On a Mission!
July 3, 2016
by The Secretariat Bulletin
by The Secretariat Bulletin
Poster by Mac Norhen Bornales
REGISTRATION is one of the basic acts of becoming a part of an organization or a group of people. We place our names, contact details, our hobbies, and other information that would help organizers or leaders of groups to know who we are or where we are from. Registration is a way for us to be identified. Registration is the first step to belonging.
In our Catholic Christian faith, we are identified as followers of Jesus Christ. We are his followers. Like in the Gospel, Jesus sent 72 other disciples for them to preach and drive away demons. But Jesus gave specific marching orders to these disciples on how should they act as they preach the Word of God,
He ordered them to set off without purse or bag or sandals. He ordered them to not stop at homes of those the disciples know. He ordered them to bless the owners of homes saying "Peace to this house!." He ordered them stay in the house that welcomed them. He ordered them to eat and drink at their table. He ordered them not to move from house to house. He ordered them to heal the sick and tell "The kingdom of God has drawn near to you." And lastly, He ordered them to wipe off the dust that clings to their feet if the town did not welcome them.
Jesus commanded the 72 with firm orders and these orders are what identifies them apart from everyone else. According to a parish priest during his Homily today, there are three characteristics that would identify Christians for our names to be "written in heaven."
First, is that there should be joy of God. This kind of joy is not brought about by material things or people around us who loves us. It is the joy that God gives us. It is like the joy of an infant when he or she is cradled by his or her mother. It is the joy that is innate in us which gives us the energy to serve God.
Second, is that there should be the peace of God. It is not just the peace that has no crime, war, or conflict. The kind of peace that God has is with prosperity. It comes with the blessing of God. It comes with wholeness and forgiveness.
Third, is that we should be reigned by God. As Christians, we are called to preach God's reign in ourselves. God should be at the center of ourselves. If we are reigned by God, his mercy, compassion, and love also reigns at us.
The 72 disciples were happy because they could command demons, but Christ reminded them that beyond their power is their "registration" of their names in heaven. Beyond the supernatural abilities is their obedience to Christs' orders.
In this we pray,
Lord, Almighty God.
We ask forgiveness if sometimes we succumb to worldly temptations.
Thank You for always giving us the chance to become members of Your Kingdom.
May we do our mission to preach Your kingdom
May You give is Your joy and peace, and may You reign over us always.
May You shower us with blessings for the week ahead.
Amen.
Reflection by Mac Norhen E. Bornales
In our Catholic Christian faith, we are identified as followers of Jesus Christ. We are his followers. Like in the Gospel, Jesus sent 72 other disciples for them to preach and drive away demons. But Jesus gave specific marching orders to these disciples on how should they act as they preach the Word of God,
He ordered them to set off without purse or bag or sandals. He ordered them to not stop at homes of those the disciples know. He ordered them to bless the owners of homes saying "Peace to this house!." He ordered them stay in the house that welcomed them. He ordered them to eat and drink at their table. He ordered them not to move from house to house. He ordered them to heal the sick and tell "The kingdom of God has drawn near to you." And lastly, He ordered them to wipe off the dust that clings to their feet if the town did not welcome them.
Jesus commanded the 72 with firm orders and these orders are what identifies them apart from everyone else. According to a parish priest during his Homily today, there are three characteristics that would identify Christians for our names to be "written in heaven."
First, is that there should be joy of God. This kind of joy is not brought about by material things or people around us who loves us. It is the joy that God gives us. It is like the joy of an infant when he or she is cradled by his or her mother. It is the joy that is innate in us which gives us the energy to serve God.
Second, is that there should be the peace of God. It is not just the peace that has no crime, war, or conflict. The kind of peace that God has is with prosperity. It comes with the blessing of God. It comes with wholeness and forgiveness.
Third, is that we should be reigned by God. As Christians, we are called to preach God's reign in ourselves. God should be at the center of ourselves. If we are reigned by God, his mercy, compassion, and love also reigns at us.
The 72 disciples were happy because they could command demons, but Christ reminded them that beyond their power is their "registration" of their names in heaven. Beyond the supernatural abilities is their obedience to Christs' orders.
In this we pray,
Lord, Almighty God.
We ask forgiveness if sometimes we succumb to worldly temptations.
Thank You for always giving us the chance to become members of Your Kingdom.
May we do our mission to preach Your kingdom
May You give is Your joy and peace, and may You reign over us always.
May You shower us with blessings for the week ahead.
Amen.
Reflection by Mac Norhen E. Bornales