Oh oh oh oh...Heaven is in my heart?
Hi people of God!
Ever remember the olldddd song by Don Moen that goes like that?
Today i attended mass back in IHM, as well as stations of the cross.. To be honest, i was really weary, tired from the long day at school, the endless project meetings and all. But time for mass and stations was time for the Lord..and i trudged along..
During the stations' reflections, there was one that went something like this "And HE fell to the ground, totally exhausted of energy, no kicks nor abuse could rouse His body, yet His will was His" If i don't remember, this was the second or third time Jesus fell.. with His hands tied up, probably flat on His face, into the rocks and dust of the road. Yet, He thought of me, of my sinfulness, of my certain death, and WILLED to walk that road to Calvary.
"Like a rose, trampled on the ground.
You took the fall..and thought of me..above all"
As i looked around, i saw many people in worship and reflection. It was indeed a wonderful sight to see the assembly of God's people for His purpose. Suddenly, a handphone started ringing (n the tune wasn't exactly the most melodious, like those clem or some auntie would choose *grinz) and granted, the irritation of being disturbed from our reflection. BUT to my surprise, many of those previously in worship turned around with frowned expressions, and disapproving stares, some turning first in curiousity, then turning further to scrutinise the frantic person trying to press the silent button.....
Then i recognised what i saw, those same faces of scorn, of disapproval, of anger were the exact same faces Jesus saw in His passion.
And the reality of it sank in... Even myself, at times snap at people, fail to love and accept people as they are. If i lived 2000 years ago, this same congregation claiming to love God would be the same people casting stones at Jesus, spitting in His face, giving disapproving comments and expressions, as they crucified Him. And i would probably be one of them! Would you have been? Are we able to respond with love to situations put in our lives?
Does going to church make anyone holy as walking into a car-repair shop make you a Nissan Sunny or a Toyota Vios? Do we see Jesus in the least among us?
"And He will separate them one from another;as a shepard separates the sheep from the goats... Lord, when did we see you hungry or feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?.."
And the King will say to them in return, Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" - Matt 25:32-40
Dear Jesus, help us as we await your coming at Easter, that as we realise Your great love for us, and our love for You, let our love be in thought, word and deed, that we may be Christ to the world; the salt of the earth and light for the world to see"
Rhino No.7
Ever remember the olldddd song by Don Moen that goes like that?
Today i attended mass back in IHM, as well as stations of the cross.. To be honest, i was really weary, tired from the long day at school, the endless project meetings and all. But time for mass and stations was time for the Lord..and i trudged along..
During the stations' reflections, there was one that went something like this "And HE fell to the ground, totally exhausted of energy, no kicks nor abuse could rouse His body, yet His will was His" If i don't remember, this was the second or third time Jesus fell.. with His hands tied up, probably flat on His face, into the rocks and dust of the road. Yet, He thought of me, of my sinfulness, of my certain death, and WILLED to walk that road to Calvary.
"Like a rose, trampled on the ground.
You took the fall..and thought of me..above all"
As i looked around, i saw many people in worship and reflection. It was indeed a wonderful sight to see the assembly of God's people for His purpose. Suddenly, a handphone started ringing (n the tune wasn't exactly the most melodious, like those clem or some auntie would choose *grinz) and granted, the irritation of being disturbed from our reflection. BUT to my surprise, many of those previously in worship turned around with frowned expressions, and disapproving stares, some turning first in curiousity, then turning further to scrutinise the frantic person trying to press the silent button.....
Then i recognised what i saw, those same faces of scorn, of disapproval, of anger were the exact same faces Jesus saw in His passion.
And the reality of it sank in... Even myself, at times snap at people, fail to love and accept people as they are. If i lived 2000 years ago, this same congregation claiming to love God would be the same people casting stones at Jesus, spitting in His face, giving disapproving comments and expressions, as they crucified Him. And i would probably be one of them! Would you have been? Are we able to respond with love to situations put in our lives?
Does going to church make anyone holy as walking into a car-repair shop make you a Nissan Sunny or a Toyota Vios? Do we see Jesus in the least among us?
"And He will separate them one from another;as a shepard separates the sheep from the goats... Lord, when did we see you hungry or feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?.."
And the King will say to them in return, Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" - Matt 25:32-40
Dear Jesus, help us as we await your coming at Easter, that as we realise Your great love for us, and our love for You, let our love be in thought, word and deed, that we may be Christ to the world; the salt of the earth and light for the world to see"
Rhino No.7
posted by Rhino for God! at 9:52 PM
3 Comments:
Hallo,
Thank you for your post. Funny how kindness is lacking in us so often, even when we yearn and sometimes even expect them to be gentle with us?
My Lent has been very cleansing and challenging to say the least, thanks be to God.
I too am ready for Easter.
Go with God, xl.
Thanks for your sharing. On Palm Sunday yesterday, I felt sad for a moment as I saw the congregation lifting their palms in excitement for it to be blessed.. because the very same people who waved their palms 2000 years ago were the very same ones who cast the stones at Jesus. And I saw a reflection of myself in them...
You know, I recall this bit of trivia in The Passion Of Christ handbook where they revealed Mel Gibson shot the scene of the mallet hammering the nail into Christ's hands, using his (Mel's) own arm because he acknowledged that it was his (Mel's) sins that crucified Jesus. The reminder of our human infirmity is sobering but the thought of the unconditional forgiveness of God never fails to lift my spirits.
Can't wait for Easter to come!
jules
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