Wednesday 7 October 2020

WHAT HE SAID WAS TRUE

 JOHN 21:20-24 THE OTHER DISCIPLE

Peter turned round and was behind him the other disciple, whom Jesus loved- the one who had learned close to Jesus at the meal and had asked, “Lord who is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?”

Jesus answered him, “If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you? Follow me.”

So a report spread among the followers of Jesus that this disciple would not die; he said “If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you?”
 He is the disciple who spoke of these things, the one who also write them down; and we know that what he said is true.
 
John the beloved disciple, whom our Lord mandated to take care of Mary His mother before his death on the cross gave the testimony of Christ divinity, and true His identity as the Son of God.
  Who could have given an accurate account of the life of Jesus Christ if not the beloved disciple? He must have learnt a lot about Jesus from the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ. For I know they will always discuss about Him. What mother wouldn’t do so to keep the sweet and bitter memory of her Son?

Every mother does that, and our Mother Mary would not be an exception. .Why should some people come up and debunk the story of our Lord? If they could accept that of the prophets in the Old Testament and John the Baptist Christ forerunner; why must they argue about Christ? 

At their births (prophets) and their callings, they have their different peculiarities but that of Christ was unique.  They did not claim to be the messiah but they spoke about His coming. None did say he is the Son of God, except Christ, and He was sure of His identity He did not say I think, but truly I say to you. All His statement about His union with God was same even unto death He did not deny, nor renounce His identity, His unity and His oneness with God the Father.

Psalm 13    He who sings prays twice Saint Augustine

please songs/chants not produced, reproduction is prohibited

Tuesday 6 October 2020

PETER DO YOU LOVE ME

JOHN 21:15-19 
 After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more that these others do?” “Yes Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.”  Jesus said to him, “Take care of my lambs.” A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.”  Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” A third time Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was sad because Jesus asked him the third time. “Do you love me?” so he said to him, “Lord you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.

I am telling you the truth, when you were young, you used to get ready ad go anywhere you wanted to, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will bind you and take you where you don’t want go to.” (in saying this, Jesus was indicating the way in which Peter would die and bring glory to God). Then Jesus said to him, Follow me.”

Do not be surprised at disciples not recognizing Jesus. Sometimes it happens to us also. We wonder where and when we met some people. Peter in excitement jumped into the river to meet the Lord. He did not remember his betrayal because he understood the loving Heart of his Master. How often do we run away from God when we sin? Peter is a perfect example for us to emulate. We should know that our loving Father is ever ready to receive and welcome us whenever we run to Him.

 For us Catholics, Jesus handed the authority/leadership to Peter, when he told him He gave him the keys to the kingdom. Now before departing, He needed Peter’s confession of love to Him because the true heart of a leader is love and compassion. Christ also gave him the responsibilities of  first caring for His lambs, secondly caring for His sheep, repeated twice. 

We have successive Popes, we are aware they could make mistakes as human, but the Catholic Church is Christ’s Bride. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Catholic Church, though sinners are we, Christ came to save sinners. We believe by God's grace, we shall be saved not by our own efforts and good works. But each time we make efforts, whenever we fall like Peter and the rests of the Saints, we get up and continue striving to be better Christians.

The One Who Baptise

WHAT HE SAID WAS TRUE

THE ONE WHO BAPTISE