Monday, March 15, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Why do we praise Jesus?
Have you ever wondered why you praise Jesus? Why you bow down before his frame, kiss his feet, shout out in praise, sing songs about him...?
When i ask myself these questions, I begin to realize that Jesus never asked us to sing praises in his name, adore the mode in which he died or pray to all the images and statues of Him that is spread so widely around. Let me clarify myself, I am not against praise and worship of my savior, I am questioning our act of praise and worship when all Jesus wanted was that we follow his path. To love each other as he loved us. To use his teachings in thoughts, words and deeds. To spread his word. To love and forgive our enemies unconditionally. Then where does the singing and chanting of praise come in? I guess it is easier for me to praise Jesus and worship Him than follow his teachings. Human after all.
We have all got used to flattering each other to get some kind of reward, that we feel it works all the time. As I said earlier, I am not against praising and worshiping Him, but lets not forget what he actually wanted us to do. Let us pray that he gives us the strength and courage to diligently follow what he has taught us. That will be a gift that far surpasses praise and worship and will be a perfect "Thank you" for saving us.
When i ask myself these questions, I begin to realize that Jesus never asked us to sing praises in his name, adore the mode in which he died or pray to all the images and statues of Him that is spread so widely around. Let me clarify myself, I am not against praise and worship of my savior, I am questioning our act of praise and worship when all Jesus wanted was that we follow his path. To love each other as he loved us. To use his teachings in thoughts, words and deeds. To spread his word. To love and forgive our enemies unconditionally. Then where does the singing and chanting of praise come in? I guess it is easier for me to praise Jesus and worship Him than follow his teachings. Human after all.
We have all got used to flattering each other to get some kind of reward, that we feel it works all the time. As I said earlier, I am not against praising and worshiping Him, but lets not forget what he actually wanted us to do. Let us pray that he gives us the strength and courage to diligently follow what he has taught us. That will be a gift that far surpasses praise and worship and will be a perfect "Thank you" for saving us.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
What if you meet Jesus
Have you ever thought about meeting Jesus? Not the experience, but in person, face to face. I am sure your expression when you see him will be a Kodak moment. I am sure you will feel honored and blessed, as tho you were the chosen one. This has been the answer to all those prayers you said, the lent you observed, the reward for keeping him in your heart.
But my question here would be, "Do u deserve to see Jesus?".
Of Course!!! That is the immediate response. I have been a nice person, always went to church every Sunday, prayed before and after my meals, said the rosary everyday... I am more religious than my parish priest. But does all this make you eligible to see Jesus? Believe me, by that definition you aren't the only one who deserves to see him.
Jesus has always maintained, "Love one another as i have loved you". "Love thy enemy". "Forgive". "You get slapped on one cheek, offer the other". "Give up all your belongings and follow me". "Spread the word of God". How many of us have followed this selfless path in our day to day life? We are so prone to be "Religious" and observing our Christian duties meticulously, that we forget one very important thing. Jesus never came here to form a new religion. He came here to show us the way to live life. He taught us by living it himself. All we need to do is follow.
Praying isn't enough, talk about him. Fasting isn't enough, feed. Living your life religiously isn't enough, be of service to others. Help someone you have no reason to help. Carry all your burdens as though it were your cross. Help others carry theirs. Make Jesus want to meet. You will be deserving.
But my question here would be, "Do u deserve to see Jesus?".
Of Course!!! That is the immediate response. I have been a nice person, always went to church every Sunday, prayed before and after my meals, said the rosary everyday... I am more religious than my parish priest. But does all this make you eligible to see Jesus? Believe me, by that definition you aren't the only one who deserves to see him.
Jesus has always maintained, "Love one another as i have loved you". "Love thy enemy". "Forgive". "You get slapped on one cheek, offer the other". "Give up all your belongings and follow me". "Spread the word of God". How many of us have followed this selfless path in our day to day life? We are so prone to be "Religious" and observing our Christian duties meticulously, that we forget one very important thing. Jesus never came here to form a new religion. He came here to show us the way to live life. He taught us by living it himself. All we need to do is follow.
Praying isn't enough, talk about him. Fasting isn't enough, feed. Living your life religiously isn't enough, be of service to others. Help someone you have no reason to help. Carry all your burdens as though it were your cross. Help others carry theirs. Make Jesus want to meet. You will be deserving.
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