WRONGS OF THE WORLD

 

                                                                                        Freepik

Mariam and Rabbi Jesus discussed current events. Mariam felt deeply sad about all the wrongs in the world, which she -  a tiny human - could not put right. 

After a while Mariam said reflectively, "I cannot change the whole world, Lord; but I can change me."

Rabbi Jesus replied: "If each one of you changes for the better, your influence will become better; and the trickle-on effect on family, community, society and world will be better for your having passed through the earthly vale."

We cannot change the whole world ourselves, we are but a drop in the ocean of humanity. However, if all our drops of humanity serve only good, the ocean of the world will soon change for the better.

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIP

 

Mariam had a true love. Rabbi Jesus asked her, "What did he teach you?"

Mariam answered, "To love deeply, forgive gently, walk together humbly before our God."

No relationship is pain-free. We are all like uncut diamonds, with sharp edges that abrade. Love and relationship brings us into close proximity with another, who is also walking the path from fallen being to saintliness. 

Naturally, there will be disharmony, dissent and misunderstanding at times. Yet, this is all in God's plan. Love for one another necessitates growth, increasing gentleness, care for the other, and forgiveness when sometimes forgiveness in human terms would seem an impossibility. 

Let love change your heart. It is not an easy path. Yet, it is the understanding of another's pain, another's struggle, another's true beauty as one made in the Image and Likeness of Almighty God.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Blessing in Pastoral Garden"

HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES

 

                                                                                       Freepik

Mariam and others were experiencing great change in their lives.  Nonplussed, she turned to the Rabbi.

Rabbi Jesus told her, "The Spirit is doing something new in your lives; otherwise how do you account for the newness, creativity and freshness that is blowing through your lives? I break you out of your mould; what does not change is dead. Life means change. Dare to take a chance; dare the risk inherent in all new growth."

Many of us become comfortable in old routines, and become mired in emotional ruts. Sometimes, life brings along great change in circumstances such as those inherent in relationships, home, employment or geographical domicile. None of this is easy, and we may find ourselves protesting dramatic change. 

Yet, let us not forget, that it may be the Holy Spirit of God at work in our lives. All life is change. All change may bring growth. As sons and daughters of God, we continue to grow as the Father prepares us to be able to live in the eternal Light of His Purity and Holiness.

Be courageous and embrace change, when you discern that the change comes from God. Gracious acceptance of what we cannot change, may help us reach serenity and inner peace.

SHADOW OF THE CROSS

 

Mariam was experiencing difficulties and turned to the Rabbi.

Rabbi Jesus told her, "Remember that your virtue is tried under the shadow of the cross. How can I be revealed in you without the suffering of the cross?"

Mariam replied, "Lord, that is a hard teaching."

The Rabbi tenderly looked at her, and said: "It is a path that I walked first."

Lord Jesus told us to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-26). There is no easy way to be a disciple of God. Yet, be of good cheer. The way of the cross does not last forever. Do not be afraid to be tested during your discipleship. We can only develop as sons and daughters of God, if we are tested as sons and daughters of God.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Pilgrims ascending to the heavenly city"

INSULT AND TEARS

 

Mariam was verbally insulted and sworn at when she attempted to help another.

Mother Maria told her, "Sometimes silence is the only answer that you can give with dignity."

We cannot fight every argument to which we are invited. Sometimes (only if the circumstances are appropriate), silence is the only answer through which you may be able to maintain your equilibrium. Swift reaction and insult back by yourself, may only escalate the situation.

Great wisdom and prudence is required to discern each happening. Bullying should never be tolerated. Victimisation and harassment are wrong, and also should not be tolerated. These situations need to be dealt with through the appropriate channels.

However, at times in our lives, we experience unexpected harsh words at the hands of those who struggle with issues such as hormonal episodes, dementia, confusion, addiction, difficulties with anger management or side effects from necessary medication. It behoves us to deal with these situations with prudence and calm. A good way to defuse a situation is by using non-violent crisis intervention techniques.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Comfort in a sacred garden"

TREASURE

 

Mariam felt low in spirits and unworthy.

Rabbi Jesus reassured her, "The treasure of your soul is kept in an earthen vessel."

Each person is inexpressibly precious to the Saviour. We are made in the Image and Likeness of God. Do not hesitate to turn to Jesus whenever you have doubts and difficulties; He will comfort and strengthen you.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle

THE RABBI'S EXAMPLE

 

Mariam spoke to the Rabbi about the Example He set before us.

Rabbi Jesus answered, "I revealed myself to my disciples by the revelation of my own living out of the gospel of my life."

Dear reader, read the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They contain all we need to know about how to become a truly holy person.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT and CN Whittle