Binhi sang Pagtuo
April 26, 2010
Dear Centralians and Friends,
Greetings from the campus!
One wonders why the gospel of Jesus reached us, and is still reaching others. This is a great wonder because Jesus lived only until the age of 33. His public ministry lasted for only 3 years, and just concentrated in some certain parts of Israel.
The answer to this mystery is that the Word who became flesh and lived among us did not left without witnesses. In one of the post-resurrection stories, Jesus gathered his disciples and told them, “…you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere…” (Acts 1:8).
Yes, Jesus died but he resurrected and continued to live on the hearts of his disciples and apostles. The gospel reached us because those who came before us acted on their faith.
Those that came before us were Jesus Christ’s flesh here on earth since our Lord cannot be seen nor can be touched anymore. Their bodies were presented as living sacrifices. As Christians we are challenged by the gospel to incarnate Jesus Christ in our lives.
We can do this incarnation or giving flesh to the teachings of Jesus Christ by:
First, having eyes that show compassion to the poor. It has been said that the eyes are the windows of the soul. Jesus is counting on us to be his eyes nowadays.
Second, having a nose that smells the fragrance of a person. We are not to point out just the odor of another person but acknowledge his/her fragrance so that we will see the good in him/her and develop it.
Third, having ears that listen to the cries of those who are oppressed. Listening in this sense is not about being passive but being active. Let us give actions to what we have heard and making “love your neighbor” as the basis of our actions.
Fourth, having a mouth that speaks encouragement to the weary. Let us remember that words can either destroy or build. When we have already spoken, we cannot just simply return the words into our mouth. There will always be consequences. Let us choose our words wisely.
Fifth, having arms that lift up the weak. Let us pull up those who are down along our journey of faith. Let us encouragingly push those who are slowing down. Let our hands be the guide to those who are lost.
Sixth, having a heart that is willing to die for a friend. This is what Christ has done a long time ago and our fore parents in faith have done the same. Let us remember the words “there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for a friend.”
Seventh, having a feet that will go to the lost. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news to those who are in the dark and cannot see where they are going because they are lost.
Lastly, the Word became flesh and lived among us. He identified himself with the poor, weak, oppressed and weary. But Jesus Christ is not here anymore. The good thing is that he did not left without witnesses. He left us. He died but only to live in our hearts. Let us incarnate him in our lives by being his eyes, nose, ears, mouth, arms, heart and feet.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Assistant Chaplain
p.s.
Let us pray for the bereaved family of the late Rev. Dr. Greg Tingson. He died last Saturday evening in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
No comments:
Post a Comment