“Living ‘convinced Christian lives’ to attract many more to the Love of Christ and to His Holy Church!”

(Based on Wisd 2:1a, 12-22 and Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 – Friday of the 4th Week of Lent)

There is an incident about David Hume, 18th century British philosopher.

He was a person who had rejected historic Christianity.

Once his friend met him, hurrying along the streets of London.

He was enquired, “Where are you off to, in such a hurry, Mr Hume?”

The philosopher answered, “To hear George Whitfield preach”
(George Whitfield was an Anglican Cleric, famous for his preaching and especially in the revival movement termed as the “Great awakening”.

He would draw great crowds and was known as one of the best-known preachers in Great Britain and North America.)

This friend was surprised to hear that, since David Hume was a non-believer and queried back, “But surely you don’t believe what Whitfield preaches do you?”

With a playful smile, he replied “No, I don’t!

But he does believe!”

The philosopher did not believe…
… but the convictions of the preacher made him to listen!

The philosopher rejected what was spoken…
… but the ‘certainty’ of the preacher made him to give heed!

Life is like a roller coaster.

There are mountains to climb and hills to coast
It is convictions in life that will help to experience true serenity and happiness.
It is convictions in life that will help to tide across the various storms encountered.

We need to ask ourselves…
… Am I living a life of deep convictions in faith, which makes people to take notice of the Lord and help them come closer to Him?
… Am I filled with a deep passion for the Lord, which makes others to be attracted and fascinated to the Kingdom of the Lord?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, boldly facing and withstanding the various storms of difficulties…
… and thus emerging as an Epitome of passion and conviction.

Jesus is progressing in His ministry.

On one side, there has been an increase in His popularity ratings…
… many sick being healed, many oppressed finding solace, many rejected finding consolation.

On the other side, however, there has also been an augmentation in opposition to Him…
… many being offended by His radical call of transformation, many finding Him blaspheming, many snubbed at His uncompromising authority.

But Jesus remains unperturbed!

He continues to preach the Word of God
He continues to openly declare His relation with the Father
He continues to publicly affirm His mission and purpose on the earth

Jesus is the Epitome of convictions and passion!

Nothing could make Him to compromise His convictions…
Nothing could make Him to lay down His principles of life…

Neither threats, nor adulations…
… neither opposition, nor exaltation!

Can I also…
… seek to grow in my life of conviction in my faith?
… try to deepen my passion for the Lord and His Kingdom?

One of the very popular and yet, good-to-remind quote is:
“My life may be the only Gospel…
… that people may ever encounter
… that people may ever read
… that people may ever experience”
Will it truly be an “Evangelion – The Good News?”

Yes, let our lives radiate convincingly the message of the Gospel…
… and thus attract many more to the Love of Christ and to His Holy Church!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Ten Commandments – The Fourth Commandment – The Family in God’s Plan

In creating man and woman, God instituted the human family and endowed it with its fundamental constitution.
Its members are persons equal in dignity.

For the common good of its members and of society, the family necessarily has manifold responsibilities, rights, and duties. (CCC # 2203)