13th May 2021.
JESUS IS ON THE LEAD OF OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TO HEAVEN
Today's first reading is an account of Paul's first visit to Corinth. This city because of its immoral behaviors of the people especially prostitution was also called "the city of sin". Paul found himself in Corinth after passing through Athens. Though the city had many evils, it also had good and faithful people like; Silas, Timothy, Titus Justus, Crispus Aquilla and Priscilla. We see the hand of God working so clearly among these people.
When he came to the city he found a Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla, who were there because Claudius had expelled all the Jews from Rome. They practiced tent making like Paul, hence he stayed and worked with them for a while. As it was his practice, he would visit local synagogues every Sabbath where he met Silas and Timothy who would join him in the ministry of preaching the gospel in Corinth. Paul's ministry ended up unsuccessful when the Jews rejected, accused, opposed and reviled him, therefore he decided to go and preach to the Gentiles. He went to the house of Titus Justus and many Corinthians believed including Crispus, the ruler of the Synagogue.
With the above information, Paul's message to the people were all about giving hope to them and encouraging them not to give up. He encouraged the people of Corinth to remain faithful to God despite the harsh surroundings. He told them to follow Christ's example of humbling themselves for the sake of others. Paul devoted his time and energy in preaching the word of God to people. He spoke mainly to Jews, proclaiming to them that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah.
The gospel of today is taken from a discourse of Jesus at the last supper. He was about to go on a journey and leave his disciples behind. But the journey was for their good, though they could not understand that fully at the time. Jesus tried to assure them that they would grieve for a time but their grief would be turned into joy. His journey was to be a passage through the awesome doors of death. This journey which Jesus wishes to share with us, leads to the riches of everlasting life. He went ahead to prepare a place for us.
My dear brothers and sisters, we are following his lead in our journey through this life to everlasting life. When we walk to the altar to receive Christ, this is a symbol of his presence in the journey to everlasting life. This meeting with Christ in the Eucharist is a sign of what is in store for us when we complete our journey at the moment of death and we shall be welcomed by him into our heavenly home. Like the people in the first reading, may we be able to see God's hand in our own daily experiences. Remember God writes straight with very crooked lines.
I wish you a blessed day.
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