There always lies a danger of quoting out of context. Yesterday, I did not quote the full story of Matthew 25. It was unfair to readers who are not familiar with the Gospel of Jesus. Therefore, pardon me to quote the remaining section of the story.
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink?
And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee?
And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?'
And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' (Matthew 25:37-40)
Most Christians are supposed to know the last verse. Therefore, the righteous mentioned above are obviously those who have never heard of this story, Christians and non-Christians alike. Yet, they follow their conscience and have done what is the right thing to do. That is why they are the righteous, not because of their knowledge or religious faith, but because of their actions. Once more, I have proved that all mankind, both Christians and non-Christians can attain salvation. So, why bother to become a Christian?
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink?
And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee?
And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?'
And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' (Matthew 25:37-40)
Most Christians are supposed to know the last verse. Therefore, the righteous mentioned above are obviously those who have never heard of this story, Christians and non-Christians alike. Yet, they follow their conscience and have done what is the right thing to do. That is why they are the righteous, not because of their knowledge or religious faith, but because of their actions. Once more, I have proved that all mankind, both Christians and non-Christians can attain salvation. So, why bother to become a Christian?
On the last day of the year, let me explain a bit what I understand as the advantages of being Christians.
First of all, Christians know this "syllabus" of six actions. This is their first advantage. If they do not take this advantage, it is their fault.
Secondly, they know other teachings of Jesus and the most important of all, they know Jesus is the Son of God.
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
No one who denies the Son has the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also (1 John 2:22-23).
Other religions may teach an ethics nobler than Christian ethics. But Christians have a hot-line directly connected to God and it is Jesus who came to show us the way to return to God.
Thirdly, 1 John assures us that if we miss the target and know that we have missed, Jesus will forgive us.
My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1).
Many people have missed the mark and regret. Their conscience rebukes them. Unfortunately, they have no assurance that they can restart again. Their faults may weigh them down, even into despair. But Christians have the advantage of direct access to Jesus who saves and forgives. Despite all the sins we have committed, we may rest assured that we can start anew.
Fourthly, Christians are given the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Blessed Trinity, the Counsellor who will accompany us all the way back to God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome all obstacles throughout our earthly journey.
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all know (1 John 2:20).
St. Paul even names the Holy Spirit the seal, the guarantee of eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22).
Last but not the least, Christians form a Church in which we, the Holy Spirit empowered People of God, support each other to continue the mission of Jesus until the end of the world. This is a complex topic which a few pages will not do her enough justice. Suffice it to say that the Church is a visible channel through which God's grace is outpoured to assist mankind to attain salvation.
First of all, Christians know this "syllabus" of six actions. This is their first advantage. If they do not take this advantage, it is their fault.
Secondly, they know other teachings of Jesus and the most important of all, they know Jesus is the Son of God.
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
No one who denies the Son has the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also (1 John 2:22-23).
Other religions may teach an ethics nobler than Christian ethics. But Christians have a hot-line directly connected to God and it is Jesus who came to show us the way to return to God.
Thirdly, 1 John assures us that if we miss the target and know that we have missed, Jesus will forgive us.
My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1).
Many people have missed the mark and regret. Their conscience rebukes them. Unfortunately, they have no assurance that they can restart again. Their faults may weigh them down, even into despair. But Christians have the advantage of direct access to Jesus who saves and forgives. Despite all the sins we have committed, we may rest assured that we can start anew.
Fourthly, Christians are given the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Blessed Trinity, the Counsellor who will accompany us all the way back to God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome all obstacles throughout our earthly journey.
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all know (1 John 2:20).
St. Paul even names the Holy Spirit the seal, the guarantee of eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22).
Last but not the least, Christians form a Church in which we, the Holy Spirit empowered People of God, support each other to continue the mission of Jesus until the end of the world. This is a complex topic which a few pages will not do her enough justice. Suffice it to say that the Church is a visible channel through which God's grace is outpoured to assist mankind to attain salvation.
Tonight we returned to the parish to celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass. We thank God for all the blessings He bestowed us throughout the year. Fr. Milanese, our parish priest, recounted a lot of local and global troubles. He admitted that it is very difficult for people without faith in Christ to discern that difficulties and sufferings are blessings in disguise. One of the ways with which God empowers us is to put us through difficulties and troubles so as to draw out our strengths. He exhorted us to seize the moment, to treasure whatever we have. Count our blessings, not just our troubles.
Dear Lord, my faith is weak. Help me to believe more. Amen.
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