“Discovering and being convinced of Jesus, to be the greatest in our lives, so that we can become agents of Him, who transforms the world continually!”
(Based on Job 7:1-4,6-7, 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23 and Mk 1:29-39 – 5th Sunday of the Ordinary Time, Cycle B)
It was the 19th century British essayist Mr. Charles Lamb and his wife Mary who moved the 17th century playwright William Shakespeare from his undeserved obscurity to the limelight of fame.
The two selected 20 of Shakespeare’s best-known plays and set out to make them accessible to children and to pay enthusiastic homage to the original works.
Together the Lambs distilled the powerful themes and unforgettable characterizations of Shakespeare’s plays into elegant narratives–classic tales in their own right.
All of the Lambs’ stories–with their clear, supple, and rhythmic prose–reward any reader, whether encountering Shakespeare for the first time or revisiting his work.
This Charles Lamb was once involved in a discussion of the question, “Who is the greatest literary genius of all time?”
Two names finally emerged: William Shakespeare and Jesus of Nazareth.
Charles Lamb put an end to the debate when he said: “I’ll tell you the difference between these two men.
If Shakespeare walked into this room right now, we would all rise to greet him…
But if Jesus Christ came in, we would all fall down and worship Him!”
The greatness of men may make us rise in respect…
The greatness of Jesus would compel us to kneel in worship and adoration!
“Let’s talk about Jesus” is a popular English hymn.
Today, for our reflection, let us talk about Jesus…
… the most influential person ever, in history!
H. G. Wells, a prolific English writer, summed up this difference…
“Christ,” he wrote, “is the most unique person of history.
No man can write a history of the human race without giving first and foremost place to the penniless teacher of Nazareth.
From poverty and obscurity to teacher to death on the cross, to ascended Lord – Jesus Christ is the growing figure of history.
He is unique – for while all others decrease, he increases!”
The Gospel of the day reveals the immensely charismatic personality of Jesus.
He heals the mother-in-law of Simon Peter.
He healed many others who were with various sicknesses and diseases.
He cast out demons from many who were possessed and under bondages.
He became a sought-after person!
He became an attraction for many many people!
Jesus’ tremendous passion for the missions is admiring…
Jesus’ spectacular urge to preach the Kingdom of God is amazing…
Jesus’ unfazed commitment to the mission entrusted to Him is astounding…
We have said “Yes” to follow ‘this’ Jesus…
… Jesus who wants us to follow Him in healing the world
… Jesus who wishes us to become agents of casting out demons and unclean spirits
… Jesus who waits on us to preach and teach the Kingdom of God to all people anywhere
To be like Jesus, we need to imitate Him, not just in works… but above all in His Being!
… Totally committed to a life of prayer and union with God (Mk 1:35)
… Passionately zealous for the salvation of people (Mk 1: 32-33)
… Absolutely focused on the needs of the Kingdom of God (Mk 1:38)
Do I have my prayer life and communion with the Lord as the greatest thrust and push in all my activities, undertakings and ministries?
Do I have a deep desire and commitment to bring God’s love to all people and be passionate to share Him to all others?
Do I remain undistracted in the midst of all worldly attractions and forego personal pleasures by remaining focused on His Kingdom alone?
The world certainly faces a lot of darkness, pain and sufferings. (Job 7:1-4)
Our own world may be filled with shattered hopes, unfulfilled dreams, meaningless miseries etc
The world outside may be filled with terrible injustices, lacuna of peace, horrifying terrors etc
But the Lord assures that “He is the One who heals the broken-hearted”. (Ps 146:1)
Let us be filled with the power and spirit of Jesus, “the One whom we ought to preach by our lives” (1 Cor 9:16)
May we discover and be convinced of Jesus, to be the greatest in our lives.
Shall we therefore, fall in deep adoration, ardent worship and fervent submission to Him…
… so that we can become agents of Him, who transforms the world continually?
Let us not have the woe of not preaching the Gospel! (1 Cor 9:16)
Let us share the blessings of the Gospel! (1 Cor 9:23)
Let us become all things to all! (1 Cor 9:22)
God Bless! Live Jesus!
Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
APOSTOLIC TRADITION AND ECCLESIAL (CHURCH) TRADITIONS
Tradition comes from the apostles…
… and hands on what they received from Jesus’ teaching and example
… and what they learned from the Holy Spirit.
The first generation of Christians did not yet have a written New Testament…
… and the New Testament itself demonstrates the process of living Tradition.
Tradition is to be distinguished from the various theological, disciplinary, liturgical or devotional traditions, born in the local churches over time.
These are the particular forms, adapted to different places and times, in which the great Tradition is expressed.
Reflection Capsules 