“Seeking to ‘upgrade’ our lifestyles with the convictions and truths of the Holy Gospel!”
(Based on Acts 4:32-37 and Jn 3:7b-15 – Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter)
“Compatibility” is a term that is increasingly becoming a common word in our everyday vocabulary, thanks to the widespread usage of computers and mobiles.
Compatibility refers to the a state in which two things are able to exist or occur together without problems or conflict.
It is the capacity for two systems to work together, without having to be altered to do so.
Eg. A computer which has a Windows 98 Operating System (the very old version) will not be able to support many of the latest programs and softwares…
It is because of a “compatibility” issue.
Eg. A mobile, like the old Nokia 1100, without an Android-base, will not be able to have many of the new applications like WhatsApp or Viber etc…
It is because of a “compatibility” issue.
This compatibility issue can also appear in our spiritual life…
When we are not in proper terms with God, we fail to understand many of His plans for us.
When we are not in line with God’s Will, we lose out on grasping many of His aspirations for us
And that is why the Lord tells, in today’s Gospel, “If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?” (Jn 3: 12)
The conversation between Nicodemus, in the darkness of the night and Jesus, the Light of the world continues…
The Lord speaks of the need “to be born anew” and of how the movement of the Spirit cannot be judged, but its effects can be perceived and felt (Jn 3:7)
But Nicodemus fails to understand these words of the Lord…
In his ignorance and unawareness, he puts forward a genuine doubt, “How can this be?” ( Jn3:9)
Nicodemus was unable to grasp the meaning of the words of the Lord.
He looked lost.
He seemed confused.
He appeared bewildered.
His thoughts were not “compatible” with the thoughts of the Lord.
His understanding was not “compatible” with the wisdom spoken by the Lord.
And so Jesus says that one would fail to understand heavenly things, if one fails to even understand the earthly things.
How often is our life also, not “compatible” with the requirements of Jesus, and His Gospel!
Our thought-pattern often fails to be “compatible” with the teachings of the Church….
Our relationship with others, often fails to be “compatible” with the command of love of all…
Our personal following of Jesus, often fails to be “compatible” with our dual mind of seeking also the pleasures of this world….
A great deal of “incompatibility” is often experienced by us, in the spiritual realm.
Let us seek to “update” our lives with the love and power of the Holy Spirit.
Let us pledge to “upgrade” our lifestyles with the convictions and truths of the Holy Gospel.
Let us move from a state of “How can this be?” to a state of “Indeed, it is so!” with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let us thirst for Him.
Let us long for Him.
God Bless! Live Jesus!
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – THE EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS – The grace of the Holy Spirit
With regard to deacons, “strengthened by sacramental grace they are dedicated to the People of God…
… in conjunction with the bishop and his body of priests, in the service (diakonia) of the liturgy, of the Gospel, and of works of charity.” (CCC # 1588)
Reflection Capsules 