Humble

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 14:11

 

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Are you seated at the table of a great man? Do not be greedy at and do not say, "There is certainly much upon it! ( Sirach 31:12 ). The meal scene throughout the chapters of the third gospel is a significant presentation of the story of Jesus. The seating arrangement during the first century of the ancient Jewish, Greek and Romans always highlighted the status of the guests and the control over the banquet by the host.

Jesus in the gospel of Luke 14:1-14 is at a prominent, distinguished Pharisee's house. It's always the host in control of the banquet. Here, Jesus asks the experts in the law and the Pharisees about "Is it lawful to cure people on the Sabbath or not?" After healing the man with edema and sending him away, he asked another question: "If one of you has a child or an ox that has fallen into a well, will you not immediately pull it out on a Sabbath day?" 

On several occasions Jesus healed someone on a Sabbath. He wasn't violating any law. He came in order to fulfil the law. He had come to act against the excessively or hypocritically pious Pharisees' interpretation of the law. Since animals had a lot of importance in the agricultural society of the Jews, religious rules allow to help animals on the Sabbath, then it should definitely allow helping people too. 

What would be my take away from this scene? If I have the capacity to help I should help transcending beyond colour, creed, status, wealth, disease and any other societal norms and values.  

Humility and hospitality advice extend past the wisdom book of the Jews and table etiquette in Sirach 31:12-18. Jesus advices the guest to take a seat which is humble and an advice to the host for inviting the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind, so that the host could be blessed and will be paid at the resurrection of the righteous.  To be a follower of Christ, humility is key. If I want to be the follower, disciple of Christ, I need to turn away from Satan's number one sin, pride and be humble. Humility is not being a door mat. The saints have taught us, for the love of Christ they could have done things, said or gave a fitting reply in their power, however, they chose to be humble for the love of Christ. 

Humility will come into practice and with these small practices in everyday life, we can choose humility in thoughts, words and deeds for the love of Christ.    

Reflection on Luke 14:1-14 by Shalley Fernandes.

Crede | Just believe

"Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, 'Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." -  Luke 8:50 (NIV)

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It is interesting to see two different instructions after Jesus performed miracles in today's passage. First, to proclaim what He had done to the world, and second, not to tell anyone about the miracles He did.

After He cured the demon-possessed man in the region of gentiles – Gerasenes, the man wanted to follow Him but Jesus said, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." Immediately the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

In the Jewish area, Jesus expected more. He forbade the Jairus family from telling everyone about the miracle He did. It was in the beginning of His mission on Earth. He wanted the Jews not to focus merely on the miracles but on Him. They have to know Him first - who He is, His purpose on earth and what to expect being His disciples, and accept Him in their lives. These miracles happened before He chose the twelve disciples (Luke 9) and gave them briefings of what to do and to expect when they went on their missions including the challenges and difficulties.

It is easy to believe in Jesus when we have everything. But there are moments when we cannot count on anything or anyone but the Lord Jesus only. The passage today wants to teach us about this.

Jairus came and fell at Jesus' feet, did not care about his position as the synagogue leader, pleading Him to come and heal his daughter. People at his house laughed as if it was a useless attempt. They did not know who Jesus was. And He did heal her, the dead girl came alive.

A very important lesson was shown by the woman who suffered from bleeding for twelve years. Mark 5:26-28 tells it in a more detailed way: "26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed."" Immediately her bleeding stopped.

The faith she had was like no other among the crowds. The kind of faith that even Jesus was surprised. It was said, as Jesus was on His way, the crowds almost crushed Him. People reached out, wanted to be close to Him eagerly. But suddenly Jesus asked about a person who had touched Him and caused His power went out. Actually, this woman didn't even touch His body, only His cloak! But it is the faith that matters. Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

Today we learn, how Jesus overcomes demons, diseases and death. None of those three are easy things to deal with. We need to have the faith beyond the crowds. When everyone doubts, keep the precious faith you have on Jesus Christ dearly and hear Him said, "Don't be afraid; just believe..." Thank you Lord Jesus, to You be the glory for ever and ever. Amen!

 Reflection on Luke 8:26-56 by Desire Litaay

(Listen to podcast here)

Actus Fidei | Power of Faith

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17: 20

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There is no limitation for the words or edicts that come out of our mouths. Every word has the power to either give life or death. But remember, the origin of those words is born in the heart and its intentions. Our Lord values a humble and grateful heart full of faith, and he is pleased and even amazed when we show him our need to seek and believe in him, and our willingness to trust in his words and promises wholeheartedly. By doing this, we recognize his sovereignty as King and Lord of overall in our lives. In response, He is moved to act marvelous and amazing miracles day after day as we can see his work in our lives and our loved ones.

The wall that was impeding to directly approach our Father was removed by Jesus Christ sacrifice in the cross. We can see many examples throughout the New Testament that remind us again and again that we can confidently approach the mercy seat for timely deliverance, direction, advice, or help on any situation we might be experiencing. He is our good Father in heaven, always willing to listen and act on our behalf as his beloved children.

It is not about hierarchy position, social status, economic condition, race, or gender. Jesus Christ died for all of us and sees us all equally. 

In the scripture of Mark 5: 21-30, we learn how the true and profound faith of different believers moved our Lord's heart and willingness to perform a healing miracle in their lives as an expression of his inexhaustible love and grace. Every miracle work performed was not for own vain glory, but that our Father who is in heaven may be glorified. 

We see a father, who recognized Jesus Christ's lordship and authority, moved our Lord to heal his daughter lying at her point of death. Jairus, by faith, declared how the healing miracle was to be manifest, by Jesus Christ laying hands on her; and for God's glory, it was granted as he believed and declared.

We also learn how this desperate and sick woman, who carried the effects of a twelve year blood disease, said to herself (wholeheartedly), believing that she will be healed by just touching his garment. In fact, her faith and trust actually took virtue out of Jesus, and she was healed in that same moment as her prayer and intention were also granted.

There is no impossible for the great love of God toward his children in need or in distress. Let's seek him as he is prompt and open to listen to us.  Believe wholeheartedly in his promises, and he will deliver a timely response according to his perfect, good, and acceptable will.

Reflection on Mark 5: 21-30 by Nydia Flores

(Listen to the Podcast here)