Bible
Study: 1 Peter 2, 2 to 12 and Mark 10, 46 to 52.
There is a
great quote from Joan Borysenko which goes thus: “This is not a
telephone-answering machine, but a questioning machine. Who are you, and what
do you want? If you think these are trivial questions, be aware that most
people come into this world and leave it without answering either one!”
Have you
ever been asked; “Who are you?” I guess you must have probably responded with a
wrong answer such as your name, your job title, the language you speak or where
you were born. The truth, my dear friends is that providing an honest answer to
this question requires a deep reflection about your true identity and not just
the names attached to your life. And until you truly come to terms with who you
really are, your life would just be devoid of meaning.
Today, St.
Peter offers us some clues about our true identity in our first reading.
NEWBORN
INFANTS. St. Peter says we are like newborn infants. This points to exactly
what Jesus says that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the
kingdom of God. As infants, St. Peter says, we should long for pure spiritual
milk which is the word of God of which Jesus says, man shall not live on bread
alone but on everything that comes from the mouth of God.
LIVING
STONES. We are living stones built into a spiritual house. Just as the stones
of a building are connected, we Christians must realise we are one body, one
house.
A CHOSEN RACE.
We are different, we make up a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set
apart, called out of darkness to proclaim God’s marvellous light. Jesus himself
said: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor
do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives
light to all in the house.” Matthew 5, 14 to 15.
What makes
us light? St. Peter answers: “Abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage
war against your soul. Maintain good conduct so that the Gentiles may see your
good deeds and glorify God.” However there is difference between being a light
and being an actor. A light never stops shining no matter where it is kept. An
actor only shines on stage or before a camera.
Once we
know who we are, once the question of our identity is settled, we are then able
to know what we want. A lot of people today do not know what they truly want in
life because they don’t know who they are. They live a television life; that
is, whatever they see advertised on television, they want it and go for it,
whatever becomes popular, be it the latest gadgets, the latest hairstyle, even
if it is indecent fashion, they develop a desire for it and want it at all
costs. They end up acquiring too many things that they do not need only to begin
to feel buyer’s remorse.
Until you
know who you are, you will never know what you want. If a light bulb does not
know what it is, it will ask you for water but the moment you are able to make
the light bulb understand its true identity, it’s only want would be
electricity.
In the Gospel
passage, we come across a man who knew who he was and so knew clearly what he
wanted. Even though he was a beggar, he knew it was not money he wanted but his
sight. He knew that without his sight he wasn’t complete as a person so when he
heard about Jesus, he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. He shouted
so loud that people even took offence and wanted him to keep quiet but he
refused. And eventually, he got his audience with Jesus.
“What do
you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Master, let me receive my sight.”
What a simple prayer. Dear friend, Jesus is asking you that same question at
this mass right now. It is up to you to answer with a simple prayer and ensure
that what you are asking for is in line with who you are, who you were created
to be.
Today we
celebrate St. Philip Neri. He contributed greatly to the Council of Trent which
saw the reformation of the Church in the middle ages. As priest, he practiced
such an outstanding spirituality.
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, may I never lose
consciousness of my true identity and may my firm be firm when I pray. Amen.
Good morning.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you.
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