4th June 2021
HOW WELL DO WE KNOW CHRIST?
Tobit 11:5-15
Psalms 146
Mark 12:35-37
Becoming a Christian requires that you know some things about Jesus Christ. You need to know who He claimed to be, eternal God in human flesh. You must know some of the things He did and taught. You need to understand that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He was raised bodily from the dead. But beyond these facts, you need to know Christ personally.
In our Gospel today, Mark tells us that Jesus is both David's son and Lord; “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?....David himself calls him Lord; so how is he his son?” Jesus was a descendant of David through Joseph, his foster father. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, David proclaimed that his future heir would be the Messiah, the Son of God and his Lord.
When Christ asked the crowd how was it that the son of David is the Messiah, “As Jesus taught in the temple, he said, ‘How can the scribes say that Christ is the son of David?’”, Jesus was trying to show them that the coming Messiah was more than a political leader.The Jews at that time were waiting for a Messiah who would make Israel dominant. Christ pointed out that the Messiah would come to establish the Kingdom of God where he will sit at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus wanted the Jews to know, especially those who questioned his identity, to have faith in him. Even today, many of us have little faith in him. How well do we know Christ? It will be difficult to believe and trust Christ when you do not know him very well. Thus, it is important that we put an effort to know him by:
Participating in Mass: It is impossible to know someone unless you encounter him. In mass, we have an opportunity for a personal encounter with Jesus. Regular Mass attendance strengthens one’s faith through the Scriptures, the Creed, other prayers, sacred music, the homily, receiving Communion and being part of a faith community.
Reading the bible: Scripture is the living Word of God. When we read God's Word, we encounter God himself and His Son.
Studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Catechism of the Catholic Church covers the beliefs, moral teachings, prayer and sacraments of the Catholic Church in one volume. It’s a resource for growing in understanding of who Christ is.
How well do we know Jesus? Christianity is primarily a growing relationship with the infinite God who has revealed Himself through the Lord Jesus Christ. For our relationship with God to grow, we need to know the one through whom He reveals Himself.
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
(John 17:3).
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