Evangelisation 2
In my last post, I was talking about the existence of God, but I have since realised there is something even more wonderful in our Creed - FATHER ALMIGHTY. This word Father gives us a relationship with God - He is our Father. I remember the great convert Scott Hahn relating how he had had words with a Moslem on this. To the Moslem this claim was ridiculous. To God we are just things he has created, we are like dogs at his table waiting to snatch whatever food he sends us. And there is much in what the Moslem said, for if there is a God who created us, on what basis can we claim this relationship?
The answer lies in the Incarnation, when God selected a woman, Mary of Nazareth, to become the mother of His son, and in the mystery of the Trinity, that means that the Godhead itself became Man. O what is man that you should raise him to such heights! That you should grant him so much love. Little wonder that in scripture Jesus is compared to a bridegroom coming to his bride. Yet the love of a man and a woman is nothing to the love of man by His God. As I write this I am so humbled by the thought that I scarce can carry on. But is this the full story. How do I fit into it?
"Unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have life in you" cried Jesus in John 6. Many walked away in disgust "What is the point of eating flesh and drinking blood" they cried. His Apostles did not understand either, but they keep faith in him "You have the words of eternal life" After his Ascension, what Jesus said became clear to the apostles through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They were to make the offering that turned the bread and wine into the Flesh and Blood of Jesus. And not only change the elements but to offer His life as a sacrifice to the Father (Malachi 1.10). And when we receive the flesh of Jesus in Communion, what then does that mean to us?
"By the mingling of this water and wine, may we share in the Divinity of Christ, who humbled Himself to share in our Humanity" In the Mass it is a silent prayer said when the priest pours water into the wine. It should, as far as I am concerned, be shouted from the roof tops. When we receive Holy Communion we become one with the Godhead, our flesh uniting with the flesh of Mary that the Son adopted. It is truly a family feast. We are all one family with God as Our Father. Are we worthy of such love. Not one bit. This bread, that is Jesus, is abused and made almost irrelevant, by false teachers. But the call of Jesus is a difficult one. He asks us to sacrifice our lives for others just as he did. "NO, NO, the cross is not for me. He asks us to become one with him in holiness. "NO, NO, I would rather have fun" He asks us to love Him and not the world. "NO, NO, there is no harm in sin" And yet with such refusals, we take Communion on a Sunday without adoration and without belief.
"O Jesus forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy" Mother Mary, pray for me, a sinner.
The answer lies in the Incarnation, when God selected a woman, Mary of Nazareth, to become the mother of His son, and in the mystery of the Trinity, that means that the Godhead itself became Man. O what is man that you should raise him to such heights! That you should grant him so much love. Little wonder that in scripture Jesus is compared to a bridegroom coming to his bride. Yet the love of a man and a woman is nothing to the love of man by His God. As I write this I am so humbled by the thought that I scarce can carry on. But is this the full story. How do I fit into it?
"Unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have life in you" cried Jesus in John 6. Many walked away in disgust "What is the point of eating flesh and drinking blood" they cried. His Apostles did not understand either, but they keep faith in him "You have the words of eternal life" After his Ascension, what Jesus said became clear to the apostles through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They were to make the offering that turned the bread and wine into the Flesh and Blood of Jesus. And not only change the elements but to offer His life as a sacrifice to the Father (Malachi 1.10). And when we receive the flesh of Jesus in Communion, what then does that mean to us?
"By the mingling of this water and wine, may we share in the Divinity of Christ, who humbled Himself to share in our Humanity" In the Mass it is a silent prayer said when the priest pours water into the wine. It should, as far as I am concerned, be shouted from the roof tops. When we receive Holy Communion we become one with the Godhead, our flesh uniting with the flesh of Mary that the Son adopted. It is truly a family feast. We are all one family with God as Our Father. Are we worthy of such love. Not one bit. This bread, that is Jesus, is abused and made almost irrelevant, by false teachers. But the call of Jesus is a difficult one. He asks us to sacrifice our lives for others just as he did. "NO, NO, the cross is not for me. He asks us to become one with him in holiness. "NO, NO, I would rather have fun" He asks us to love Him and not the world. "NO, NO, there is no harm in sin" And yet with such refusals, we take Communion on a Sunday without adoration and without belief.
"O Jesus forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy" Mother Mary, pray for me, a sinner.
Comments
Post a Comment