CHARACTER

 

Two people sat next to each other in a conveyance. The first person was known for unsuitable lifestyle; the second was famous for exhibiting stoic faithfulness, loyalty and responsibility. The first person - born to lead - reneged the role. The second person quietly stepped into the breach.

Mariam looked at their faces; both reflected their inner personae.

Mariam remarked to the Rabbi, "Their faces show their characters ..."

Rabbi Jesus answered, "The first, dissolute; the second, resolute."

Inner life will eventually carve upon the face. What would you wish yours to show?

With thanks to free clipart

ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY

 

Mariam experienced individuals declining to take responsibility. She felt somewhat flummoxed, and asked the Rabbi, "What is happening here, Lord?"

Rabbi Jesus replied, "People behaving badly."

Don't be impatient. Sometimes it may take a lifetime to be able to accept responsibility for personal actions.

Turn to Christ. He can help with individual transformation.

I LOVE YOU MEANS

 

Mariam pondered the true meaning of love.

She said to the Rabbi, "I love you means that I will love you and stand by you through the very worst of times."

Rabbi Jesus answered, "True love does not falter at the grim gates of reality."

Love is tested in good times and bad: through sickness and in times of health: in times of wealth and those of poverty.

True love never falters. It always finds a way.

Image with thanks to free clipart

BE ON YOUR GUARD

 

Mariam witnessed a faux pas during pursuit of popularity.

Rabbi Jesus observed, "It is important when attempting to be avant-garde, not to be caught off-guard."

Be prudent. Popularity wanes. Truth and stability do not.

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

 

Mariam listened to people speaking despairingly of many years past.

Rabbi Jesus observed, "They obsess about the past, and thus cut off their future."

Leave the past in the past. Repent past sins, forgive past hurts, ask forgiveness for hurts caused. 

Learn from previous mistakes - life is a school of learning after all. Give thanks for grace-filled events. Mourn past loves and friendships, then realize - we will all meet again in Heaven around the Holy Table of the Lamb.

We need to ask forgiveness from God. We need to forgive others. But most of all, we need to forgive ourselves.

Then move on. Life is to be lived for all the days granted to us.

Perhaps you may find comfort in the Prayer Chapel of Repentance

https://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2017/03/prayer-chapel-of-repentance.html

WE ARE WONDROUSLY MADE

 

Mariam was tempted to flee from a difficult ministry situation. She felt vulnerable, and told Mother Maria, "I am just a little girl. I'm only made of dust."

Rabbi Jesus' Mother told her, "You are also made of my Son."

We are made of dust, and house the Image and Likeness of Almighty God.

The Divine will strengthen our clay.

STRENGTH

 

Mariam was daunted by a seemingly insurmountable task. Despite her concern, Mariam resolved to try to carry out her duty.

Rabbi Jesus told her, "When the going gets strong, the strong get going - and not in the opposite direction."

We can do all things in Him Who strengthens us.(Philippians 4:13)

SWEET PERFUME

 

Mariam  observed the difference in societal attitude towards those newly rich. She wryly told the Rabbi, "Money is a sweet perfume."

Rabbi Jesus soberly answered, "That of holiness is far greater."