THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

 

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

The baptism of Jesus Christ in the waters of the River Jordan is a moment of revelation. As the Saviour steps into the water, heaven opens. The Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove, and God the Father's Voice proclaims Jesus beloved.

Though sinless, Jesus enters the water with humility. He stood with humankind, and blessed the path we are called upon to walk.

As we journey through Lent towards Easter, this moment invites reflection. We are reminded of our own baptism: a beginning marked by grace. Baptism is a call to conversion, as well as a promise of new life.

Like Jesus, we are invited to step into the waters of new life. We are called upon to listen for God's Voice. We are prompted to walk forward as beloved children of God, preparing our hearts for the light and joy of Easter.

With thanks to youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1-cJ_mDf94

I AM CHANGING

 

A friend of mine crossed 40. I asked her what's changing? She sent me the following lines. 

Yes, I am changing. After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children, my friends, now I have started loving myself. 

Yes, I am changing. I just realised that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders. 

Yes, I am changing. I now stopped bargaining with vegetables and fruits vendors. After all, a few rupees more is not going to burn a hole in my pocket but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees. 

Yes, I am changing. I pay the taxi driver without waiting for the change. The extra money might bring a smile on his face. After all he is toiling much harder for a living than me. 

Yes, I am changing. I stopped telling the elderly that they've already narrated that story many times. After all, the story makes them walk down the memory lane and relive the past.

Yes, I am changing. I've learnt not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. After all, the onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection. 

Yes, I am changing. I give compliments freely and generously. After all it's a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. 

Yes, I am changing. I've learnt not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. After all, personality speaks louder than appearances. 

Yes, I am changing. I walk away from people who don't value me. After all, they might not know my worth, but I do. 

Yes, I am changing. I remain cool when someone plays dirty politics to outrun me in the rat race. After all, I am not a rat and neither am I in any race. 

Yes, I am changing. I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. After all, it's my emotions that make me human.

Yes, I am changing. I have learnt that its better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. After all, my ego will keep me aloof whereas with relationships I will never be alone. 

Yes, I am changing. I've learnt to live each day as if it's the last. After all, it might be the last. 

Yes, I am changing. I am doing what makes me happy. After all, I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to me.

Source unknown. With thanks to the creator

Image "Celebrating with cake and candles" by Chatgpt with CN Whittle

MAKE A GREAT CAREER

 

Source: unknown. With thanks to the creator of this masterpiece

AMMA SYNCLETICA: DO NOT LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON YOUR ANGER

Amma Syncletica also said, “It is good not to get angry, but if this should happen, the Apostle does not allow you a whole day for this passion, for he says: Let not the sun go down. (Eph. 4.26) Will you wait till all your time is ended? Why hate the man who has grieved you? It is not he who has done the wrong, but the devil. Hate sickness but not the sick person.”

St Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:26, that we must forgive others if we experience upset.

Do not allow anger or bitterness to take root in your heart. Allow hot emotions to subside. Control wayward passions, which may cloud your judgement.

Prayer is helpful with this exercise: also speaking with a good priest. A confidential spiritual counsellor gives inestimable support with insight into your spiritual and emotional life.

Worthy priests and godly counsellors help you to find your own spiritual tools to deal with your inner universe.

Ensure that no ugly emotions are allowed to fester in your heart when you lay down to sleep at night.

We never know when our last night on earth may be: if we are called to God, let it not be with hatred in our hearts.

Non-godly emotions have the ability to fester and grow within us, sprouting seeds of dislike, hatred, nurture of revenge, intent to assault, unseemly lack of love towards others.

As we are on the journey of godliness, where we learn to love ourselves and others as Christ does, there is no place for unbridled anger.

Anger is like a metaphorical horse: unbridled, it may run away with you, to both your ruin and the ruin of others.

Anger is a God-given emotion, and a blessing. When you feel anger, it is an indication that there is something wrong in your milieu. Anger gives you the energy and impetus to do something about it. So, righteous anger may be that you see another being beaten, and your emotion gives you the energy to step in appropriately and resolve the situation.

However, when anger is turned against another, for example, when we have negative emotions towards others in our surroundings, and start to dislike the person and stir up gossip and festering actions against the other, this is the wrong use of anger.

One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is self control. Ask God to help you control your powerful emotions, and to help you towards forgiveness and love for all.

AMMA SYNCLETICA: MEEKNESS OF MOSES

 

Amma Syncletica said, “Imitate the publican, and you will not be condemned with the Pharisee. Choose the meekness of Moses and you will find your heart which is a rock changed into a spring of water.”

AMMA THEODORA: HUMILITY IS VICTORIOUS

 

Amma Theodora also said that neither asceticism, nor vigils nor any kind of suffering are able to save, only true humility can do that.

There was an anchorite who was able to banish the demons; and he asked them, “What makes you go away? Is it fasting?” They replied, “We do not eat or drink.” “Is it vigils?” They replied, “We do not sleep.” “Is it separation from the world?” “We live in the deserts.” “What power sends you away then?” They said, “Nothing can overcome us, but only humility.”

Do you see how humility is victorious over the demons?

AMMA THEODORA: INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

 

                                                      Freepik

Amma Theodora said, “Let us strive to enter by the narrow gate. Just as the trees, if they have not stood before the winter’s storms cannot bear fruit, so it is with us; this present age is a storm and it is only through many trials and temptations that we can obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven.”