WHEN IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE

When It’s Time for Change

 

“Do you want to be well?” – John 5:6

 

For years, this crippled man would go to the same spot, doing the same thing day in and day out. One day, someone offered him help to have him operated on so he can walk again and find a more decent work than begging. But this man refused to be helped.

God has provided us everything we need to make our lives better. But we need to work on it as well. We cannot expect great things to happen without us making it happen. If we find ourselves in a bad situation now, it’s good to ask if we’re here because of something we’re not doing.

Complaining, being jealous and criticizing others will not make things any better. We must not blame others for the bad things that happen in our lives.

It’s one thing to say we want our situation to change; it’s something else to actually do something about it.Jane Gonzales (mjsg2468@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

If you have been in the same situation for a long time and nothing is changing, you may need to stop what you are doing and start doing something else.

 

Dear Father, guide me in my ways and lead me to where I should be. May I have the courage to do what is necessary and to change what needs to be changed. Amen.

Let us not lose the Right Focus

 

Unlike us who have so many churches, chapels and shrines, the people of Israel had just one unique Temple in Jerusalem where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Perhaps, this was Yahweh-God’s way of educating the people in the most important tenet of the faith: that there is only One God. It is however striking to notice that through the years, the traditions, the rituals, the elements of worship came to be emphasized in Judaism. The ordinary people began to be more concerned about the grandeur of the Temple, the details of the burnt sacrifices, etc. In our Gospel, we read how the sick and the beggars began to weave interesting anecdotes about the virtue of the waters in the pool by the Sheep Gate. The highlight of the narration was the healing of one lame man, unable to walk for 38 years. Jesus demonstrated to him that it is not the virtuous waters of the pool, or even the descent of an angel, but the simple focus and faith on Jesus’ person that communicates the fullness of power.

We are not far from the experience of the man whom Jesus encountered and challenged in the Gospel. We often attach undue importance to minute details of faith and religion, and we also lose our focus on the essence of Christianity: Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Crucified and Risen Savior. In one Marian event held last 2008 at The Tent of the Global City in Taguig, acknowledged Marian devotee June Keithley was candid enough to say: “I have come to a point in my life when I have grown tired of chasing apparitions!”

Let us learn to grow in our appreciation of the various rich traditions of our Christian and Catholic faith. But let this religiosity not blur our vision of the cornerstone: Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Crucified and Risen One. Only in His Name is there salvation, power and wisdom. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

 

Reflection Question:

In your prayer today, focus on Jesus: His person, His fullness as God-Man, the total Mystery of His Incarnation and Paschal Sacrifice. Just repeat the holy Name: “Jesus… Jesus…Jesus…Jesus…” Experience how to abandon your cares and anxieties to Him.

 

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the focal point and the essence of my belief. Don’t let the miracles and other blessings You send my way distract me from this fact.

 

St. Hilary, pray for us.