Reflection on the Gospel Reading on the 23 January 2011

Mt 4:12-23

The gospel on this day gives me hope through the proclamation of ‘the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.’ No matter what darkness I am in, fears, sins and any traps, Jesus is telling me there is hope. He further emphasizes on one point through “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Though there is hope, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, it is still up to my free will to repent. If I do not make conscious efforts and decisions to repent, no amount of hope or how near the kingdom of God is, can draw me closer to God. I must make the conscious efforts to examine my conscience and see which areas of my life need transformation so that God can heal me and draw me closer to Him.


This point is further depicted in the scene of Simon and Andrew who ‘left their boat and their father and followed him.’ when Jesus called them. Am I willing to let go of the things, sins and even people when called forth to follow Jesus so that I can draw myself to God or do I choose to stay in my boat drifting aimlessly being bound by the net of sins, things and people into the storm where I may get lost forever from God? Notice Jesus did not coerce them to follow him for it is still up to our own will to choose to follow or drift away from him. Of course, all of us will have people, things or sins that we may not be willing to let go of immediately. God understands that. Never lose heart. Just pray for the strength, wisdom and patience to change slowly for Jesus is always waiting for us in the sacraments, especially the Eucharistic Celebration and Sacrament of Reconciliation, so that we can go back to him and draw us closer and closer to him no matter how many times we keep falling into sins. The question is: Do I choose to make the decision and conscious efforts to even participate in such sacraments being aware that these sacraments are graces from God to us, as His gifts of Love for us out of Love? Nobody is unworthy. You are loved for who you are. You must be very tired. Time to come home. Jesus is waiting for you with a smile. :)

With Love,
Elena