Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people you say that I am”? (Mk. 8:27). Was the Lord acting like an insecure military commander or president doing a loyalty check on his soldiers? Not at all. His popularity was widespread, his name was a household password, droves of people followed him wherever he went. He is not for fame but to serve and not be served, doing his Father’s will. Following the Lord is not a matter of attraction or joining a jamming motion, but must be from our heart to God’s heart. No wonder those who followed him by the ow of the crowd said that he is; John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets. (Mk. 8:28). And here’s a response from one like Peter following him from the heart who said; “ You are the Christ”. At another time when the Lord said to his disciples; “ Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you” ( Jn. 6:53). As a result of this, many returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Then Jesus said to the Twelve; “ Do you want also to leave? Simon Peter answered him, “ Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”( Jn. 6:66). Jesus did not call back those who left because he wants a free and sincere heart to follow him.
Unless we have a personal relationship with Jesus, we’ve the same answer like the crowd. But with the love in our heart, we’ll have the same response like Simon Peter’s. Sometimes, we are conscious whether our prayer is heard or not. If we are healthy, happy and doing well, we say that God is so good. But when adversity strikes we say that God is unfair. This kind of attitude only shows that our relationship with the Lord is shallow and flimsy.
Performance or title doesn’t really measure our self-worth, but our lowliness or self-denial. For who- ever wishes to follow me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” ( Jn. 8:34). Suffering or failure is part of our discipleship, let us move on and sail on, carrying our cross for Jesus.
On the flip side, someone said that a mindful person is one whose mind is full of ideas and principles, also a person who is mindful and thoughtful of others. Are you a mindful person? You can make plans, but the Lord’s plan will prevail. I heard someone say that the art of knowing is knowing what to ignore. People come into your life and go, but you will always have to live with yourself. Make yourself pleasant, positive and peaceful. Expect nothing and appreciate everything, stay humble, work hard, pray more and be merciful. One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say. If you see something good in someone, say it. Two thing define you. Your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything. Amen on that folks!!
St. Faustina wrote Jesus’ words; “ As often as you want to make Me happy, speak to the world about My great and unfathomable mercy.” ( Diary 164).Pray the Divine Mercy prayer every 3 p.m. Daily pray the Holy Rosary for peace in our families and in the world.
INVITING YOU ALL TO OUR HEALING MASS AT 6:00 P.M. EVERY WEDNESDAY AT SAN VICENTE CHURCH, BARRIGADA.