Many biblical scholars believe that the parable of the prodigal son should be titled the prodigal father who lavishes his love, mercy, kindness and tenderness more on the wayward son.
This reminds us of God’s abundant, lavish love and unfathomable mercy towards us sinners.
God’s patience and mercy are all we need to live a grace-filled life in Christ Jesus. God doesn’t punish us for our sins but there are consequences for every action or decision we make or take in life. Hence, the tragedies that befall us are not God’s punishment. They are warning signs for God’s abundant time to repent and adjust our lifestyles
The transfiguration of Jesus Christ was a moment to help the apostles and disciples live through the scandal of the cross or the suffering. Throughout history, Jesus’ suffering has been unimaginable or incomprehensible.
The 40 days and nights of the Lenten season invite us into a desert experience with the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit led him into the desert to pray, meditate, reflect, struggle, fight and emerge victorious. It was a growing moment of renewal through conversion, penance and self-denial. It is also a season of prayer, fasting and almsgivings.
Undoubtedly, our words and actions are intentions of the goodness or badness of our hearts. The Christian life and faith are not just an external display of superficial piety or religiosity. It is a steady, constant, deep spiritual growth and development that bears fruits of goodness, especially in the ways we live and interact with others.
The Christian life is about loving, forgiving, doing good, and praying for all especially those who hate and are out for us. There is no better way to put it than how Jesus articulated it in today’s gospel: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you.
In life, trust in God is our true happiness or blessedness. Indeed, our lives are full of ups and downs, hence, it is blissful to find peace, joy and tranquillity in God. This is the greatest challenge to our Christian belief and practice. Our profound peace and happiness lie in our whole and complete trust in God.
Our human and Christian life is all grace. No one is worthy of God’s call, but he calls, he prepares and perfects them to be worthy of his mission for them. Truly, as priests or pastors, pastoral agents or Christians, we were never called by God because we are perfect beings.
We are the light and glory of God (Christ) in the world of darkness. Today, we celebrate the feast of Christ, the light of the world, and the glory of Israel. Indeed, Christ is our light. We celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord forty days after we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas.
A healthy body of Christ is an effective and efficacious functioning Church that works in harmony, teamwork, and a peaceful spirit, uplifting each other in service of God and others. It is a Trinitarian model of individuality in diversity for the salvation of all.