Inspirations at your Fingertips!

Instruments of life John 6:52-59 How could someone like Saul, who was a murderer of Christians, become Paul, now an instrument of Jesus to bring life to others? How could we be the same, i.e., instruments of life to others? First, center on Jesus; literally, receive Jesus, take in Jesus into the self.  "I tell you most solemnly, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you."   Second, taking Jesus in the self means learning from him, digesting his teaching, literally letting him live in us.  "He lives in me and I in him."  The self becomes a replica of Jesus.   Finally, only Jesus becomes the source of life of everyone.  "He now draws life in me."  We become instruments of life to others because it is Jesus' life in us.   Thus, learn the three things that make us instruments of life: receive Jesus, learn from Jesus, and let Jesus be a part of our lives.

Educated in the ways of God  John 6:44-51 The Ethiopian replied to Philip who questioned whether he understood what he was reading, "How would I know unless someone guides me?" This is where we come in in the whole story of humankind's salvation - to teach others God's ways and truth. In the Gospel, the intention of God is crystal clear - "They will always be taught by God." Educating people toward Jesus will naturally come to Him, "And they will come to me."  They will not be afraid.  Coming to Him also implies a change our life and outlook; all people living virtuous lives are always coming closer to Jesus and are patterning their lives after him. Finally, our education should lead us to see the Father in heaven, "Anyone who sees Jesus has seen the Father." Let us allow ourselves to be educated by Jesus himself by receiving him as the bread of life.  We shall live forever.

The marks of a Christian  John 6:30-35 Let's continue reflecting on the marks of a Christian. St. Stephen valiantly defended the faith.  When his hour of death came, he spoke as Jesus did, with words reflecting the marks of a Christian.  These are: 1. I can see the heaven and Jesus descending ... these words reflect the innermost yearning of a Christian, "to see the face of Jesus" and confirm that all his actions are pleasing to Him. 2. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit ... is a prayer of oblation, "Take o Lord, and sanctify these offerings..." especially the offering of my life. 3. Do not hold this sin against them ... is a prayer of hope, healing, and forgiveness. The heart of every Christian is the very heart of Christ.

The signs of the resurrection  John 3:7-15 The signs of the resurrection of the Lord in our lives are the following: Unity: "The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul; no one claimed for his own use anything that he had, as everything they owned was held in common"; Proclamation: "The apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power"; and Sharing: "None of their members was ever in want, as all those who owned land or houses would sell them, and bring the money from them, to present it to the apostles; it was then distributed to any members who might be in need. If we are giving testimony to the ones mentioned above, then we are "born again" as described in today's Gospel".

More Easter thoughts Gospel:  Luke 24:1-12 Following all the readings for the Easter Vigil till the Gospel for this evening, I would like to reflect on the following words that relate with our Easter experience: The first is the word "creation".  What this world has destroyed, God has created it back.  What was old has turned new.  There is always renewal in God. The second word is "faithfulness".  Just as Abraham was unquestionably faithful to God, our faith definitely brings alive the light of Easter in our hearts that links us directly with God. The third is the word "victory".  God will always be victorious over any kind of slavery, whether political, moral, social, or economic.  As Jesus' passing over death is a living testimony of this victory, so too will goodness prevail in our lives. All these are found in the one with a direct experience with the Divine Master.  Their hearts are being created again, this time, renewed in God....

Worth emulating  Matthew 26:14-25 The gospel is a prelude to the blessed event that we will recall tomorrow, i.e., the most holy Eucharist. By this time, Judas already would have gone out and Jesus would have already reprimanded Peter.  Everything is ready for the banquet.  Jesus is the supreme sacrifice to his Father. Jesus is the sacrament of His Father for all of us to see.  Salvation comes in our total adherence to Jesus and not to ourselves.  Just as Jesus carries the dignity of His Father, we carry that dignity if we allow ourselves to imitate the virtues and goodness of the Father. Judas' words and actions are not dignified.  They are signs of betrayal and mistrust; of a total loss of the sense of faith.  They are not worth emulating.  Jesus' actions are worth it. In my 20 years as a priest, I know that this is not an easy task; but it is worth all efforts to be configured to the Father's will. If I see I am not worthy; I char...

Glorification  John 13:21-33,36-38 As we get closer to the celebration of the Paschal Mystery, we see how our world and God's world become closer and united.  In both reading, the Son is glorified by the Father; his glorification also shows in his Son who obediently does His will to His delight. In the gospel, the Father's relationship with the Son is manifested in Jesus Christ and not in Judas and even Peter.  Their actions debase human existence. Let us learn from Jesus and we shall know the mystery of our human existence.  Just as the Son glorifies the Father in bringing his sons and daughters back to him, our existence in this world is merely to glorify the Father and mirror Him to others.