ACCEPTING CHALLENGES: A STEP TOWARDS SPIRITUAL UPLIFTMENT

        The world we live in is a complicated world. What makes it even more complicated, I believe, is the nature of life, in this case, human life. However, when hit with life struggle, we are compelled to ask, what is life? Is life more than what we study in biology, or less? Do the difficulties of life evolve into the challenges we face? Why must we face difficulties anyways? Are challenges of life a determining factor towards the way our lives are shaped? We must understand that it is natural that humans must be confronted with problems and these problems forms part of the challenges we face. If this is the case, it means the nature of what life has to offer is not limited to any individual, groups, race or culture; it encompasses all of humanity. It does not take into account whether one is religious or not. However, for the religious man, whose world contains two opposite forces, the good and the bad forces, things may be a lot different for him. As religious person, how do you react to situations in life? Do you believe you are suffering from a crime you did not commit and/or never intended to commit? Whom do you hold responsible for the troubles you face in life? Who blames who? After all (as some of us would say), did Jesus not take away our suffering when he died? Why should I suffer? Many and more of these questions run through our minds almost every day.

            There are things that bother man: death, hunger, wealth, education, shelter, food, clothing, etc., are all issues to deal with. Regardless of class in the society, rich or poor, you find yourself in one or more these situations. Regrettably, some people are used to saying things like, “that man has no problem” or that “this person has no problem at all,” without thinking about the implication of their statement. I believe that any man who has no problem has the greatest problem. The problem of not having a problem is a problem and is the greatest of all problems. The world is in chaos and everybody living in the world is entitled to share in this chaos. However, coming to the realization of the fact that we need succor when we are in trouble, there seem to be hope for us who are believers. For those who are believers, there is a better place for you. For Christ has said, “There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am. (John 14:2). All we need do is to realize that we need external help, aid from above to intervene. 

             We need to understand that the world is ruled by an oppressive ruler, the Devil. This is evident in the temptation of Jesus Christ, when Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory and promised to give it to Jesus if only he (Jesus) will bow down and worship him (Satan). When we are in trial, who do we blame? Some of us are quick to point our fingers to God but the bible has stated it clearly that, “If people are tempted by such trials, they must not say, ‘This temptation comes from God.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one.” Let us look at the perfect icon, Jesus Christ. He was tempted but he never succumbed. He suffered but he prayed for strength and never gave up. If Jesus, the son of God had his challenges, do we expect mere mortals not to have one? If Jesus called on God to be saved, will our own case be different? 

With open arms He invites us

         Let us all realize that we are journeying to a place where there will be no death, hunger, sickness or suffering. Let us also realize that the enemy, who is the cause of our trouble will not be happy seeing us not suffering that is why he is doing everything he can to stop us. We need to realize, also, that our challenges in life only lead to our spiritual upliftment and cleansing, making us worthy to becomes sons of God. For, truly, if we must follow Christ, we must indeed pick up our cross and follow Him. Make up your mind and follow him today!

#REFLECTION

THINKING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION

Many people are so brain washed that they are now used to thinking only "positive" things. whenever negative words are been altered they scream, "it is not my portion" or that "God forbid." Well I have no problem with such people because they are simply acting out of ignorance. Let me be quick to point out what i am discussing here: i call it the OPPOSITE SIDE.

There is no telling that a coin has two sides. Apparently, this seems to be true but also false. Please pick a coin and look carefully. A coin has more than two sides and that is how life is. Life is multidimensional and as such when one is thinking positive, one should also know that the negative is not far from the brother positive. This brings me back the basis of this reflection. In life it is always safer to think more of the negative sides of a plan than the positive side of it. This will help you understand what are about to engage in, it will help you to see certain loopholes that may not be visible at the moment.

Please don't get my write up wrong, its only to correct the impressions some "Christians" have against considering the opposite side of a plan. To illustrate, the originator of guns may have thought that it will be used to kill only those who are considered enemies or criminals. But if he had thought that the same gun will be used to kill the innocent ones, i guess he would never have invented it. This may not be a perfect example but i do hope you understand my point?

THE ROSARY: A SHORTCUT TO HEAVEN

In this generation, the rosary is one of a kind. There is no better weapon to fight the devil than an already-made tool like the rosary. Historically speaking, the emergence of the rosary in 1214 AD is a clear sign that God really loves us and that He cares for our salvation. Apart from our redemption, through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, the rosary is a continuation of the redemption and a proclamation of God’s redeeming grace. The rosary is a continuation of the profession of the faith in the death and resurrection of Christ through the contemplation of the mysteries. This fact is largely brought to light in the words of Pope Pius XII that the rosary “is a compendium of the entire gospel,” as manifested in the mysteries as announced in each decades of the rosary; mysteries ranging from the Incarnation to the Redemption – moving from the Joyful mysteries (the annunciation) through the Glorious mysteries (the resurrection). Thus, in praying the rosary we are contemplating on the life of Christ; contemplation worthy of all Christians.

On the other hand, the powers contained in the rosary is rightly seen when we say the invocation prayer “Come Oh Holy Spirit…,” which is an invitation for the Holy Spirit to descend and dwell in our hearts. There is no better invitation sent to heaven than the Holy Spirit coming down to inspire us. Contained within these powers of the rosary is the Creed "I believe," in which we profess God's greatness in forming the church through his death and resurrection. Again, the  Paster Noster “Our father;” is an acknowledgement of God’s teaching and obedience to that teaching when he thought the people to pray in this manner. (Mt 6:9-13)

The rosary, being the most common and popular devotion in the Catholic Church, leaves us with the question of its importance. Why is it important that we pray the rosary? Among all prayers, why is the rosary most common and popular devotion or prayer? Various answers may arise from this question, I believe. However, what is truly magnificent in praying the rosary is the fact that we are commanded to do so. Praying the rosary at all times is simply obeying the words of our mother Mary when she appears to her children at Fatima and several other places; asking us to pray the rosary for the conversion of sinners and the world, for the forgiveness of sins, to appease the most sacred heart of Jesus and the immaculate heart of Mary, among other things. This is not to mention the 15 promises promised all those who devoutly say the prayer.

Let us all think of this and meditate consciously. If we are sinners, is there a better way for asking for forgiveness from God, praying for repentance for yourself and others other than praying the rosary? Do you not see that the consolation for sinners lies in our mother’s intercession when we say, “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death?" Again, what better ways do you contemplate on the life of Christ and behold the Glory of God other than contemplating on the mysteries, through decades of the rosary? Do you not see that the rosary is a shortcut to our salvation?