“Responding positively to the invitation of the Lord!”
(Based on Mic 7:14-15, 18-20 and Mt 12:46-50 – Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)
We sometimes find advertisements, in newspapers or magazines, that invite the readers to apply for a job or a task.
These ads…
… attract those who are interested by mentioning the various packages and privileges
… inform regarding various factors and parameters that makes one eligible for that post or duty.
The Gospel of the Day presents such an open-invitation – in a bid…
…. to attract all, to the Kingdom of God, by mentioning various packages and privileges
… to inform, regarding various factors and parameters that makes one eligible for the Kingdom of God
In the Gospel passage, we read that “The family of Jesus come to meet Him, while He was at ministry” (Mt 12: 46)
“Someone told Him, ‘Your Mother and Your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you” (Mt 12: 47)
But the Lord makes use of this context to put forward a very important truth:
Spiritual bonding with God, the Father takes higher precedence over blood bonding.
Spiritual relations are to be given a higher priority over the generational heritage and legacy.
A new and significant understanding is put forward by Jesus to define “His Family”
“… Whoever does the Will of My Heavenly Father is My brother and sister and mother” (Mt 12: 50)
Thus, we see a wonderful ad that Jesus displays…
An ad…
…. to attract all, to the Kingdom of God by mentioning various packages and privileges
… to inform, regarding various factors and parameters that makes one eligible for the Kingdom of God
Here are the main aspects of this great AD…
- The Offer: Being a member of the Family of God
Jesus makes an open and loving invitation for all to be part of His Family.
We are given a privilege to be called the brothers and sisters of our Blessed Lord!
What a great honour!
What a wonderful favour!
- The Qualification: Seeking and doing the Will of God
The most essential and basic qualification to possess the offer of being a member of the Family of God, is to seek and do the Will of God.
Jn 1:12 says, “… to those who accept Him, He gave power to become children of God”
- The Privileges: Divine Peace and Happiness on the earth and promise of life eternal
The One who is part of the Divine Family, also is privileged to share in the life and happiness of the Divine Family!
Jn 6:40 declares, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
- Who can apply: Anyone, who is daring to sacrifice one’s personal agenda
The one who can apply for this “offer” of being a member of God’s Will is to possess a dare and courage: to let go of one’s personal desires in life, and seek to embrace what God wants of him/her.
Mt 16: 24 says, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.”
- When should it be applied: At the earliest, in the first instance possible
The opportune time to take the initiative to participate in the Divine Family is “now”
In the parable of the ten virgins, in Mt 25: 1-13, the five virgins missed the opportunity to be part of the wedding feast, because of their delay and postponement.
2 Pet 3:9 says, “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but He is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Our Blessed Lord would be delighted to have us as part of His Divine Family.
For this, He also gives out His ad…
… attracting us to the Kingdom of God
… informing us of the various factors and parameters
Let us pray with the Psalmist: “Lord, show us your mercy and love!” (Ps 85:8a)
Are we willing to positively respond to this invitation of the Lord?
God Bless! Live Jesus!
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE GRACE OF BAPTISM – AN INDELIBLE SPIRITUAL MARK
Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ.
Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation.
Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.
Incorporated into the Church by Baptism, the faithful have received the sacramental character that consecrates them for Christian religious worship.
The baptismal seal enables and commits Christians to serve God by a vital participation in the holy liturgy of the Church and to exercise their baptismal priesthood by the witness of holy lives and practical charity.
The Holy Spirit has marked us with the seal of the Lord (“Dominicus character”) “for the day of redemption.”
“Baptism indeed is the seal of eternal life.”
The faithful Christian who has “kept the seal” until the end, remaining faithful to the demands of his Baptism, will be able to depart this life “marked with the sign of faith, “with his baptismal faith, in expectation of the blessed vision of God – the consummation of faith – and in the hope of resurrection. (CCC # 1272-1274)
Reflection Capsules 