Wednesday, March 25, 2009

STEPS TO FOLLOW HIS STEP

STEPS TO FOLLOW HIS STEP


Ordinary people like our selves who are conscious of the conditions of employment must surely be excused for questioning the wisdom of the two sets of brothers, Peter and Andrew. James and John, in leaving their nets to follow Christ. The invitation is direct and simple, ’Come, follow me’ with no hint as to where they are going or what is in store for them. Nothing is promised. There is no suggestion of any hesitation or regret on their part at letting go or leaving their boats behind. Only one-thing matters - follow Christ and become fishers of men. This encounter between Jesus and the apostles takes place during the first moment of his ministry and reflects the humble origins of the church. Ordinary people with no special training are called to the extra ordinary task of bringing the knowledge and love of God to the whole world. God chooses the weak of the world to confront the strong and simple to confound to the wise.
The mission of preaching and healing, which Jesus began in Galilee, is now responsibility of the church. The call of apostles is still the model of discipleship and in our generation we have both the privilege and obligation to accept his invitation. As followers of Christ we are called to be servants of God and to struggle to the task of enlarging the church by spreading the good news of the kingdom. This is not possible unless we have begun living the new live we have received at baptism. There is no such person as an instant Christian because coming to faith is a gradual process and a life-long struggle, which each generation must learn anew. It involves all the ups and downs of turning aside from a life of sin and self-centered existence to one of obedience to God’s call. We begin by getting to know Christ who enables us to cut through the darkness of fear and prejudice, which our sins have caused. In order to grow and resolve the tensions within ourselves we need constant light that grows brighter as we become more familiar with the gospel.
Right now we stand at a point opportunity, Christ alone gives life and hope and we should not be sidetracked in the work of our conversion by earthly pursuits. We are the hands of God. Men and women like us in every walk of life who put their spiritual welfare of the community before selfishness in every day things release the power of God upon the world.

Monday, March 16, 2009

WAYS TO ACQUIRE THE POWER OF GOODNESS

WAYS TO ACQUIRE THE POWER OF GOODNESS

On hearing the death of John the Baptist, Jesus was deeply upset and in need of finding a quiet place he could share his grief with the apostles. However, when he stepped ashore there were thousands waiting to reach out and touch him and they were not disappointed. He began teaching and nourishing them in mind and heart and finally towards evening, when they had been without food for a long time, he satisfied their hunger by working the miracle of the loaves and fishes. It was clearly a miraculous event, a marvelous happening and a pointer to the fact that God, who creates the world, provides us with food and takes care of our every need. The crowd returned to their homes satisfied and spiritually refreshed from the time spent in the company of Jesus.
Here we have a picture of the church as it acts in every age. Jesus did not feed the stranded crowd at the edge of the Sea of Galilee all on his own. He accomplished it with the help of his disciples who were reluctant to accept responsibility for the hungry people. Their first reaction was to send the crowd away to fend for themselves, and let somebody else deal with the problem. Challenged by Jesus to use their own resources, they remembered having five loaves and two fishes which they brought to him. The little they had when placed in the hands of Jesus turned out to be more than enough for all. The five loaves and two fishes are symbols of the power of Goodness, which we all possess. In our own eyes it may seem of little account but it is what the Lord has given us and expects us to use in his service. The gift may be our ability to be good neighbors, a caring listener, to a sorrowing widow or a willing member of a parish or an organization. In whatever way we minister to the needs of others, we show forth the compassion of Christ and extend his friendship. Jesus sets before every one the task of communicating his loves through the qualities they posses.
When we gather around to celebrate the Eucharist by our presence we make an offering of self and show that with the rest of the church we accept the challenge of Jesus to do what we can for the good of others. He receives our gifts in the same manner as he accepted the five loaves and two fishes from the disciples and offering them to the Father, gives them eternal value. On their own our efforts may seem small and insignificant but when placed in God’s hands and fitted into his plans, they become part of the great saving mission of the church and gives a deeper meaning to our lives. The Lord not only invites us here to be nourished at his table but also sends us forth to give as we have received, to forgive as we have been forgiven and to love as we have been loved.