CAN’T GET TO MASS BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC – AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE SOME QUIET TIME TO REFLECT.
It was the 19th century British essayist Mr. Charles Lamb and his wife Mary who moved the 17th century playwright William Shakespeare from his undeserved obscurity to the limelight of fame.
twenty20 of Shakespeare’s well-known plays and decided to make them accessible to children and to pay enthusiastic homage to the original works.
Together the Charles & Mary distilled the powerful themes and unforgettable characterizations of Shakespeare’s plays into elegant narratives–
All of the their stories–with their clear, supple, and rhythmic prose–reward any reader, whether encountering Shakespeare for the first time or revisiting his work.
This Charles Lamb was once involved in a discussion of the question,
“Who is the greatest literary genius of all time?”
Two names finally emerged: William Shakespeare and Jesus of Nazareth.
Charles Lamb put an end to the debate when he said:
“I’ll tell you the difference between these two men.
If Shakespeare walked into this room right now, we would all rise to greet him…
But if Jesus Christ came in, we would all fall down and worship Him!”
The greatness of men may make us rise in respect…
The greatness of Jesus would compel us to kneel in worship and adoration!
Today, for reflection, let us talk about Jesus…
… the most influential person ever, in history!
H. G. Wells, a prolific English writer, summed up this difference…
“Christ,” he wrote, “is the most unique person of history.
No man can write a history of the human race without giving first and foremost place to the penniless teacher of Nazareth.
From poverty and obscurity to teacher to death on the cross, to ascended Lord – Jesus Christ is the growing figure of history.
He is unique – for while all others decrease, he increases!”
The Gospel of the day reveals the immensely charismatic personality of Jesus.
He heals the mother-in-law of Simon Peter.
He healed many others who were with various sicknesses and diseases.
He cast out demons from many who were possessed and under bondages.
He became a sought-after person!
He became an attraction for many people!
Jesus’ tremendous passion for the missions is admiring…
Jesus’ spectacular urge to preach the Kingdom of God is amazing…
Jesus’ firm commitment to the mission entrusted to Him is astounding…
We have said “Yes” to follow ‘this’ Jesus…
… Jesus who wants us to follow Him in healing the world
… Jesus who wishes us to become agents of casting out demons and
unclean spirits
… Jesus who waits on us to preach and teach the Kingdom of God to
all people anywhere
To be like Jesus, we need to imitate Him, not just in works… but above all in His Being!
… Totally committed to a life of prayer and union with God (Mk 1:35)
… Passionately zealous for the salvation of people (Mk 1: 32-33)
… Absolutely focused on the needs of the Kingdom of God (Mk 1:38)
How about us as we thnk through our answers to these questions?
Do I have my prayer life and communion with the Lord as the greatest thrust and push in all my activities, undertakings and ministries?
Do I have a deep desire and commitment to bring God’s love to all people and be passionate to share Him to all others?
Do I remain undistracted in the midst of all worldly attractions and forego personal pleasures by remaining focused on His Kingdom alone?
The world certainly faces a lot of darkness, pain and sufferings. (Job 7:1-4)
Our own world may be filled with shattered hopes, unfulfilled dreams, meaningless miseries etc
The world outside may be filled with terrible injustices, lacuna of peace, horrifying terrors etc
But the Lord assures that “He is the One who heals the broken-hearted”. (Ps 146:1)
Let us be filled with the power and spirit of Jesus, “the One whom we ought to preach by our lives” (1 Cor 9:16)
May we discover and be convinced of Jesus, to be the greatest in our lives.
Shall we therefore, fall in deep adoration, ardent worship and fervent submission to Him…
so that we can become agents of Him, who transforms the world continually?
Let us not have the woe of not preaching the Gospel! (1 Cor 9:16)
Let us share the blessings of the Gospel! (1 Cor 9:23)
Let us become all things to all! (1 Cor 9:22)
May God Bless! May we Live Jesus!
