FAMILIAL ARGUMENTS

Mariam wept to Rabbi Jesus, “I hurt so much about my family.” He answered her, “Who doesn’t? My own family tried to have me branded insane.”

The Rabbi’s family had attempted to stage an intervention, thinking He was out of His Mind. Be strong within familial suffering: God will never leave your side. Love will always help you to work things out.

AGE

Someone called Mariam old. The Rabbi laughed, “Old? You’re the youngest woman I know!” 

Youth is a state of the heart, not the stage of chronological age. 

Jesus then told Mariam gently, “I will always look after you, dear girl.”

Our faces may wrinkle, hair go grey and health wither. Yet our soul’s eternal youth is set to remain forever once we leave earth to go to God.

MIDNIGHT

It was midnight, and Mariam was at prayer. 

She told Jesus, “I wish I was in the chapel.” 

Rabbi Jesus answered her, “But you are in the chapel of your heart. And is that not the most beautiful chapel of all?”

MATERIALISM

Regarding the rush after material goods, Rabbi Jesus explained to Mariam, “They spend so much time buying things to fill that gap in their souls, the fullness of which you have an abundance of.”

It is wiser to store up an treasury of spiritual wealth, rather than the things of this earth which are destined eventually to perish.

PRIOR VICTIMHOOD

Mariam witnessed previous victims becoming perpetrators.

Rabbi Jesus told her that in such case, “People reply to atrocities with atrocities.”

Forgiveness releases the cycle of hatred. Jesus showed us that as He forgave His executioners as He was dying on the cross.

MINISTRY

Mariam was called to help the education and support of priests. She wondered: why this call?

Rabbi Jesus told her, “Minister to ministers.”

DIVINE PROVIDENCE

Mariam reflected on Providence in her life.

“I never am rich but I am never in need.”

TRUST

On living a simple trusting lifestyle.

Rabbi Jesus explained to Mariam, “Live from hand to mouth. God’s Hand to your mouth.”

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL READERS OF RABBI JESUS

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL READERS OF RABBI JESUS

CONSEQUENCES

Mariam was witness to the public discomfort of another who had repented past misdeeds but faced censure from those whom he had mistreated in the past. 

Rabbi Jesus told her, “The you of today is not the you of ten years ago. 

Unfortunately, however, the results of actions the you of ten years ago carried out can come back to haunt the you of ten years later.”

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

How can overwhelming odds be overcome? 

Rabbi Jesus explained regarding disciples that:

"Alone, they're not very strong.

Together, they're invincible."

Individuals were created to find strength, peace and happiness in worship community.

PRAYER IN DIFFICULTY

Mariam prayed for assistance with a difficult interview.

Mother Maria told her, "Daughter, you have weathered far worse storms. Go and be blessed."

Be confident. Every difficulty surmounted builds greater spiritual strength.

BAPTISMS

Mariam was anxious that parish baptisms be properly documented.

She fretted,  "Otherwise how will anyone ever know which baptisms have been carried out?"

Rabbi Jesus answered, "They are written in my heart."

REFUSAL OF ASSISTANCE

Mariam offered her services to someone in need, and was refused in no uncertain terms. 

She remarked to the Rabbi, "It's such a shame."

The Rabbi answered, "It's a choice."

DEMOCRACY

Mariam was discussing democracy with the Rabbi. He told her:

"The hallmark of true democracy is freedom."

POVERTY AND WEALTH

Mariam mused on poverty and wealth. The Rabbi said sadly,

"So many have too little, in order that so few may have too much."

TREATMENT OF OTHERS

Mariam was dismayed to witness an acquaintance being discourteously treated, despite the fact the acquaintance was often somewhat harsh towards others.
Rabbi Jesus told her, "Sometimes the only way to help them to grow is to allow them to be treated as they treat others."

It is often only when we feel the lash that fell on another's back that we realize the cross they carried.

VIOLENCE AND CHRISTIANITY

An acquaintance of Mariam's espoused the use of violence in a Christian context.

Rabbi Jesus remarked, "The use of satan's methods in order to attain Christ's objectives."

The end does not justify the means. True Christianity means purity in motive, purity in action, culminating in purity of goal.

The sad reality is that in a broken world this may at times appear a difficulty. Let us turn to Christ for the grace to continue to pursue this peaceful goal.

HYPOCRISY AND TROUBLED RELATIONSHIPS

Mariam was dealing with a troubled family.

Rabbi Jesus told her, "It is a house riven with hypocrisy."

From hypocrisy comes forth the bitter fruit of mistrust and disillusionment. The flowers of goodness, peace and joy flower only in an atmosphere which is rooted in sincerity and truth. Don't lie - others will be hurt, trust will be broken and relationships damaged. 

HAVE STRENGTH

Mariam was anxious about her daily problems. The Rabbi told her, "Be assured that God fits the strength of the shoulder to the burden of the carried cross."