Right Reason

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled." John 6:26

Today's Gospel reading came a day after Jesus has miraculously fed around 5,000 persons. The people were all filled and they wanted more. Realizing that Jesus and his disciples were gone, they got into the other boats and went to the Capernaum to look for Jesus. Upon seeing Him, they asked when He arrived there.

Jesus knows what is in their hearts and replied to them that their motive for looking after Him is misplaced  because they are only after their physical well-being and welfare. They are over-looking a more and deeper message that Jesus is trying to bring into them - their eternal salvation through Him. The people was right in looking for Jesus but it was not for the right reason.

Seventeen years ago, my wife and I made our single most important vow that will determine our future life. We have invested time and prayers in over eight years before embarking on a lifetime journey of togetherness. Like all marriages, we have our own share of trials and difficulties but with God's guidance and blessings we are doing fine and we are still excited at what life has in store for us and our family.

In all modesty, I can claim that my decision to be married was right and for the right reason.

But it did help a lot that I did met the right person.

Happy Anniversary to my dearest and only love!

God's Plan

Last Palm Sunday, the responsorial psalms came from Psalms 22: 8-9, 17-20 and 23-24.

All who see me scoff at me;

they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads:

“He relied on the LORD; let him deliver him,

let him rescue him, if he loves him.”

Indeed, many dogs surround me,

a pack of evildoers closes in upon me;

They have pierced my hands and my feet;

I can count all my bones.

They divide my garments among them,

and for my vesture they cast lots.

But you, O LORD, be not far from me;

O my help, hasten to aid me.

(image source: vikasacharya.wordpress.com)

 Widely known to have been written by King David during his reign of Israel around the years 1,055 t0 1015 BC, the words were strikingly and accurately detailed in its prophecy of how our Lord would suffer the extreme sacrifice and utter disrespect at the hands of His creation. There is no single iota of doubt for any believer how God has planned our salvation since the beginning, how the ancient prophets who listened to God’s messages will precede Jesus coming and how Jesus will suffer the penultimate penalty of suffering and death as a ransom for our deliverance. Through the years, God made sure that His eternal plan for us will happen by anointing people, repentant sinners and saints alike, to prepare Christ’s coming and to propagate His salvific mission long after His resurrection. From Abraham to Noah, to Moses, to Saul, from David to Solomon and to all the prophets up to John the Baptist, despite their constant failures, remained focus in sharing and doing their part to fulfil God’s mission. 

God has a plan for each one of us!

As the prophet Jeremiah was called by God by saying “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” (Jeremiah 1:5), so we can also be assured of His calling for each one of us.

He plans for us to live fruitful and significant lives.

He plans for us to be one of His apostles in this ever-changing world where materialism and Godlessness prevails.

He plans for us to be His disciples of hope and love amidst people of indifference and apathy towards others in need.

He plans for us to follow His call to faithfulness despite the difficulties, challenges and weariness in our own lives.

But like God’s original plan for our salvation, He needs our cooperation for Him to accomplish this.

He can only work on us if we are open to His inner workings in us.

And so He lovingly waits for each one of us.

Will you accept His invitation?