The Church as the Body of Christ by Onuoha Simon Gerard, SC

Introduction 

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul referred to the church as the body of Christ. He used this metaphor to relay significant truths about the church and to help believers better understand the value of diversity within the church.

Paul wrote this to the church of Corinth: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many”

The church is called the body of Christ because Christ is the head of the church and we are called to do the work of Christ, each like members of a body. We have different skills, purposes, and spiritual gifts, yet every believer is equally important to the full functioning, mission, and efficacy of the church.l

1.0 Christ as the head of the church.

All parts of the body are very important and when one part suffers, other parts suffers as well, but in this equality, we have the head which happens to be above other parts, the head contains the eyes, which helps us to see, and God being the head of the church sees all things and ever ready to speak to us through his prophets. The head happens to be the brain box that sends signal to every other part of the body in communication of what the body desire at a particular moment.

 Christ being the head of the church, has delegated his powers as the head of the body, the church to the clergy and we the members of this same body are ought to follow the direction of the head delegated to us. When we obey those placed over us, it is important to note that we obey Christ himself.  

2.0 unity of the body 

When we talk about the unity in Christ we talk as well the two keys of unity which is ; humility. Phillipian 2

3.0 disunity among Christians 

There is one body,” (Eph. 4:4) Imagine one head, but two bodies. Two bodies who disagree over the direction the head is revealing to go and in which way it is leading them. One body pulling south and the other body pulling north. The result is embarrassing. Counterproductive. Pointless. Directionless. Such is the church who is divided. The Head (Jesus Christ – see 1:22) reveals direction through the hierarchy of leadership He has called into position. When parts of the body refuse to follow the revealed direction of the Head, the result is always catastrophic.

4.0 Do not give the devil the opportunity to destroy the body of Christ 

As we pursue unity, there are many things that will labor against that pursuit. Satan is the accuser of the brethren, he sows discord, and does all that he can to make sure that churches divide because a divided kingdom cannot stand (Matt. 12:25-26). So when we see the seeds of division starting to appear, we need to see this as a spiritual warfare issue. We do not fight each other, our battle is against Satan and his forces (Eph. 6:12). In light of that, we need to be sober-minded and alert, ready to see the ways in which he may seek to destroy the unity we are called to experience and display.

First, Satan uses distraction. He distracts us with the busyness of life so that we miss opportunities to love and support the body. Second, he uses deception. Satan will lie to us, planting evil thoughts in our heads about others, about the church, and even God. Third, he uses derision. Satan will condemn us, reminding us of our sin and making us discouraged so that we don’t serve others and get involved in the life of the church. Finally, he uses division. Satan will tempt us to idolize our own preferences (styles of worship, models of ministry, ways to evangelize, how often to do the Lord’s supper, etc.). It is crazy how small things like carpet colors have divided churches. These things kill churches and bring shame on the name of Christ.

This is why humility, love, service, and prayer are so often paired with calls to unity. If we are going to be a faithful display of God’s glory in the world, we need to pursue unity. There is great joy available for us in unity and great dangers in the lack of it. May we humbly, prayerfully, and resiliently fight for unity together and so picture the spiritual unity we already have secured for us. For the glory of Christ alone.

5.0 The beauty of oneness. 

Oneness provides ways to imagine and achieve a more expansive conception of the self as fundamentally connected with other people, creatures, and things. Such views present profound challenges to Western hyper individualism and its excessive concern with self-interest and tendency toward self-centered behavior.

THE ELUSIVE GOD: DIVINE HIDDENNESS BY GERALD NWOGUEZE, OFM CAP

INTRODUCTION 

If there is God who is all powerful, infinite in all perfection, kind and compassionate, loving, gracious and merciful, where is he when good people suffer? Where is he when innocent children in the hospital go through terrible condition, why pray if God is hidden or would not rescue those raped and maimed in war? Why is God selective to whom to help and appear to? This question is as old as man and is still relevant today. Great philosophers and theologians have attempted a solution to the problem of evil. For Aquinas, evil exists as per accidence and not per se, because it is a privation of good. Also, according to Richard Swinburn theory of evil, evil can be justified by showing that all known cases of evil eventually serve greater purposes, even though those purposes are not always immediately apparent. Also, that evil exist, does not negate or rule out the existence of God. If God should be responsible for the evil in the world, he says that certain conditions must be met.  First, that it must be logically impossible for God to achieve a particular good without allowing the corresponding evil; second, God must indeed brig about the intended good; third, God must have moral right to allow the evil to occur and fourth the expected benefit of allowing the evil must outweigh the harm it causes. Thus, the benefit derived from suffering and adversity, including the opportunity for moral growth and formation of virtuous character, justifies God’s allowance of evil in the world.

It is the aim of this reflection to look into the concept of divine hiddenness and the Easter reality. It would begin by looking at misguided conception about God, the elusive God argument and way forward connecting the dots as it affects our Christian lives today.

THE TALKS ABOUT GOD

God is many things to many people and it is because of this that some bear misguided expectations about God. To Aristotle, as set out in his physics (VII) and Metaphysics (XII), God is the source of change and final cause of all motion, the pure act and the unmoved mover. Aristotle’s God is outside the universe and unaffected by it. Thus, from this comes the idea of the divine hiddenness argument. Consequently, Aristotle’s God was criticized of being cold and inhumane, being emotionally disconnected with the universe and thus, quite different from the Christian belief about God. However, it is from his doctrine that the logical conclusion on God’s perfection is based.   The notion of God as an All-powerful being in reality who is worthy of worship, utmost devotion is the notion borne even by atheist, regardless of where this exalted notion of the monotheism may fall under. However, Paul Moser proposes that the candidate who merit being ‘God,’ worthy of trust, devotion and worship, must be on moral grounds. This excludes candidates who are powerful, big-bullies, fostering evil and ready to destroy in order to get their way. God is not going to be mistaken expectation. The right expectation according to him is in the same regard of moral standing, it involves to give morally impeccable life, worth living and without coercion. This is because coercion goes against God’s purpose of establishing humans who are agents and candidates of genuine filial relationship, he offers deliverance from what obstructs moral life. If God is able to do this deliverance, there is every need for us to volitionally cooperate the rescuing power he offers. Furthermore, he notes that perhaps the enquirers about God limit their scope to world-bound, far from the morally perfect character, to success and riches. Hence, they seek for evidence in their own terms, instead of the terms of that whom they seek. 

 THE ELUSIVE GOD 

John Schellenberg argues that the hiddenness or inconclusive evidence for God is the evidence that God does not exist. Nietzsche  argues that God keeps his intentions hidden and even when he reveals himself, he remains mysterious. Also, the problem from evil suggests hiddenness as there are certain things one wouldn’t expect from the benevolent God because those things are bad. More so, both Pascal and Kierkegaard seek to infer that God’s hiddenness confirms the skeptic’s rejection of human reason as a proper source of knowledge of God. We shall look at two senses in the doctrine of hiddenness; the positive and negative. In the positive sense, it rests on God to choose who to disclose himself to, where and when he chooses, he might as well disclose himself in nature. However, whichever way or medium he chooses, he still remains transcendent and mysterious. In the negative sense, God might also choose to conceal himself, even though he is loving and compassionate, in the face of evil, pride and corruption. From these we shall get the take of Pascal and Kierkegaard. To pascal, the signs of God are there but man due to corruption are unable to grasp it, and to Kierkegaard, there is no sign of God and that the even in the eyes of faith, God’s revelation makes no sense   

Nonetheless, the elusiveness of God according to Paul Moser goes that God will not be made known to mere spectators and inquirers, but instead, it challenges the will of humans to cooperate fully and freely with God’s perfect will, which results in God seeking what is morally right and best for human and human being personified evidence for God, having been transformed. By implication, he tries to stress the significance of God’s elusiveness in ‘personifying or volitional evidence for God’. Furthermore, this contends with the problem of hiddenness, God being elusive, He reveals himself to whomever He wills. Moreover, this makes a shift from the question, ‘do I know that God exist,’ to ‘am I willing to be known by God and submit his will and be transformed?’ The first implication is the defense that skeptics overlooked the evidence that suits the purpose of God. Second is the fact that it makes philosophy shift from discussion mood to obedience mood, it also gives theism a fear hearing in disclosing human predicament of selfishness and death. Third is that it discloses the elusiveness of God different from hiddenness as put forward by atheists, finally, the epistemological shift to the benefit of overcoming selfishness and death, because of the transformation formed by submitting on God’s terms. 

CONNECTING THE DOTS 

Easter is a season of hope, of joy and of peace. Before now, it seemed God was weak to have died on the cross, that He was foolish or stupid to not have defended himself or taken revenge. His love in the eyes of men seemed senseless and naive but Easter proved all these wrong. God is not dead, nor weak, He is alive and death has no power over anymore over him nor over us by extension. It all makes sense now. Suffering is a mystery that would eventually make sense to us. God was with his son all along, letting him to take the lead, comng in at designated time that suits his will, to relieve him of pain in the hands of Simon of Cyrene, Veronica, Mother Mary, etc. There was no ojoro in this. Teachers set tests after lecturers, to satisfy and justify the requirements for their certificate of graduation. Everything is tested by its kind, gold by fire, man by suffering and what matters is not the suffering and crosses but our response to them whatever be our lot. God had to allow his son to go through some shit to correct the shit of Adam, through obedience learnt through suffering. Nothing escapes God’s knowledge and consent. By his permissive will, he painfully allows us to experience that dark side, that shit of whatever sought. His justice is that every debt be paid in full and his mercy is that he intervened in a time in history once and for all, so that we are not pushed to suffer beyond our capacities.  So if he let you suffer, his grace is sufficient; both the operative grace and cooperative grace. 

CONCLUSION 

Why looking for Jesus, he is alive and have always affirmed this in his appearances after his resurrection. He appeared to Mary Magdalene, to Simon and the apostles and each time he did, he announces: peace be with you (John 20:21), I am with you always even unto the end of the world (Mat 28:20). Do not be afraid [I am aware of that situation] (Matt 28:10) I did not come to  remove your sufferings, or provide bread that will last just for the moment. I have come to fill your suffering with my presence, to give you life to the fullest. So to the question is God still with us, may I dare to rephrase, are you still with God even in the face of tribulation or is your God the God only of good times, of rain and not of sun, of joy and not of pain? Are you with him only when he answered that prayer, when you got admission, passed exam, won that scholarship, got engaged, got married, etc. Perhaps you are among those who think that God should do what you want the way you want and nothing else, no space for his will to be done? Are you the type that believe you deserve everything good as reward for serving God, no mosquito bite, no malarial, no accident, no loss, no car failure, no phone spoilage, no headache? But that not God’s way, his way are  not as mens. Whatever good you receive it is not because you deserve it a reward, your prayers and praises adds nothing to his greatness. He let rain fall on both good and bad, so also sunshine. Even the people of Isreal his elect did not always enjoy his providential presence and protection. He also created the gentiles and willed that after the mission of his son they too would be his elect and to the ends of the earth. 

Perhaps also, you would be thinking that I sound like this because life have not hit me hard as it did you, and maybe that when it does, this sermon would make a lot of meaning differently to me. Yes, you may be right. It is very easy to counsel others of God’s presence and care when its the other story but think of it, I may be God’s presence that you don’t see and He may also let me see with time and through others the answers that I seek.

REFERENCES

https://sites.uni/boedeker/reference.pdf

John Bishop, a review of Paul Moser, “The Elusive God: Reorienting Religious Epistemology”, Cambridge University Press.  Vol. 45, No. 4 (Dec. 2009): pp. 504-509.

Moser K. P. ”Gethsemane Epistemology: Volitional and Evidential.” Phiolosophia Christi. Vol. 14, No. 2 ( January, 2012.) 264-266 

Penelhum, T. 1983. God and Skepticism: A Study in Skepticism and Fideism. Boston: D. Reidel Publishing Company. 106-109

Sfekas, S. “Aristotle’s Concept of God.”  New York Open Centre and Lapi’s Magazine Online. (September, 2008) https://researchgate.net/publication/281283580 Accessed 20th of April, 2024. 

Shellenberg, J.L, 2012. The Hiddenness Argument: Philosophy’s New Challenge to Belief in God. United Kingdom: Oxford Unversity Press. 25

Swinburne, R. 1994. Arguments for the Existence of God, in Miltown Studies, Vol. 33, p. 63

FORGIVENESS AND REDEMPTION by John Berchmans

 

Forgiveness and redemption are profound concepts that resonate deeply within the human experience. They speak to the capacity for healing, growth, and the restoration of relationships, both with others and with oneself. In exploring these themes, one delves into the complexities of human nature, the power of compassion, and the transformative potential of second chances.

Forgiveness, at its core, is an act of releasing resentment and the desire for retribution. It is a conscious choice to let go of anger and bitterness, and to extend mercy and understanding to those who have caused harm. This act of forgiveness is not merely a gift to the transgressor, but also a liberation for the forgiver—a release from the burdens of pain and resentment that can weigh heavily on the heart and soul.

Redemption, on the other hand, embodies the idea of renewal and restoration. It is the belief that individuals have the capacity to change, to grow, and to transcend their past mistakes. Redemption offers the hope of a new beginning, a chance to rebuild and reconcile, and an opportunity to demonstrate genuine remorse and transformation.

The intertwining of forgiveness and redemption forms a powerful narrative of human experience. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the capacity for empathy, and the potential for profound personal and interpersonal growth.

In the realm of personal relationships, forgiveness and redemption pave the way for healing and reconciliation. They enable individuals to move beyond the pain of betrayal, to mend fractured bonds, and to cultivate empathy and understanding. Through forgiveness, individuals can release the shackles of resentment and open themselves to the possibility of renewed trust and connection. Redemption, in turn, offers the opportunity for individuals to demonstrate genuine change and to earn back the trust and respect that may have been lost.

On a broader societal level, forgiveness and redemption hold the promise of healing collective wounds and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. They provide a pathway for addressing past injustices, promoting reconciliation, and building bridges across divides. By embracing forgiveness and redemption, communities can work towards healing historical traumas, fostering inclusivity, and creating a more equitable and compassionate society.

Moreover, the journey of forgiveness and redemption is deeply intertwined with the concept of self-forgiveness. It is an acknowledgment of one's own fallibility, a willingness to confront and learn from one's mistakes, and a commitment to personal growth and self-compassion. Self-forgiveness is an essential component of the healing process, allowing individuals to release self-blame and shame, and to embrace their own capacity for change and growth.

In literature, art, and religious and spiritual traditions, the themes of forgiveness and redemption have been explored and celebrated across cultures and epochs. They are woven into the fabric of human storytelling, serving as a testament to the enduring human quest for healing, renewal, and the restoration of dignity and hope.

In conclusion, forgiveness and redemption stand as timeless and universal themes that speak to the resilience, compassion, and transformative potential of the human spirit. They offer the promise of healing, growth, and the restoration of relationships, both with others and with oneself. Embracing forgiveness and redemption is an affirmation of the human capacity for empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of a more compassionate and just world.

IF CHRIST HAD NOT RISEN By Friar Fabian Dania, OP.

 INTRODUCTION 

The Christ events, that is, his birth, ministry, passion, death and resurrection, are undoubtedly the most significant events that have shaped and continue to shape the world’s history. This is most evident in the way we reckon events which have taken place in time; for we say 2500BC or 986AD. These bear a great significance and proof to the fact that there was a time when Christ’s bodily existence was expected (BC) and a time after which his bodily existence was manifested (AD). This time before his physical manifestation in the flesh was a time of expectation and preparation for that great manifestation which was to define history forever.

The coming of Christ in the flesh was not one which was to last forever, but one which was to open up a new reality for the human race, that is, the manifestation of a new covenant, a new life life, and a new creation, which had already been foretold (Luke 22:22; Acts 2:23; 3:18). This new reality was to be brought about through paschal mystery (that is, the passion, death and resurrection of Christ). Consequently, Christ had to die in order that you and I may be able to live in that new reality. However, his death, just like his short time of ministry on earth was not to last forever; he would again rise up and put life at its fullest (John 10:10), showing that his death was to bring life and manifest this new reality, so that all those who believe in him and are plunged into his death through baptism, may rise up as new creatures from the darkness of the grave, from the darkness of sin and from the darkness of hopeless reality.

This rising becomes a recreation of the world, with the 3-hour darkness which engulfed the land (Mat 27:45) and the 3-day darkness of the grave being the defining moments of this recreation. Consequently, if Christ had not risen, several anomalies would have been out lot, for he is the first born of all creation (Col. 1:15), the first to rise from the dead (Col. 1:18) and the restorer of life. There are several implications if Christ had not risen, some of these include:

1. God would have been a liar, and consequently, he would not be God, for he had ordained it that he would not abandon Christ to Hades (Ps 16:8-11)

2. Christ would have been just another false prophet whose words were never fulfilled (Acts 5:36-39). He rather spoke of his own death and resurrection and he fulfilled this (John 2:19)

3. On our own part, we would be miserable to have believed in falsehood, while the disciples and early preachers would be even more unfortunate to have preached falsehood and passed it on to our day (1 Cor 15). Consequently, it would be of no use to have believed in Christ.
   

4. The darkness which was brought upon creation by sin, since all had been subjected to futility (Rom 8:20), would have remained our lot, for the resurrection of Christ brought light and life to a world darkened by sin

5. Life itself would have been meaningless, hopeless and eternally ruled by evil, for even those who had died before the physical manifestation of Christ in the flesh, remained in futility and darkness, until Christ descended into the underworld to free the captive souls (1 Peter 3:18)

In conclusion, now that Christ has arisen for our justification and salvation, let us all, with one heart, render a fitting homage and praise to him; that is, the offering of our whole being to him, that we may live the exalted life of the resurrection. Let us realise that he has opened up for us, the way to eternity and that we will likewise rise with him if we hold on to the new way of life he has come to reveal to us.

NOW DIVINITY MEETS HUMANITY. By Anosike Patrickmary

  Introduction 

Psalm 139:13-14

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” 

Man's creation is as result of His great and overflowing Love within the Trinitarian cycle and He created Man with so much love and care.

God lacked nothing, He is enough in Himself, He has enough glory, enough love etc and does not need man to  complement any dimension of Himself.

God created us because He wanted us.

Our lives are not some meaningless creation made by a disinterested Creator. Even though God does not need us, He is still intensely interested in our lives. He deeply and tenderly loves us beyond comprehension—not because He has to (out of need), but because He chooses to (out of love).

On the other hand, it is the healthy couple who says, “Because we have an abundance of love in our marriage, let’s share it. Let’s have babies who will look like us, have our life within them, and love like us.

Then they can enjoy an intimate love relationship with us.” It is this couple’s pure love that motivates them to give children life.

In eternity, I imagine God having a holy huddle and saying, “We have such a great life together and an over abundance of love, let’s share it. Let Us make humanity in Our image so that they can love like Us. Then they can enjoy an intimate relationship with Us.”

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”Genesis 1:26 

In the great love chapter, the Apostle Paul says that true love “does not seek its own.” This means that love is not selfish or self-centered. God did not keep His life and love to Himself, but He shared it. He breathed into man the breath of life, and man became a living soul. God created humanity because “He is love,” not for what humanity could do for Him.

God did not need the world or need people because God has no lack. Instead, God is so full of all that is good, that it overflows and spills out of him. His very nature is to share his goodness, grace and love. He created people out of love for the purpose of sharing love. People were created to love God and each other. Additionally, when God created people, he gave them good work to do so that they might experience God’s goodness and reflect his image in the way they care for the world and for each other. They were created without flaw or sin and God intended that they live this way eternally.

When God created people he also gave them free will so that they could freely share in his love. They were not robots who had no choice. Instead, God gave people the opportunity to either receive and live in his love or to reject him. Giving people free will dignified their choices and recognized the image of God within them. After creating them, God told the first humans that there was one boundary they could not cross in order to live in fellowship with him. However, the first people chose to cross that line and disobey God’s instruction. In doing so, they severed their relationships with God and each other and ushered sin, decay, corruption and death into the world. The perfect world was now broken.

However, God is good, and God is light. God did not want people to live in brokenness, darkness and separation. So, he set about making the broken world right so that people could be forgiven, healed, restored and made whole. Hence the word of God in Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 

He also decided to bring His aged Long desire to be with Man before the foundation of the world as described in proverbs 8: 24-34. 

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. 32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 

God put His glory, His divinity aside in other to bridge the gap between Him and humanity in order to bring this purpose into reality. He took flesh  by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the blessed virgin Mary as recorded in Luke 1:37-38  For no word from God will ever fail. I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Mary bacome the first channel created by God for divinity to access humanity directly. 

Jesus Christ, fully God, became fully human and showed people how to live in God’s kingdom. The kingdom of God is anywhere the presence, rule and influence of God reigns in the lives of people. Mary being the temple of God allowed Jesus Christ our Emmanuel to reign in her life. When she gave birth to Jesus, He lived and reigned among men showing people how to live in the kingdom of God, He opened another and the most powerful channel for divinity's  meeting with humanity, in the institution of the Holy Eucharist during His last supper as the scripture recorded in Luke 22:19-20 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 

With these words He transferred His divinity into the Bread and Wine . My brother and sisters in Christ, in the Holy Mass divinity meets with humanity at the alter rail during communion where He in His holiness and majesty through the hands of His priests enters His people. He doesn't meet them to leave them after the meeting but he enters them just like He entered Mary He reigns in our temples through the power of His divinity received at the alter rail. 

When He finished at the upper room Jesus then willingly gave His own life as a sacrifice to pay for the sin that people had ushered into the world. After three days, Jesus rose from the dead, demonstrating God’s ultimate power over death and conquering the power that sin had held on the lives of people. 

In this Holy meeting of divinity and humanity, man has been divinized  through the merits and mercies inherent in the pascal mystery represented in the celebration of Easter. 

So, my brothers and sisters we have come to the end of today's reflection and we pray that God will open our eyes to understand that Holy Mass is a replay of life, suffering, death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ so that we will deeply cooperate with God in order to manifest effectively the life of God on earth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with the Father and Holy Spirit God forever and ever Amen.

PEACE AND GOODNESS 

I WILL MAKE ALL THINGS NEW By Igwebudu Francisca onyinye (Dr G)

INTRODUCTION 

 I will make all things new" – a promise that transcends time and space, offering hope in the face of uncertainty, and renewal amidst chaos. These words, spoken with unwavering certainty, hold within them the power to transform lives and reshape destinies.

In a world often characterized by brokenness and despair, these words offer a beacon of light, guiding us through the darkness and pointing us towards a future filled with possibility and promise.

They remind us that no matter how dire the circumstances may seem, no matter how deep the wounds may be, there is always hope for healing, for restoration, for redemption.

"I will make all things new" speaks to the inherent creativity of the divine, the infinite potential for transformation that resides within the very heart of existence.

It is a declaration of sovereignty over the chaos of the world, a proclamation that no obstacle is too great, no situation too dire for God to overcome.

But these words are not merely a promise for some distant future; they are a call to action, a challenge for us to participate in the ongoing work of creation and renewal.

For if God is in the business of making all things new, then surely we are called to do the same – to be agents of change and transformation in our own lives and in the world around us.

"I will make all things new" invites us to dream boldly, to imagine a world where justice reigns, where love conquers hate, and where peace prevails.

It calls us to roll up our sleeves and get to work, to be the hands and feet of God in a world that is crying out for healing and wholeness.

So let us embrace these words with hope and with courage, knowing that they are a promise not just for the future, but for this very moment.

Let us dare to believe that transformation is possible, that redemption is real, and that love truly does have the power to change the world.

For in the end, it is not our circumstances that define us, but our response to them. And when we choose to believe in the promise of "I will make all things new," we open ourselves up to a world of infinite possibility, where miracles abound and anything is possible.

May we live each day with the confidence that comes from knowing that we are part of a story that is still being written, a story of redemption, of restoration, and of love triumphant over all.

"I will make all things new" – may these words be our guiding light, our source of strength, and our reason to hope, now and forever 

A REMINDING STORY OF I WILL MAKE ALL THINGS NEW

Once upon a time, in a world plagued by darkness and despair, there lived a people who had lost their way. They had forgotten the promises of their Creator and had turned away from the path of righteousness. Their land was barren, their hearts were heavy, and hope seemed like a distant memory.

But amidst the chaos and turmoil, there was a whisper—a promise—that echoed through the ages. It was the promise of a God who declared, "I will make all things new."

Long ago, this same God had created the heavens and the earth, breathing life into existence and setting the stars in the sky. And now, in the midst of despair, He spoke once again, promising to renew, to restore, and to redeem.

At first, the people could scarcely believe it. How could their brokenness be healed? How could their darkness be turned to light? But as the promise took root in their hearts, they began to see signs of hope all around them.

In the barren fields, seeds of new life began to sprout, pushing through the hardened earth with determination and vigor. In the hearts of the people, a spark of faith ignited, filling them with courage and resolve. And in the heavens above, the sun broke through the clouds, casting its warm rays upon the land once more.

As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, the promise of renewal became a reality. The land flourished with abundance, the people were filled with joy, and hope was restored to the hearts of all who dwelt there.

But the promise did not end there. For God's promises are eternal, and His love knows no bounds. And so, the people continued to live in anticipation of the day when all things would be made new.

And though challenges still arose, and trials still came their way, the people clung to the promise that had sustained them through the darkest of times. For they knew that their God was faithful, and that His promises were sure.

And so, the story of God's promises making all things new continues to unfold, a testament to the power of faith, the beauty of redemption, and the unending love of the Creator who holds the world in His hands.

Here are some Bible verses that speak to the promise of God making all things new:

Revelation 21:5 (NIV) - "He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

Isaiah 65:17 (NIV) - "See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind."

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

These verses capture the essence of God's promise to bring about renewal, restoration, and transformation in our lives and in the world around us. They remind us of the hope we have in Christ and the assurance that God is always at work, making all things new.

A cool music that makes the soul to be calm by the promise of God.

In the darkness of the night,

Where hope seems out of sight,

There's a whisper in the wind,

A promise that begins.

(Chorus)

I will make all things new,

Every dream, every tear, every bruise.

In the ashes, I'll bring forth life,

With love that conquers strife.

(Verse 2)

In the depths of every soul,

Where brokenness takes its toll,

There's a light that starts to shine,

A hope that's so divine.

(Chorus)

I will make all things new,

Every heart, every doubt, every truth.

In the chaos, I'll bring forth peace,

With love that will never cease.

(Bridge)

Through the storms and through the pain,

In the sunshine and in the rain,

Your promises remain the same,

Everlasting, never change.

(Chorus)

You will make all things new,

Every fear, every loss, every hue.

In the darkness, You'll bring forth light,

With love that fills the night.

(Outro)

In the symphony of grace,

Every soul finds its place,

For You make all things new,

Forever faithful, forever true.

A sweet prayer of I will make all things new.

Gracious and loving Creator,

As we come before you in prayer, we are reminded of your promise that you will make all things new. In moments of darkness and uncertainty, we find solace in your unwavering faithfulness and your boundless love.

We lift up to you our brokenness, our fears, and our doubts, knowing that you are the source of all healing and renewal. May your transformative power be at work in our lives, bringing forth beauty from ashes and hope from despair.

Grant us the strength to embrace change, to let go of the past, and to step boldly into the future that you have prepared for us. Help us to trust in your guidance and to surrender our will to yours, knowing that your plans are always for our good.

As we journey through life's ups and downs, may we never lose sight of your promise to make all things new. May this assurance be our anchor in the storms of life, our light in the darkness, and our hope for tomorrow.

We thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and your love that knows no bounds. May we live each day in the confidence that you are making all things new, both in our lives and in the world around us.

In your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

In conclusion, the promise "I will make all things new" is not just a declaration of hope; it is a testament to the boundless love and power of our Creator. It reassures us that in every moment of brokenness, in every season of despair, and in every trial we face, God is at work, bringing forth beauty, healing, and transformation.

As we journey through life, let us hold fast to this promise, trusting in God's faithfulness and believing that no matter what challenges may come our way, He is always with us, making all things new. May this promise inspire us to embrace change with courage, to seek renewal with faith, and to live each day with hope in our hearts.

With the assurance of God's promise, let us move forward, confident in the knowledge that His love will guide us, His grace will sustain us, and His power will bring about a future filled with endless possibilities.

"I will make all things

 new" – let these words be our anthem, our source of strength, and our reason to hope, now and forevermore. Amen.

FAITH OVER FEAR By Nurse Bernadette Amara Abani, RN.

WHAT IS FAITH ?

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. It is a supernatural gift from god which enable us to believe without doubting whatever God has revealed.

WHAT IS FEAR ? 

Fear is false evidence against reality

INTRODUCTION 

In the journey of life, there often arises a crossroads where one must choose between faith and fear. While fear shackles the spirit, faith unfurls the wings of possibility and resilience

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

There are many things in this world that are unpredictable. We can go through scary seasons, including losing our job, getting extremely sick or losing a loved one. We never know what tomorrow will bring, but we cannot live in fear. 

Table of Contents:

Fear Is Normal

We Have a Choice

Faith Always Defeats Fear

FEAR IS NORMAL

It is in our human nature to be afraid of things. Some people are afraid of tangible things, like the dark or Animals. Others are afraid of intangible things, like death or being alone. As humans, we are imperfect. Fear is a natural human Response to different situations that we are put in, but we can choose how we respond to our fear.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” – Psalm 23:4

WE HAVE A CHOICE

We can choose to let our fear control us and run our lives. We can choose to live in fear and avoid situations or things that we are afraid of. Or we can choose to face our fears and trust that God will help us and save us from our fear.

“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” – Psalm 118:6

FAITH ALWAYS DEFEATS FEAR

God is so much bigger than any fear. Big or small, God is always greater. He is always there to stand by your side – to help you face your fears and protect you in your weakest moments. He is so much stronger than any earthly thing. Remember that he has put you in this season for a reason and he will help you through it. Stay strong in your faith and he will always guide you. Remember that he is the creator of the universe and can make miracles happen and he can certainly help you work through your fears and difficult seasons of life. 

EXAMPLE OF PEOPLE WHO USED FAITH OVER FEAR IN THE BIBLE 

In both the stories of David and Jesus, we find powerful examples of faith triumphing over fear. David, a humble shepherd boy, faced the formidable giant Goliath with nothing but a slingshot and unwavering trust in God’s providence. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, David’s steadfast faith enabled him to confront his fears head-on and emerge victorious.

Similarly, Jesus, during his earthly ministry, encountered numerous challenges and trials that could have instilled fear in the hearts of many. Yet, time and again, he demonstrated unwavering faith in his Father’s plan, even in the face of adversity. From calming storms to healing the sick, Jesus's faith overcame every obstacle, inspiring countless others to follow his example.

As we navigate the uncertainties of life, we can draw strength from the stories of David and Jesus. Their unwavering faith teaches us that no challenge is too great, no obstacle too daunting when we place our trust in God. Let us emulate their courage and resilience, choosing faith over fear in every circumstance. For it is through faith that we find the courage to face our giants and the strength to overcome them, just as David and Jesus did.”

IN SUMMARY 

In the face of uncertainty and adversity, the choice between faith and fear becomes paramount. While fear seeks to paralyze and control, faith empowers and uplifts. It is a belief in something greater than oneself, a trust in the unseen, and a willingness to surrender to the flow of life.

Faith doesn’t necessarily mean blind optimism or the absence of doubt. Instead, it’s about acknowledging fear and choosing to move forward despite it. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability and resilience in the face of challenges.

In times of crisis, it’s easy to succumb to fear – fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of loss. But faith invites us to embrace courage, to confront our fears head-on, and to step into the unknown with a sense of hope and possibility.

IN CONCLUSION 

Faith doesn’t guarantee a smooth journey or instant solutions. It is not about avoiding difficulties but rather navigating through them with grace and conviction. It is about trusting that even in the darkest of times, there is light waiting to be found.

Moreover, faith is not limited to religious belief. It can manifest in various forms – faith in oneself, faith in others, or faith in the universe. It’s a deeply personal journey that transcends boundaries and ideologies.

By choosing faith over fear, we open ourselves up to new opportunities, growth, and transformation. We cultivate resilience, deepen our connections, and discover the strength within us that we never knew existed.

In essence, faith over fear is not just a mindset; it’s a way of life. It’s about living with courage, authenticity, and purpose, knowing that no matter what challenges we face, we have the power to overcome them. So, let us choose faith – in ourselves, in each other, and in the journey ahead – and let it guide us through the uncertainties of life.   

In faith, we find the courage to overcome every obstacle.

Thanks 

THE PASCHAL LAMB AND THE LION | friar, Obiorah Clement, OCD

THE PASCHAL LAMB AND THE LION

By friar, Obiorah Clement, OCD

This topic raises a lot of questions, connections and concerns as to the significance of these somewhat opposing metaphors or characters of Lamb and the Lion in reference to Jesus and as it applies to our Christian life. Understood in a Jewish context, they are tied to the two aspects of Y’SHUA; the suffering Son and the Son of the right hand. The former is evident in the notion of salvation as brought about through atonement for sin depicted by the character of the Passover lamb. And the latter, serving the divine justice in the messianic conquest or political emancipation, depicted by the character of the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The New Testament is replete with strong references to Old Testament figures in a bid to appreciate the salvific mission of Christ, and how it ushers a new world order or the messianic era, promised by God in the unfolding of history.

Nicholas Fredrick holds that this might as well pose a riddle of sorts: Can victory be obtained through submission? Can one conquer through meekness? Can life be obtained through death? 

Our first point of call is to expose the distinct characters of the Lamb and a Lion in reference to Jesus, and what follows is the significance they hold for us Christians.

The character of the (paschal) Lamb

The idea of Lamb for an ordinary Jewish person is suggestive of sacrifice and sin offerings. This is not far-fetched from the temple rituals high in Jerusalem. On this mountain (of Jerusalem), the Lord himself will provide a lamb for the Sacrifice. Gn 22:8 Since the blood of sheep and calves prove inefficient to wipe away sin, except in that which they prefigure, Christ’s self-offering unto death. When this unblemished victim appeared, John the Baptist, pointed him out BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD. Jn 1:29. By so doing, he reveals that Jesus is the Eternal Son and at the same time the suffering Servant who silently allows himself to be led to the slaughter and who bears the sin of the multitudes, as the Paschal Lamb, the symbol of Israel's redemption at the first Passover. Pope Benedict XVI makes an important observation in his vol II of Jesus of Nazareth: it states, “Jesus dies at the moment when the Passover lambs are being slaughtered in the Temple. Jesus dies as the real lamb, merely prefigured by those slain in the temple.” More so, the letter to the Hebrews highlights the efficacy of Christ’s unique, unrepeated and eternal sacrifice. Where, he is himself the priest, victim and altar of sacrifice as the sole mediator and minister of the new covenant in the heavenly sanctuary. In our flesh, he achieves an unrestricted access to the Father through the sacrifice of reconciliation that advances the peace and salvation of the world. See Heb 9:11-28

The Conquering Lamb – the LION of the tribe of Judah

The context of Revelation 5 invariably shows what happened in the heavenly sanctuary. To “conquer” is often predicated of Lion or any ferocious animal as subduing its prey. One of the elders in the heavenly court says, “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” Rev 5:5. Yet, upon seeing this “Lion,” it was no lion at all. Rather, John sees a “Lamb as it had been slain” and still lives. This is the Lamb of God, the meek and docile character of the Suffering servant who willingly accepted death. The regal power of the Lion is manifest as the victory or glorification of the suffering Son. In the same vein, Jesus the PASCHAL LAMB assumes same quality as the “Conquering Lamb” who through his resurrection conquers death, the last enemy. For St. Augustine of Hippo, Jesus is called the Lion of Judah in view of his resurrection, and the lamb for his self-sacrifice, who endured death as a lamb; and devoured it as a Lion (Sermon 375A).

MESSIANIC REIGN: THE ALLEGORY OF THE LAMB AND LION AT PEACE

Salvation for the Jews, is the dawning of the messianic era. The messianic age is identified by the prophet Isaiah in his allegory of Lion and Lamb at peace. In his days shall justice flourish, and great peace till the moon fails. (Ps. 71) Does this signal a reconciliation of the opposing characters of the Lamb and Lion in a personality? Christ is the full realization of the prophecies and the promise of the new age of peace, different from the world’s. If this is the case, then, shall the prophesy of Isaiah hold true, “the wolf and the lamb shall graze together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox… they shall do no evil or harm in all My Holy Mountain.” Says the Lord. Cf. Isaiah 65:25, in preceding chapters … a little boy will lead them. Is 11:6. This is an allegory of the peace tenable in the conciliation of the characters of meekness and docility with the ferociousness and courage of the Lion in a person. This sought of resonates with Jesus’ injunction, …be wise as serpent and harmless as a dove. Mt 10:16

THE LAMB’S BOUNTY: the daily evidence of the Resurrection 

Christian Morality for most part has been faulted for fostering a weak or slave morality for the sake of peace, by encouraging forgiveness, love of enemies and kindness beyond interest so as to have a share in the life beyond. On the contrary, the power of the resurrection is evident each time our love succeeds in conquering injustice and hate. It takes the strength and courage of a lion to achieve such feat. Here the question of virtue comes to play. We cannot be assured of virtue if the capacity to do otherwise is lacking. Just like we cannot ascribe honesty to one who has not the option to dishonesty. Similarly, forgiveness and cowardice can be mistaken, except in case where the victim has the capacity to inflict a fatal blow but chooses to forgive. This in turn has a far-reaching effect on our understanding of virtue and how we can dethrone the wrong notion of power that are antithetical to the Christian values. In what other way can we partake of this peace bounty and be channels of this gift of peace to the world? 

RELEVANCE OF STUDY

The unprecedented happened in human history, with Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Put this way the resurrection sought of vindicate the manner of life Christ proposes for our emulation as Christians. At each Easter we celebrate the triumph of the victor-Christ who establishing a new world order through the paschal events. Death has no claim us, leaving us no choice but to conform to the world value system. As Christians we can prove a reconciliation of the strength and courage of a Lion with the docility and meekness of a lamb of sacrifice. The result is the peace the world cannot give.

As we live in the real active dynamic relationship with the Lord, the effect of the resurrection still reverberates in our lives as Christians, who are agents of change, ushering in the new world order where the weak and poor are no less respected than the strong or rulings class. Christianity vehemently opposes the indiscriminate use or abuse of power or strength. As the magna carta for the early Christian community in Rome, “those who are strong ought to bear the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” Rm 15:1 Our strength consists in lifting others up and not trample them underfoot.

New world Morality: The resurrection of Christ vindicates a new morality where the strong and the weak live amicably. Thus, overhauling the world’s consumerism tendencies, where the disadvantaged are shortchanged or marginalized on the bases of utility and productivity. If Christians must witness to the resurrection, as agents of change in the management of crisis. This in turn ushers a new way of peace resolution until the end of the ages.

Relationship and companionship: Relationship is established just whenever there is something to share. So, it can either be parasitic, interdependent, or altruistic. Either way, the natures of the parties are revealed. The weak and the strong can benefit and learn from each other’s nature in a way that fosters true companionship, where the one is mirrored in the other. Here, the lamb though weak and submissive now exhibits the strength of a Lion in a willing self-sacrifice and vice-versa. That is what friendship is all about. This is purpose of the incarnation story, that we are deified in the eternal exchange of love. Yet, none of the parties lose their essential quality. This for st. Therese of Lisieux best describes the Garden of God – Karmel.

How can we be channels of peace and reconciliation as Christians?

In 1972 Pope Paul VI on the World Day for Peace, said “is you want peace, work for Justice.” Working for Justice remains paramount in the Church’s social teachings as a way promoting social order. We don’t have to be victims before we can speak out about any ill. The injunction to be peacemakers identifies us as Children of God and heirs of the Kingdom. Christians in every works of life must sanctify their work by adhering to the work etiquettes insofar as it ensures respect for human dignity. The resurrection of Jesus from death assures us of our life unconditioned by the contingencies of this passing world. Our struggles for better world reflect our self-sacrifice as do the just who follow the LAMB OF GOD wherever he went. Rev 14:4

CONCLUSION

No doubt, the reality of the resurrection remains a cosmic event, that forever altered the course of history. Made sons and daughters of the Father through adoption, we become agents of peace by promoting the Kingdom values identified as prophetic; in bearing counter witness to evil and vehemently opposing it deeds, priestly; in offering the sacrifice of submission or penance so as to achieve the habitual and firm disposition to do the good, and kingly; in judging aright and ordering our passions through of obedience of faith in the divine will – for in your will is our peace. 

RISE AND SHINE WITH CHRIST | RAYMOND SSEMPIJJA ABIGABA PAUL.

 "RISE AND SHINE WITH CHRIST"

RAYMOND SSEMPIJJA ABIGABA PAUL.

The theme of "rise and shine with Christ" is a powerful reminder of the promise of renewal and hope that comes with faith. This theme is important to all of us, but especially to youths who are navigating their way through the challenges of life.

The Bible has several verses that emphasize the importance of rising and shining with Christ. Psalm 30:5 says, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." This verse reminds us that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always the promise of a new day and a fresh start.

Similarly, Isaiah 60:1 says, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." This verse speaks to the power of Christ to bring light into our lives, helping us to rise above difficult circumstances and find hope and renewal.

But what does it mean to "rise and shine with Christ" in our day-to-day lives? Here are a few examples to consider:

Starting each day with prayer and reflection, taking time each morning to pray, read the Bible, or reflect on our faith can help us start the day with a sense of purpose and hope.

Choosing a positive attitude, focusing on the good in each situation and choosing to see the best in others can help us rise above negativity and find joy in our lives.

Helping others, Volunteering, serving others, or simply being kind can help us shine the light of Christ into the world, making a positive impact on those around us.

Embracing challenges, rather than shying away from challenges, we can choose to embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. By facing our fears and trusting in Christ, we can rise above any obstacle.

Cultivating a supportive community, surrounding ourselves with others who share our faith can help us stay accountable, provide encouragement and prayer support, and help us grow in our faith.

By embracing the theme of "rise and shine with Christ," youths can find renewed hope and purpose in their lives. Whether through prayer, positive attitude, helping others, embracing challenges, or building a supportive community, we can all find ways to let the light of Christ shine through us.

In conclusion, the theme of "rise and shine with Christ" is a powerful reminder of the promise of renewal and hope that comes with faith. By embracing this theme and incorporating it into our day-to-day lives, we can rise above any challenge and find joy and peace in the midst of life's struggles

By RAYMOND SSEMPIJJA ABIGABA PAUL.

raymoabiga998@gmail.com

From Ugan

da-East Africa

THE WISDOM OF THE CROSS BY IMMACULATE A. IKEOTUONYE

THE WISDOM OF THE CROSS

IMMACULATE A IKEOTUONYE

ON WISDOM

 A man who seeks good of himself and of others he it is who has acquired great wisdom.wisdom by her nature leads her children to parts not condemnable,she directs all that desire her.  It is in wisdom that a confused mind can redirect the errors about to befall  or the remedy in the cost of errors already done.

What a great treasure is wisdom to man, without her man is almost, completely nothing, since by the wisdom of the Almighty was Man formed. It is wisdom that gives light to the blind, to move in directions not destructive to him. Her part is straight and without blemish...

WISDOM DEFINED

 The dictionary defines wisdom as an element of personal character that enables one to distinguish the wise from the unwise, while in theological state, it is the ability to know and apply spiritual truths. The desire for wisdom is the desire for Good and the desire for Good is the desire for God. He who has wisdom has Great power not only to govern himself but also the world. Wisdom made Solomon who he was, for among all that he desired and asked for was wisdom, because in the world of wisdom wealth is largely found. 

No man is wise who cannot distinguish evil from Good. Wisdom is a light that govern the nation, a mighty stronghold to defend the weak, in her the oppressed is consoled. Many who  have been raised high were all from the product of wisdom, for she has a lot of affection built in her. She calls but only few answers. Those who declined her calling has met their doom and all who heed to her calling are prosperous and happy. She's not hidden, she's everywhere; in the market places  homes, schools, hospitals, streets and at the city Gates [proverb 1: 20 33].

Wisdom teaches her children what is just, right and fair. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom to all because it is the gift of the holy spirit. This gift gives great understanding to all who desire it. She opens the hearts of men to see the good of herself and the pearls she bears therein...Not all who are wise has Wisdom but whoever has Wisdom is wise. The unwise does not see the vanities of pleasure that he/she pursues, while the wise says to himself vanity of vanities all are vain. He who seeks Wisdom must resign totality to God, accepting all that comes to him/her from God as his will, be it good or bad. The person of job is nothing but the perfect symbol of wisdom. while in his misery he does not sort the cause of his sufferings but seeks to know the plan of God in his states of suffering. 

 

 The wisdom of the Cross was made manifest from the very moment of man's disobedience and fall in the garden of Eden, when our fore father's (Adam &Eve) chose foolishness over Wisdom by allowing themselves to be convinced and deceived by the serpent. The disobedience of Man led to the flew of wisdom from the garden of Eden {Genesis 3:1-6} and to restore what was lost by man, God in his infinite Wisdom sent his only begotten son to restore the fallen man ...for as man was defeated on the tree, man will be redeemed on the tree, so that the three of man's downfall, will be the tree of  man's resurrection.

    Therefore, the cross of Christ will become a tree of Life to all. It is no longer a forbidden tree where man was restricted not to eat from it, now the cross will be to man a source of shelter, a fruit of Life, a means to clothe  our nakedness, stripped of us by the sins of disobedience; the sins of our forefathers, [Genesis 3: 7] a spring of living water, a throne to reign as kings/queens, a ladder to ascend the  Heavens. the *Cross* would be to man the New garden of Eden.

   It is the wisdom of the Saints (the cross), of great Prophets and of the martyrs of the church, who saw what great wisdom it is to carry their daily Crossed after their master and King. Jesus knew of the much benefit his suffering would be, both to the old and young, saints and sinners and so he took the Cross upon himself, yielding much benefits for we his lost flocks.

TO ALL CREATURES,THE GREATNESS OF OUR EXISTENCE LIES HEAVILY IN TAKING UP SAME CONDUCT OF CHRIST, THE CROSS. SINCE THE CROSS IS TO US THE NEW GARDEN OF EDEN, NO LONGER THE OLD GARDEN WHERE THE FORBIDDEN TREE MADE MAN TO SIN...  HE WHO IS WISE AND HE'S WISDOM WILL EAT GREATLY OF THE FRUITS OF THE CROSS, FOR IN THIS NEW GARDEN A TREE FILLED WITH FRUITS IS GIVEN TO MAN.

   NEVERTHELESS, THIS  FRUITS THAT MAN MUST EAT IS IN HIS DAILY SUFFERINGS AND DISCOMFORTS OF LIFE, WHICH HE ACCEPTS AND OFFERS TO GOD FOR HIMSELF AND FOR ALL WHO ARE DEAR TO HIM, JUST AS CHRIST DID AND INVITES US DAILY TO DO...

It is in this manifold wisdom of the cross that Christ has ordered us to each pick up our crosses and follow him [Matthew  16:24].

  

THE CROSS IS A WOODEN TREASURE

    The cross opens to us all dark tunnels and  presents to us what is hidden in. Oh, what a tremendous way to say that the Good thief stole from the wisdom of the cross. He saw what the pharisees and scribes could not see, what the cruel soldiers could not see and what the other thief could not see even upon the cross. The cross is a palace of Peace. Admits pains there is solace, in fears there's calmness and consolation, and in the discomfort of weariness there is Joy... There is no resting place as on the cross.

     A wood constructed by the *WICKED* , to deprive the son of God all that is comforting and consoling; this treasure the wise have cherished and keeping it for themselves and have also instructed their descendants to keep for themselves and for their children's children. To the unwise it is a plot that leads to damnation, a portion made for the destruction of all who desire or seeks it and a reproach to all who is not loved by God...

  

THE WISDOM OF MARY MAGDALENE AND THE CROSS

  Oh, come and see the wisdom of the Cross, as in the Holy woman of Mary Magdalene, who from the image of sin is restored to the image of the Cross. Christ bearer of agony, I could but say....  she understood closely the sorrows of Christ and his blessed Mother, realizing that the cross of Christ is fashioned in love for her sake and for the sake of many who live the life of iniquity. One can hear purely that tender heart of Mary Magdalene reciting thus; " ```I love you Jesus my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart for having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from thee again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will```

    Wisdom does not run away from the truth, nor does her way lead to doom. she gives life to the dying and grants all her inheritance to her children ...(I am the way, the trust and the life) John 14:6.  She is the lover of herself and pours out to the heart of many who too are eager to love . What is love without the good of wisdom?... He who has wisdom has love for the good of himself and of others. See through the wisdom of the saints and you will find the love they have for the cross. 

  Is he who is wise not Saintly? Likewise to say *"A Saint, a Cross bearer"*

   The lives of our Saintly brothers and sisters are great reflection of wisdom in choosing the paths of the Cross, and not only has Christ given to us this wonderful invitation to pick up our daily crosses, but to the wise who beyond ordinarily, perceives the sweet fragrance of the Cross on which Christ's blood mingled and flowed, have seen what the structure of the cross truly represents.  To him whose wisdom governs, who chooses this rough path, a desert and thorny road, to the place of the SKULL; yet a Heavenly banquet. Behold the measures of Love that is given by Wisdom to those who love the cross; the heavy burden of the cross which finds it's rest in Christ  [Matthew 11:28-30]....

THE FOOLISH DETEST THE CROSS AS THEY WOULD TO WISDOM

  In the foolishness of the eyes men, the Cross is condemnable and perishing, they say to themselves, we do not believe in what the cross proclaims, but the wise embraces the cross for what they have seen and believe.

   The wisdom of the cross is best preached by Paul (1Corinthians 2:1-8) To Saint Paul the significant of wisdom is in the cross of Christ, rejected by the Jews and Gentiles, who thought that by crucifying Jesus Christ on the cross, the wisdom of Christ and the proclamation of the cross will be silenced.

    The wisdom of the cross has find it's fulfilment in Christ death upon the Cross and his glorious resurrection, which brings life to all who bear the message the cross.

    Again, let us recall that St.Paul in his formal state of life, stumbled over the cross of Christ but haven been found through the grace of God, he saw with his own eyes the great wisdom of God in the cross {1 Corinthians 2:6-16}. We too have so much stumbled over our crosses, we must rise again in Grace given to us by God to see, understand and proclaim the Cross.

THE CROSS AS OUR SOURCE OF SALVATION

          It is through the loving embrace of our dially cross shall man find Jesus standing next to Him, willingly to help him carry our crosses, for alone we can do nothing.

The way of the cross leads to Heaven. No man has ever lived without a cross or escapes the cross. Surely, the cross must be boren willingly or unwillingly, with or without a merit. If man bears his cross unwillingly, man only makes it a greater burden than it is already. Man runs away from crosses offered to him only but to accept a heavier one ( unknowingly ,  for one cannot exist without a cross to bear).He who shys  away from this cross, turns towards another cross even more heavier than what was offered him.

     Do we fear the cross ? Go embrace the cross with a loving kiss, a loving smiles and an ardent love, for the strength through which we shall bear our crosses are hidden in the cross itself. Lift it up and see the secret that lies hidden in it.

   Happy are those who have embrance the cross for they have seen the true value of the cross. It is no longer a mystery to them and the treasure that lies hidden have been given to them, they shall no longer seek to avoid the cross but rather seek to desire and cherish it more, for in it did they find true peace and joy which the pleasures of this world cannot offer. In the cross, they find wealth and riches, indeed , the cross offers to them richness of the soul and places them kings and queens over their  being.

   All lovers of the cross desire nothing but the cross for they see nothing but a lasting happiness that radiates from it .....What more do they see but a more greater taste, a taste sweeter than honey, they dispense themselves in bearing in the fore front their banners , the cross.

All who adore the cross fears not to lose their soul but rather they fear losing the cross which alone strengthens and feeds their very soul. Not without grace are they given but with an over flowing grace that comes from the king of the cross.                                                                                                        Truly, the human nature shudders at the thought of suffering, but having built a castle of love, they conquer within them all that burdens their heart from embracing the cross.

  However, those who find the cross, finds a sweet fragrance and always flames to be plunged unseasonal, for in it lies the hidden treasure of Christ’s love.

This beautiful structure, the cross, was always before Christ – beginning from the very moment of His incarnation, during His public ministry where He was ridiculed, rejected, accused, condemned & finally placed under the most painful death of a criminal, a death on the cross.

   Our blindness to see the secrets hidden in the cross, upholds us to see that the cross is the signature of the resurrected Christ, ( as a mystic confirms ) and that we too will be fully resurrected only when we embrace the cross.

  Let us read through the gospel of [matt.-16:24] there we see Jesus opening to us the very road that leads to His father’s throne, Thus, if anyone wants to come with me, He must forget self, carry His cross and follow me. He said, ‘’ cross ‘’ not the pleasures of this world, our wealth, cars or all that entices man; (although all of this are not bad in itself but takes it's values the moment it is being capitalized as our last end and only good). It is then clear to us, such that all who wants to be enrolled in the school of Christ must accept the subjects of the Cross as their course{s}.

   What is the wisdom of the Cross without utmost Love, without sacrifice and lastly without crucifying the self to it.... The First, that love, which Christ offered from the beginning, in condescending into our human nature and in accepting the Cross knowing that our redemption is wrapped round it....

   The second, in sacrificing all, even his Life for the salvation of all. Yes,for sinners born and yet unborn. There could be no sacrifice as befitting as giving up his very life for us.... 

     The third, in which the self is totally denied of all wants, of self pity, of complaints and of despair, because of the little or no love foreseen by Christ; the reprobates, the scribes and the pharisees. And yet the burden of weariness gathering all his flocks, but sees them scattered in sin. The self, which by human nature trembles at the imagination of discomfort, would be subjected to a most cruel torment, a death on the Cross.

     In  other, then to remain sustainable on the wing of the Cross, the utmost important aspect in accepting our crosses is FORTITUDE , this gift must be acquired through the Holy Spirit, the very strength of the mind, which enables one to bear with courage all pains and afflictions that comes from the Cross.

CONCLUSION:

 Contemplate greatly the lyrics of the song written by Isaac Watt ```"WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS"```

   1  When I survey the wondrous cross

on which the Prince of glory died,

my richest gain I count but loss,

and pour contempt on all my pride.

 2  Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast

save in the death of Christ, my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them through his blood.

 3   See, from his head, his hands, his feet,

sorrow and love flow mingled down.

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,

or thorns compose so rich a crown?

  4  Were the whole realm of nature mine,

that were a present far too small.

Love so amazing, so divine,

demands my soul, my life, my all.

  So great are the works of wisdom to the heart of men, she not only pours out her dews of Love on her inhabitants, but gives freely to them the delight of humility. It is easier to have wisdom and to acquire Love to the brim, of which without humility, the Wise men would sings the anthem of pride ; so detestable by God and by his Cross, for God, haven loved the world,took the Cross of our salvation in humility and love.

   In the wisdom of the Cross, man sees and understands all the vain things; the glittering pleasures and the likes of it that is entirely enticing. If man looks up to the Cross, he shall see  in it all the good of his soul, in this world and in the world to come. He shall sacrifice the things that charms him most.

   Previously,I have asked. What is love without the good of wisdom, and the Cross? The complexity of this question is seen in the third verse written by Isaac Watt.Here, sorrow and Love came together to form the symbol of the Cross, God's priceless gift for us and to all who in turn for the sake of the love they have for God, are still following in the  footstep of Jesus Christ.

LASTLY; This is the wisdom of the Cross, the awareness that our life revolves round the Cross, either willingly or unwillingly, with or without merits. 

    What would a soul who in pursuit of happiness here on earth, not do in other to acquire that which surrounds happiness; now in the context of what makes the life of man pleasurable and comforting. Alas only temporary,since nothing of such last long, than in the pursuit of the Cross, the Cross which opens a path way for us, leading to a happiness not temporary nor permanent but to an eternal Bliss.

 FIND WISDOM TODAY IN THE CROSS{ES} YOU BEAR