Be Like Jesus

Good Morning, dear reader. We are another step closer to the end of our story. It's been a pleasure for me to bring you along. 

This morning, we once again learn about being a humble servant to God. He has carefully crafted each and every one of us according to His purpose. We are reminded that the work we do for His glory is not in vain. My husband said basically this same thing to me when I complained that no one was following my blog. He said that God knew what I was doing and that is all that mattered, which is very true. This has been a labour of love and learning. 

As we move on to our Gospel reading, we see that Jesus makes it known that He knows who the one is that will betray Him and also deny Him. I imagine this must've been quite heart breaking to Him. He had hand-picked these twelve men because of what He saw in them. These were His faithful ones. Once Judas was identified, he beat a hasty retreat rather than face Jesus. 

Betrayal and denial are hard things to fathom. What would move a person to do that? In Judas's case, it was greed. With Simon Peter, it was just a case of him wanting to save his own skin (by denying the fact that he was a follower of Jesus). Actions such as these say a lot about our character. It says we are not to be trusted and that we are not loyal to those who are important to us. It says that you think of yourself first. This is not how someone who revers and treasures their relationship with Jesus should act or have a reputation such as this. I imagine, though, that this must've been a poignant moment, as Jesus had been nothing but kind and loving to everyone, and yet His closest ones still turned on Him. However, Jesus being the kind and loving Person He was, He did not lash out at these two. He did not get angry. I think, because of this, Jesus decided to remind his disciples that we should treat others as He has treated us. We are to show mercy and forgiveness. It is in this way that we can be known as followers of Jesus. 

When we are faced with troubling and difficult people, rather than acting in a similar manner, take a deep breath and think for a moment. You need to chose your battles carefully. Most are not worth getting upset over. Sometimes it's easier to not say anything and just walk away. And, as I always remind you... be a nice human. 😇

Have a listen to Father Bill and his wise words to us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNQTg31Zrxc

Palm Sunday

Good Morning, dear reader!! A blessed Palm Sunday to you!! Today we begin our journey into Holy Week. It will be a week of mixed emotions, reflection and prayers. It is never easy watching Jesus during this time as we know what is to come. But, we also know of the joy that it will bring on Resurrection Sunday! 

We start our reading this morning with Jesus entering Jerusalem. I will share with you the footnote from my bible, as I think this gives us some good insight on this:

With the royal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, a new section of Luke's Gospel begins, the ministry of Jesus in Jerusalem before His death and resurrection. Luke suggests that this was a lengthy ministry there, which is  characterised by Jesus' daily teaching in the temple.*

Today is one of the few days we can feel joyous. He is heralded as King as He enters the city. But, the Romans ask Jesus to reprimand His apostles for calling Jesus King. They felt this was an insult to their king, who they saw as true ruler. Jesus told them that He would not do this because even if His apostles kept quiet, others would still recognise Him as King and would call out to Him as such. Jesus is the ultimate rabble rouser and rebel!! 

The reading from Isaiah is a prophetic one as Isaiah is referring to Jesus. Remember, Jesus's birth, death and resurrection are all foretold in the Old Testament. This reading laments the fact that the people will not heed Jesus's teachings. Rather, they are relying on the secular. Because of this, their sins will bring death and destruction to the land. 

As we move on to Philippians, we see the joy of Jesus, exalted by His Father, illustrating the fact that He is to be glorified and revered. Jesus did not act as a god, but as a servant TO God; He exemplified utmost meekness of character. This passage reminds us that we, too, should act like Jesus. Our actions should show our devotion to Him. 

Finally, we go back to the Gospel of Luke, where he tells us the story of The Last Supper. Jesus mentions that this is a Passover celebration. Passover is the Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites being freed from slavery in Egypt. However, Jesus wants it known that instead of making an animal sacrifice for the meal, He will be sacrificing Himself. This will begin a new tradition, as a way to "seal the deal" of the new covenant between man and God. When we partake in Holy Communion, we are recognizing the fact that our salvation was bought and paid for through the body and blood of Jesus Christ, acknowledging our belief in this. 

This is a good time to reflect on your own faith in Jesus. Are you willing to freely accept what He has given up for you? Are you willing to stand by your faith? This is also a good time to participate in the Sacrament of Reconcilliation. Speak of your sins and be willing to accept the consequences of them, thus clearing yourself to take part in communion. 

Be thoughtful and mindful this week, dear reader. And, as always.... be a nice human. 

**Senior, D., Collins, J. and Getty-Sullivan, M., n.d. The Catholic study Bible. (1995)