Cross Training

“THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND.” What does that mean for us today?

July 11, 2024 by Eddie Leave a Comment

Imagine what life would be like in this modern day and age for a person living in a land totally ruled by a king? Of course not all kings are the same. There are good kings and there are awful kings. But imagine a king so powerful, yet most benevolent, full of love and compassion for the people and equally loved by his people. Not only is the king a ruler who puts good order in the land, but he also cares for and invests in the wellbeing of every single person and family belonging to his kingdom. Because of his power and influence, no problem, no situation would be so big that the king wouldn’t have the capability and resources to solve and even anticipate all sorts of problems, and the king is able to work always for the good of those in his kingdom. Wow!!

I suppose that every person who belongs to that kingdom would be very very secure, would be completely at peace and would have no worries in the world. Sana ol, right?

Now, imagine further, that outsiders – those who belong to other lands or other kingdoms – are welcome to be part of this awesome kingdom, without much bureaucratic red tape, with the only condition being loyalty and allegiance to the king. I bet you there will be a long long line of people applying for visas to be permanent residents of that kingdom. Right?

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WHO AM I TO YOU? (Jesus)

June 29, 2024 by Eddie Leave a Comment

In today’s gospel from Matthew 16, Jesus has a private conversation with his disciples and asks them what people have been saying about him. “Who do people say that I am?”, He asks. To appreciate why Jesus wanted to know this, we can refer to how Luke describes the same private conversation. Apparently, according to Luke chapter 9, Herod had been hearing stories about Jesus, about his incredible miracles and his controversial preachings. And in verse 8 and 9, Herod is perplexed, saying: “I thought I beheaded John already. Now, who, then, is this person I hear such things about?” And so, Herod must have started asking around about Jesus.

And that’s why, now, Jesus wants to know, what people are saying about Him.

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BEING A DISCIPLE and BECOMING A DISCIPLER

May 26, 2024 by Eddie Leave a Comment

Our passage today is the last passage from the last chapter of the gospel by Matthew. This passage is usually called “The Great Commission”, when Jesus said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This passage from Matthew is very similar to the last passage of the last chapter of Mark’s gospel. And in Mark’s version, he adds a little detail saying that after Jesus gave these instructions, He was lifted up into heaven. While that ascension of Jesus is indeed a marvelous spectacle (and how we wish we were there to witness it), we want to relish these words of Jesus because they were the LAST words He ever spoke in person, and I encourage you to continue to reflect on these words in the coming days so that you will appreciate how much importance Jesus wanted to place in these words that He left for His disciples, and for you and me and all mankind.

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OUR OBEDIENCE IS MOST PLEASING TO GOD

April 29, 2024 by Eddie Leave a Comment

In the gospel for today from John 14, 21-26, Jesus teaches His disciples that the way to demonstrate their love for Him is to obey His teachings and commands. Verse 21 says: “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” (NIV)

Other translations would put it this way: “The one who OBEYS me is the one who loves me. ” (TLB) “Those who really love me are the ones who not only know my commands but also OBEY them.” (ERV) “If you love me, you will DO WHAT I HAVE SAID.” (CEV) I think that’s clear, right?

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THE ROAD TO OUR CALVARY IS OUR PATHWAY OF HOPE

March 31, 2024 by Eddie Leave a Comment

I trust that you’ve all been keeping step with the celebration of the Holy Triduum during the past days, and that you’ve spent quality time reflecting on and studying the significance of the passion and death of Jesus. And now this, the resurrection of Jesus. While we read John’s version of the story in chapter 20:1-9, you may also want to read the different nuances of the same story reported by Matthew, Mark and Luke.

For today, rather than focusing on those nuances and details of the resurrection, I invite you to reflect on the significance of Christ’s resurrection from the perspective of the obedience of Jesus in taking up His cross.

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