The greatest mystery in the universe Wed. 05 Nov. 2014 - Philippians 2:12-18; Ps. 27; Luke 14:25-33 If anyone knew cruel rejection, ridicule and disappointment, it is Maria Bertilla Boscardin. Born in Italy in 1888, this young girl lived in fear of her father, a violent man prone to jealousy and drunkenness. With little education and few talents, Maria was often the butt of jokes. Yet, she had understood quite early that the path to perfection consists of a life of selfless service to others. Having joined the Sisters of St. Dorothy in 1904, she went on to become such a renowned caregiver that 41 years after her death in 1922, some of those she nursed with astonishing tenderness and devotion were present at her canonisation. Maria is regarded as a saint because she embraced the Cross of Christ in a manner that confounded her peers. To many people, the Cross of Calvary remains a sign of failure, shame and ridicule. In fact, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). To this latter category, it is a constant reminder of God’s incredible love for humanity. It is the greatest mystery in the universe. In fact, it is a double mystery – for it crucifies the world to us – and us to the world. This is why those who truly follow Christ face numerous crisis. Despite the uncountable prayers, bible study and church attendance in the world, billions of Christians still lack complete victory over sin. They do not know what the Lord Jesus taught: “whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). This means we must give up ourselves – our own will, our ‘strength,’ and any ‘goodness’ we think we have. All we need is to look up to the example of the Cross and we will live our life in the fullness of God. As Thomas A Kempis put it, “Many follow Jesus unto the breaking of bread, but few to the drinking of the cup of His passion. Many reverence His miracles, few follow the ignominy of His cross.” Where do you belong?
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 21:05:39 +0000
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