HOW GOOD IT IS TO BE HERE
The Holy Bible says, “Of course, my brothers,
I really do not think that I have already won it; one thing I do, however, is
to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.” (Phil 3:13)
When we
realize that our pursuit after perishable pleasures which gifted us unhealed
wounds, cruel memories of guilt, past buried burning stories and unforgettable
incidents, often takes away our peace and sleep. How long have you been on sleeping pills or
intoxicants? How long has it been since
you had a peaceful meal with your beloved ones?
Knowingly or
unexpectedly when the True Light enters our hearts we wish to turn back from
our past lives. You may be confused on how
to begin a new life.
This is what happened in Saul’s (St. Paul)
life. During his journey of persecuting the followers of
Lord, he found great divinity when he encountered Jesus
Christ and he exclaimed, “Of course, my brothers, I really do not think that I
have already won it; one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me
and do my best to reach what is ahead.”
He acknowledged that the knowledge of Christ Jesus is more valuable and
for its sake, he threw away his fame, success in status, honor and power; and
considered it all as mere refuse when he gained the life in Christ.
In short, he
courageously took decision not to continue with the past journey which was full
of brutality and atrocities. He became a
born again person.
There arises
a question from a repentant heart, ‘Do I need to go to the past pattern of
life?’
When you
study the life of saints, you can often observe similar questions arising in
their past lives too and they sternly took a new and virtuous life with its
pain joyfully. Refer lives of familiar
St. Francis of Assisi, St. Augustine, etc.
Today when you
go through this blog you too may come upon similar queries. There are certain spiritual shores waiting to
answer your queries which is the result of some constant and untiring effort of
certain hands always behind to lead and guide.
If there was
a time when you were enticed by the world and its passion now is the time to
let God’s spirit take charge of you.
Spiritual
hard work and genuine submissiveness are most important for the success of new
life. It is sure that life will be more
bright, sanctified and fragrant if spiritually lifted to the heavenly space
than the life in dark valleys of the world.
A true
example is the transfiguration of Lord Jesus witnessed by the disciples. When Lord Jesus was praying on Mount Tabor
the disciples saw His face changed its appearance and His clothes became
dazzling white. (Luke 9:28) There Peter, as if he lost all allurement to
pleasures of his life in the valley, exclaimed, “Master, how good it is that we
are here.” (Luke 9:33) and he was in a hurry to make tents to be there.
It echoes - do we really want to go back? He insists Jesus - Let us be here.
Such
spiritual flights are required in every body’s life – ready to forget the past
filthy life and to strive hard, pay the price of sacrifice, to achieve the life
that God gifted us.
Do I need to go back to black magic, gambling,
fights, war, bribery, idol worship, witchcraft, immoral life, sexual passions,
etc, . What have I gained? Tears of many would be possibly pleading for justice
to God against me like Saul’s life.
Let us begin
our journey to spirituality seeking the shore of experiencing God in
depth. The Way is Jesus Christ and let
your feet be led by the Word of God which is the guiding lamp.
During your journey of life when you reach the shore of repentance ask yourself, “Do I
want to go back to the old self?”
Let your burning
heart take a good and favorable decision of not turning back to our old selves. It will surely produce the heavenly fragrance
of courage.
May the good
God grant you His courage and discernment to walk in the heavenly light and to
be the fragrance of Christ Jesus.
The Holy Bible says, “The hope in
Christ does not disappoint us, for God has poured out His love into our hearts
by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.” (Rom 5:5)
Act for the day
Through the intercession of
Mother Mary, let us offer a Holy Rosary to take a right decision.
With Love
Filled Blessings,
Your Sister in Christ