the peace of CHRIST.
The prophecy of Isaiah (66:10-14) is the assurance of the return to the fugitive people of Israel, such that he has come to redress and relent their punishment which has kept them in such bondage of theirs. This assured peace is what has kept them in this august joyful situation.
Today we should ask ourselves this question, As Gods children and messengers what are the content of our personal encounter with others. Are they cauldrons of burning hot oil, or cooling waters that bring about changes for better rather than fighting.
We must put in mind that our messages are to be that of the messengers of Jesus Christ who are gentle as dove and not hostile and un-approachable agents.
In sum, our today’s world is in serious quest for peace makers, not ideologists of a new world order that is merely conceptual without concrete existential value to general good.
THE CHOSEN PEOPLE.
Salvation is not an exclusive prerogative of any people, tribe or nation. It is a special and un-meritorious gift of God to mankind. Indeed there are no special or chosen people who are destined for salvation while others are a condemned and un-chosen people for salvation. The idea of a ‘chosen people’ springs from God’s election of Israel and subsequent extension of the tentacles to the whole of human race.
All men and women who do what pleases God, and are incorporated or granted unto him are to be seen and distinguished as a CHOSEN PEOPLE.
In the prophecy of Isaiah (66:18-19) “The Lord says this: I am coming to gather the nations of every language. They shall come to witness my glory….”
What strikes the mind, is that God is benevolent is extending his goodness/love to all mankind. The reason is that our eternal predestination is to live forever with him here in this world and in the life to come.
However to belong to a special group is a challenge to behave like unto a special people. This is what we must say about the CHOSEN PEOPLE. The chosen people are characteristically belonging to the Lord their God who has not only called, but chosen them. Scripture says “You did not choose me but I chose you and send you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last forever”. Jn.15:16.
The measure of bearing fruit and identically resembling one’s mentor/or God is an effort that is sacrificial. The letter to the Hebrews (12:5-13), states “the Lord trains the ones that he loves and punishes all those that he acknowledges as his sons”.
What we want to elicit here is that the ‘chosen people’ are known for their ‘suffering’, though transient, but still a unique attribute of this category. We cannot remain the chosen Race and People, without passing through the NARROW DOOR. This narrow door explains the fact of our need for Mortification, Renunciation and Purification to be made worthy of the kingdom of the chosen people o God. The Christian who is on pilgrimage must realize that he/she needs a spirit of detachment from the externals, but a firm focus on the attainment of one’s goal; namely the kingdom of God.
We may begin the journey and sometimes begin to wane in spiritual strength; then the value of the prior discipline that we have received from God will prove effective in our defeat of fatique in faith.
Indeed “any punishment” most painful at the time, and far from pleasant; but later, in those on whom it has been used, it bears fruit in peace and goodness” cf. Heb. 12:11-12.
The emphasis that should be laid before us, is that though we a “God’s chosen people” we should work harder to justify it by good and honest living. To be chosen is to be challenged to work harder in justifying why we are called. To lazy away, on the foundation of the syndrome ‘we are Abraham children’, is next to an illusive dream of failure.
If we fail to become always God chosen ones, God himself will not delay to raise up, from the corners of the earth, those who will realize his dreams of a destiny for each of us. The exhortation left for us is “Hold up your limp, arms and steady your trembling knees and smooth out the path you tread; then the injured limb will not be wrenched, it will grow strong again. Cf. Heb. 12:13.
All men and women who do what pleases God, and are incorporated or granted unto him are to be seen and distinguished as a CHOSEN PEOPLE.
In the prophecy of Isaiah (66:18-19) “The Lord says this: I am coming to gather the nations of every language. They shall come to witness my glory….”
What strikes the mind, is that God is benevolent is extending his goodness/love to all mankind. The reason is that our eternal predestination is to live forever with him here in this world and in the life to come.
However to belong to a special group is a challenge to behave like unto a special people. This is what we must say about the CHOSEN PEOPLE. The chosen people are characteristically belonging to the Lord their God who has not only called, but chosen them. Scripture says “You did not choose me but I chose you and send you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last forever”. Jn.15:16.
The measure of bearing fruit and identically resembling one’s mentor/or God is an effort that is sacrificial. The letter to the Hebrews (12:5-13), states “the Lord trains the ones that he loves and punishes all those that he acknowledges as his sons”.
What we want to elicit here is that the ‘chosen people’ are known for their ‘suffering’, though transient, but still a unique attribute of this category. We cannot remain the chosen Race and People, without passing through the NARROW DOOR. This narrow door explains the fact of our need for Mortification, Renunciation and Purification to be made worthy of the kingdom of the chosen people o God. The Christian who is on pilgrimage must realize that he/she needs a spirit of detachment from the externals, but a firm focus on the attainment of one’s goal; namely the kingdom of God.
We may begin the journey and sometimes begin to wane in spiritual strength; then the value of the prior discipline that we have received from God will prove effective in our defeat of fatique in faith.
Indeed “any punishment” most painful at the time, and far from pleasant; but later, in those on whom it has been used, it bears fruit in peace and goodness” cf. Heb. 12:11-12.
The emphasis that should be laid before us, is that though we a “God’s chosen people” we should work harder to justify it by good and honest living. To be chosen is to be challenged to work harder in justifying why we are called. To lazy away, on the foundation of the syndrome ‘we are Abraham children’, is next to an illusive dream of failure.
If we fail to become always God chosen ones, God himself will not delay to raise up, from the corners of the earth, those who will realize his dreams of a destiny for each of us. The exhortation left for us is “Hold up your limp, arms and steady your trembling knees and smooth out the path you tread; then the injured limb will not be wrenched, it will grow strong again. Cf. Heb. 12:13.
FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING.
To crown the liturgical year as it comes to a close, the Church celebrates a special feast instituted by Pope Pius XI (December 11, 1925): the feast of Christ the King. At the time of its institution, the feast was celebrated on the last Sunday of October. Since the liturgical reform of the Council of Vatican II, it is celebrated, more suitably on the last Sunday of the liturgical year: that is last Sunday. On this last Sunday, the Church intends to crown the entire life of the Mystical Body of Christ which the liturgical year symbolizes periodically, year after year. It is a crown of glory which is placed upon the Head of that great Body which is the Church: it is Christ in person, Head of the Church, who receives glory and honor in an ultimate crowning!
The greatest King of the Universe is crowned with glory and majesty by those who are his brothers and sisters in the Holy Spirit, so that He who redeemed them from their countless sins is forever honored by the holy and immaculate Body (cf Eph. 5:27)! Today, more than ever, the Church is here to render to Jesus Christ the honor which is due to him as King of the Universe. For the Church, in the name of Jesus, speaks the Truth to the entire word! Carrying on the work and mission of Christ, the Church proclaims to all men and women the message of salvation found in the Gospel: thus the Church renders to the King of the Universe the honor and the glory which belong to him. Each time, throughout the day, that we testify to our fidelity to the Law of God, it is the Kingdom of God we proclaim: to live a holy life, to exhibit exemplary conduct at work or at home, all of this serves to obtain for the Lord a Kingship that is ever more glorious!
Without question, the greatest honor that we can give to our King and Lord is to give thanks to him in his Eucharist. It is there that we say, through the voice of the priest: “Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever.” All of the Father fully reflects back upon the Son, and it even reflects upon us all, we who are sons in the Son! For, finally, if God claims for his Son the glory and honor of kingship, it is not for himself, for only God can obtain for himself a glory that is truly worthy of him.
The greatest King of the Universe is crowned with glory and majesty by those who are his brothers and sisters in the Holy Spirit, so that He who redeemed them from their countless sins is forever honored by the holy and immaculate Body (cf Eph. 5:27)! Today, more than ever, the Church is here to render to Jesus Christ the honor which is due to him as King of the Universe. For the Church, in the name of Jesus, speaks the Truth to the entire word! Carrying on the work and mission of Christ, the Church proclaims to all men and women the message of salvation found in the Gospel: thus the Church renders to the King of the Universe the honor and the glory which belong to him. Each time, throughout the day, that we testify to our fidelity to the Law of God, it is the Kingdom of God we proclaim: to live a holy life, to exhibit exemplary conduct at work or at home, all of this serves to obtain for the Lord a Kingship that is ever more glorious!
Without question, the greatest honor that we can give to our King and Lord is to give thanks to him in his Eucharist. It is there that we say, through the voice of the priest: “Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever.” All of the Father fully reflects back upon the Son, and it even reflects upon us all, we who are sons in the Son! For, finally, if God claims for his Son the glory and honor of kingship, it is not for himself, for only God can obtain for himself a glory that is truly worthy of him.
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