Quarreling at the back... (reflection for August 20, 2006)

Many did not believe in Jesus during his time but many followed him and treated him with respect; but the people who followed Jesus were the people who shouted, "crucify Him!". See the irony? until now, it is still happening.

Many people tend to follow Jesus these days. Christianity is the major religion in most countries yet very few are practicing the virtues that are being taught by the Church. We call ourselves catholics, it is written in our birth certificate that we are catholics but I have bearly seen anyone who acted like one.

This is similar to the reaction of the Pharisees in today's Gospel. After hearing Jesus speak, they quarrelled at the back, quarrelling about the teachings of Jesus. Pharisees say that they are wise and their teachings must be believed but they do not practice their own teachings.

We may be sometimes lilke that, the only difference is that we are not the one who is teaching but rather we are the ones who are listening. We go to mass and listen yet we do not practice the things that are being taught to us. Many Catholics are like that, and the worst scenario is that we do not go to Church. We tend to go to the mall or sleep in the house during sunday's rather than to go to church and pray. Then in the end, they will blame God for all their sufferings.

My friends, the Lord is only asking us to spend an hour every week. Why don't we offer that hour to Him?

Are you the kind of Catholic who doubts the teachings of Jesus and the Church and quarrels at the back, or are you the one saving souls for the greater Glory of His name?