In every situation you may be in, ask yourself, what would Jesus do? Try to follow Jesus by reaching out with unconditional love toward everyone you meet - Daily Reflections August 8, 2016

We ARE IN THE HEART OF JESUS

 

Why will they kill Him? They want to kill Him because He interrupts the temple services, He blasphemes, He does not keep the Law, and He upsets the existing order by being a subversive freedom fighter. Jesus died as a sinner because the religious leaders, political leaders and society made Him a sinner. He was a victim of oppression. This is clearly understood by people who were oppressed and falsely accused. They recognized Him as a fellow in His suffering and crucifixion.

       The self-righteous people will convince the oppressed people that Jesus was being crucified because of their private and personal sin. But the oppressed knew better. Jesus died because of their false accusation. The oppressed and the poor know that Jesus is with them in their struggles. He identified with the dehumanized as well as with the inhuman  dehumanizers. He identified with the dying victim but He did not forget the victimizer. He wanted to bring the oppressed into glory but He also wanted to break open the oppressor to his real human dignity.

       Jesus faced death not only for the poor but also for the rich. He said that to save the rich would be more difficult than to save the poor. All are in the heart of Jesus. He tried to be the bridge between the oppressed and the oppressor; the rich and the poor; the righteous and the sinner. His death broke the wall that divides us from each other.

       He died for you and me. But why? Do we belong to the oppressed or to the oppressor? I find it difficult and shameful to answer this question. Am I oppressed? Am I an oppressor? The reason for His death is His unconditional love for us. His public execution is the greatest gift He could offer us. From the Cross, Jesus would declare, “The violence stops here in My body. All is forgiven. Stop hurting one another.”

       Death no longer has power over Him. His resurrection on the third day is a radical statement that God is in complete control. Because of His great love, it is now time for our resurrection. Keep faith! Fr. Alex Balatbat

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: In every situation you may be in, ask yourself, what would Jesus do? Try to follow Jesus by reaching out with unconditional love toward everyone you meet.

 

Jesus, heal me that I might walk beside You on the path of love and peace. Amen