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The Gospel Proclamation
... Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead ... But others said, ‘It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet .... But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John .... and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to kill him....
Prayerful Awareness
Jesus, the Son of the village carpenter Joseph, whose mother was Mary, was becoming popular, and His fame had become wide spread in that part of the world, because of the manner He preached and also because of the great deeds He was performing. So, many wondered, “Where did this man get all this?” “What kind of wisdom has been given him?” “What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands?” etc.etc.
To these queries, varied answers were given. “He is Elijah”, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets”. “It is John the Baptist” etc. Today 2009 years since then, what can we tell about this Man who lived in Galilee? Who is Jesus to me? Let me reflect ....
Is Jesus a historical figure, just like Galileo or Beethovan who lived many years ago, did great things during their time and then passed away?
Or, is Jesus someone like whom St. Paul met, on his way to Damascus (Acts 9:1-8) like the third person who accompanied the two disciples on their way to Emmaus, after the death of Jesus (Luke 24:13-35), like the gardener whom Mary Magdalene met at the tomb of Jesus (John 20:11-18), like the ghostly figure who met the disciples when they had locked themselves up in a room after the death of Jesus (John 20:19-23) etc. etc.
Jesus who died, is risen from the dead and is ALIVE today. His presence has been experienced by so many, a few events were mentioned in the previous paragraph. He is present today, in the Holy Eucharist, He is present where two or three gather in His Name (Matthew 18:20), He is present in the sick, the lonely and the imprisoned, He is present in His disciples etc. Have I experienced this presence of Jesus in my own life?
This presence of Jesus in us, and with us is made alive through the working of His Spirit - the Holy Spirit, and as we become awake more and more to the Holy Spirit, we too are likely to experience the presence of the Risen Lord Jesus in and with us.
Prayer Starter
Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
And in our hearts take up Your rest
Come with Your grace and heavenly aid
To fill our hearts which You have made.
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