“Singing the melody of God’s Love, even in the greatest struggles of life and displaying the Grit of our Faith!”
(Based on Jas 2:14-24, 26 and and Mk 8:34-9:1)
There is a beautiful legend of a thorn bird.
It is said that the thorn bird sings only once in its life.
Leaving its nest, it searches for a bush…
… a bush with long and sharp thorns.
On finding such a thorny bush, the thorn bird pierces itself on the biggest thorn.
It is at that point, that it begins to sing.
And this sweet and beautiful singing, outmatches the lark or the nightingale or any other singing bird.
The world pauses in silence and wonder…
… as they hear the melodious voice, from the wounded and dying bird!
The legend clearly gives the message…
… that the most satisfying moments of life, can be purchased only at the price of great pain
Christian suffering and struggling is represented by the Cross.
The Gospel of the Day is a presentation of the Message of the Cross…
… an invitation to follow the Crucified Christ
… a challenge to faithfully carry the crosses of our life.
Jesus says, “Whoever wishes to come after me, must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me!” (Mk 8:34)
Our Blessed Lord loves to jolt static minds and the inert understandings..
He doesn’t promise cushy comforts…
… He demands Commitment to the Cross!
Those who choose Christianity as a Life Style, ought to be…
Losers of oneself
Be carriers of the Cross
And then Follow Him!
Christianity, as a Life Style, has the Cross as its Basic Rule and it demands Commitment!
But the very mention of the word “Cross”, sometimes puts people off…
“Not again the Cross”
“Enough of pain and suffering”
“We go to Church to relax and be comforted; not simply to hear of the Passion &Anguish of the Suffering Jesus on the Cross; we only prefer the Glorious & Victorious Christ”
“Stop being pessimistic with Sin & Repentance…. Just be optimistic with Joy & Salvation!”
These are often, the “happening” buzz phrases and popular opinions
… even in our religious environs.
We like to be Saved…
… but we Fear the Cross of repentance of our SinsWe like to receive Blessings…
… but we Fear the Cross of living an honest lifeWe like to live a peaceful life…
… but we Fear the Cross of trusting in God’s Providence
We like to be prosperous…
… but we Fear the Cross of being generous and compassionate
We like to be called good..
… but we Fear the Cross of being Faithful to the teachings of ChristWe like to have joy…
… but we Fear the Cross of giving up attachments and belong totally to God
Yes, We often, Fear the Cross…
But Christ – Crucified on the Cross – promises His Choicest Rewards to the ones, who dare to take up the Cross…
They will find Life…
They will be rewarded…
They will find true joy and peace…
… says the Lord.
Have we really accepted Christianity as our Life Style?
Then let us Embrace the Cross.
One important element of Embracing the Cross is translating our faith into a actual works of service.
In the words of St James:
“Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead!” (Jas 2:17)
This requires us to permit the Grace of God to work in us, by our constant response and consent to the Will of the Lord…
… This will surely make us encounter struggles and difficulties.
But let’s always trust in the Grace of the Lord to strengthen us.
Life will often push us to thorn situations – painful and agonizing
But like the thorn bird…
… let us dare to embrace this struggle, and yet sing the most beautiful song!
… let us be courageous to go through the time of difficulty, knowing that the Lord wishes to play a beautiful melody through my life!
Let us remain committed to the Cross of Christ and celebrate Christianity with conviction!
God Bless! Live Jesus!
Reflection Capsules 