CHRISTEEN SECTION

DO YOU WISH TO BE A GOOD SAMARITAN

A warm welcome to all the little children of Christ Jesus. 

The story of Ben-hur unfolds during those days when Jesus was staying in Jerusalem, preaching the Kingdom of God and healing the sick and afflicted. The story tells us how the meeting with Jesus Christ transforms the life of Ben-hur.

Judah Ben-hur, a wealthy Jewish prince lived his mother Miriam and younger sister, Tirzah.  

Ben-hur had a childhood friend Messala, who was Roman and later goes on to become his foe. Years later, Messala returns to his hometown as an ambitious commanding officer of the Roman Governor. Both of them realize that they have different views about life and religion.

One day when the Governor was out to visit his Kingdom in a grand military parade, a loose tile from the corner of Ben-Hur’s house accidently strikes him and throws him out of his horse. 

Messala, ambitious as he was, falsely accuses Ben-hur and his family for attempting to assassinate the Governor. Though they are not found guilty, his mother and sister are imprisoned while Ben-hur is sent to the Roman galley’s for life.

On his way to forced slavery in the galley, a thirsty Ben-hur  first encounters Jesus as a stranger who, offers him water and encouragement.

As the story unfolds, we read how Ben-hur is saved from the galley, often hears about Jesus from those around him. Soon the false news of his mother and sister’ death while in prison reaches him.

As he becomes wealthy again, he returns to his home town to visit Messsala to seek revenge for his family. There again he comes across the man who had given him water years ago. He notices that Jesus chose who were lowly and deprived as His disciples. Though he had heard before, here right now he witnessed Jesus performing miracles and healing all the sick who had approached Him. Ben-Hur becomes his one of his followers.

Soon he is joyful to know that his family is still alive, but his happiness is short-lived when he sees that due to long years in prison, both his mother and sister contracted leprosy. He then sets out to seek Jesus, so that they too could be healed.

But his search ends at the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate and later witness the Crucifixion. The heart wrenching sight of Jesus carrying the wooden heavy cross, being beaten by soldiers moved him to tears. Standing there he reviewed the life of Jesus, the man who had done no wrong to anyone, yet today some of his own followers and those whom he had healed had wanted him to be put to death.  Jesus suffered for all and forgave all those who hurt him.

Soon Ben-hur realized that Christ’s life stands a different goal than revenge.  Inspired by the love, life, passion of Jesus, he detest his revenge, and sets his eyes on the greater Kingdom of God. This time encouraged by Jesus, true and greater glory, he returns to his family, promising to dedicate the rest of his life to Jesus’ teaching.

On meeting them, it dawned on him that even at the time of His utmost pain, Jesus made sure that no one went back empty handed from His presence. Even though Ben-Hur, could not say his worry to the Lord, yet He who knew the hearts of all, knew how and why Ben-Hur reached there. As a parting gift, the Lord had healed Miriam and Tirzah.

All they could do before the Mighty Healer was to glorify and thank Him.

Dear children, the Lord sees all your little needs and pain.  Lord Jesus has more concern for our desires than we ourselves have.  Even while dying on the cross, he fulfilled the desire of his Ben-hur.   Ben-hur too loved Lord Jesus more than his own intention.  Therefore by not being interested in our own needs.  Let us extend a helping hand towards the needy ones. 

Let us pray to Lord to grant us His good qualities and to fill us with His courage and power.

Act for the day

Through the intercession of Mother Mary, let us offer a Holy Rosary to make us a Good Samaritan.

With Love Filled Blessings,

Your Sister in Christ