Mk. 8:34-38
Jesus was controversial during His ministry not only because of His claim as the Son of God but also because of His statements. In today's Gospel reading He said, "For whoever wishes to save His life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel, will save it." (Mk.8:35). He also said similar statements namely; " Love your enemies." and "Unless a grain of wheat falls and die, it will not grow." These paradoxical statements reflect the true state of things. Jesus, the Son of God, knows best our hearts. These statements are what would really guide and lead us to our true destiny.
The context of His statements are always salvation. Difficulties, challenges, and hardships are not ends. They are means or stages of life's journey towards eternal life, the ultimate goal. They must be seen as opportunities of faith. God did not create us only for this world, or for this life. Christians see the whole of life pat of the next life. I have heard elders say, "Kahit naghihikahos, makakaraos, sa tulong at awa ng Diyos!" (Though we are experiencing a lot of difficulties, we will pull through with the help of God!") This is a statement of faith. The faith that sees earthly life as a prelude or part of life after death. Jesus, in his statement was referring to the next life. Life on earth, maybe given, for the sake of the Gospel and of the Lord Jesus. Relationship with God precedes everything, even our earthly life. That is why martyrs gave up their lives. They saw that life is not worth living separated from God. "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his own soul?" Even when life is given away, it is actually found and saved if done for the Lord. What is found is life with God. And life with God is all the life we need. Finding God is finding life. Finding (eternal life) is finding God!
No comments:
Post a Comment