Sermon by Rev. Fr. Valerian Dsouza Capuchin, NewZiland 21st Sunday of the Ordinary time. There is a story of 5 blind men who wanted to experience the elephant. One said it was like a rope – he had caught the tail, second one said that it was like tree- he had caught the leg, the third one said it was like a big fan- he had caught the ear, the fourth one said that it was like a big pipe- he had caught the snout and the last one said that it was life a wall- he ad touched the tummy of the elephant. Each explained the elephant according to his won experience. Not a single one is correct, but put together all their stories we can come to an idea of an elephant. Accordingly the question who is Jesus depends upon the experience of each one of us. Let us try to understand this with three points of reflection. 1. Who is Jesus- the truth about Jesus First of all we must analyze why this question and answer to this question is of importance. From last few weeks we came to know that the end days of Jesus were approaching very fast. His days on earth were counted. So far the Lord has taught and trained the disciples or apostles. Now how much have they grasped the reality of Himself? Have they understood who Jesus was or was Jesus to remain longer and teach some more things about Him? If they have understood who he was, they would carry on his teaching and carry out his will. But if they have failed to understand Jesus, His teachings and works would be undone. Therefore it was very crucial for Jesus himself to know who they think of him. The apostles gave different answers except for Peter who Loudly proclaimed: You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. The Holy Bible calls Jesus, Son of God, the Word of God, Prince of peace, Lamb of God, Son of Mary, Son of Man, Messiah, Lord, Master, Rabbi, Son of David, etc. The others misunderstood him called him, Glutton, liar, blasphemer, friend of sinners and tax collectors, possessed by the Beelzebul, etc. The Holy Quran calls Him, The Word of God, Spirit of God and Jesus Christ. He is the Lord for whose sake even till today the people are giving up their lives. 2. Who am I for Jesus?- what others say of Him? It is very important to ask the question who am I for Jesus? What does the Lord think of me? But that will depend upon the way I act for the Lord, upon my commitment and dedication. It is also important to know what others say about Jesus in relationship with me and visa versa? Have I done something for his greater glory so that he can consider me as someone who is worthy to be mentioned by him? The Lord said, Matthew 10:32-33 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. If we think that he is our Master, we are servants, if friend- he is a friend, if father- we are his children, if spouse- he is our spouse, if he is savior- we are victims. It all depends on us what we can be for Him!!! But one thing we need to remember is that he chose us not we. 3. Who is He for me? What I say of Him? Knowing oneself is the best way also to know our God. It is like Peter as he was fishing, caught nothing, but because of the words of Jesus caught so much of fish: he realizes then and says, Luke 5:8 Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord. First reading is stating the Lord as the source of all power. Second reading is stating the Lord as the source of all wisdom. The Gospel is giving the testimony of Peter, that He is the the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Who is he for me? What is the relationship I have with Him? Is he a stranger in my life? Is he a mere model so that I can wear his sign around my neck and go about? It is the most personal question for each of us. Let us try to meditate and find out who is he for me!!!! https://facebook/story.php?story_fbid=10204845231717732&id=1447252832&refid=7&ref=stream&_ft_=qid.6049801945864663285%3Amf_story_key.7553453275391142818%3Aapp_id.0&__tn__=%2As
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 02:24:57 +0000
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