Daily Reflections - March 15, 2012

Am I a Christian “balimbing”?

 

“Balimbing” (literally a star fruit) is a word often used for people who cannot make clear decisions, or who say “yes” today and “no” tomorrow. We are surrounded by people who try to sit on both sides of the fence, depending on where it is more convenient for them that moment. We observe such an attitude especially during election time when politicians begin to switch from one party to another.

What Jesus tells us today is that there is no place for neutrality in Christian life. This is expressed with nearly brutal frankness in the Book of Revelation where the Risen Lord says to the people of Laodicea, “I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

The one attitude that the Risen Lord condemns is indifference and neutrality. With Christ, no compromise is possible. He wants committed followers who make Him visible in this world. And one thing Jesus wasn’t is indifferent. On the contrary, He stood up for what He had come into the world and did not compromise even when He saw His cruel death inevitable. Too many people today seem to drift into a conventional and meaningless Christianity, compromising their faith with popular trends in society. Many ignore the teachings of the Church and Christ if the teachings do not fit into their lifestyle.

Some go to Mass only on Christmas. So many come late to Mass, Sunday after Sunday, and still go and receive Holy Communion. And what about our Christian faith in daily life? Too often, Christians pray on Sunday during the one-hour Mass but, once outside the Church, they live a life totally opposite to what Christ teaches. The many crimes committed and the corruption and dishonesty we encounter in every level of public life should be absent in a Christian country. I wonder what Jesus would tell us if He would give a sermon to His followers in our country? Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you stand up daily for your Christian faith and belief? Or do you sway in front of people who have opposite ideas?

 

Lord, unfortunately, what You wrote to the Laodiceans applies also to me. I need Your help and the power of the Holy Spirit to be more upright and committed. Please help me.