Stumbling blocks

A short reflection on stumbling blocks

Note:- Freeze-bee labeled as "goal" which deviated and
the dog crashed into the photographer 

Synopsis:- (Mt. 18:6-9)
> Jesus hates if you put stumbling blocks before his children
> A milestone around the neck and the Sea will be his reward i.e death
> But stumbling blocks are always bound to come
> But Jesus hates the one by whom it is caused
> If your hand leads you to sin, cut it off 
> If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out
> For you shall save your soul from eternal fire 🔥

Reflection:-

Often we hear this common phrase from people i.e., "I could not make it for the retreat or a prayer meeting due to some personal reasons". And then the person goes on to say, "probably it was Satan who put the stumbling block ahead of me!"

As a small kid when I used to go to listen to talks from one brother, the meetings suddenly stopped happening. And I wondered why? So the lady of the house, where the meeting would be conducted narrated me on how that brother would get tormented while he used to ride to her house to preach. This made me believe that yes! its a stumbling block! 

In the New Testament we see Jesus tormented in the wilderness, then the storm in the sea, and lots more which act as stumbling blocks in His ministry.

Jesus' call to holiness is not just for handful of people, but for all. I have to say this because there are times when our own family members act as stumbling blocks and don't allow us or poke fun at us when we desire to learn the Word of God. Why such things arises among us? Its only because not every Catholic has experienced Christ's presence in his/her life. The day when they really experience Christ in their life, they will regret mocking people in the past.  

The whole problem lies in our society, which teaches us that money and security comes first and God is just some entity to make happy by fulfilling the obligations. We fail to realize that we have been bought by the blood of Christ and therefore we ought to live for Him alone. 

Now, next time when you try to put a stumbling block in front of people, then, recall the words of Jesus:

Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!

Matthew 18:7 NRSV

Therefore, never be a hindrance to someone's Spiritual growth. Always support and encourage people who long to study the Word of God. When you do this thing you end up being a blessing to that person and God will surely bless you. 

All those brothers and sisters of mine who undergo such stumbling blocks in their life, read this bible quote:-

“If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. “I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling.

John 15:18‭-‬21; 16:1 NRSV

Always strive to lead a righteous and a virtuous life. Do not ever be like those people who always poke fingers to others when asked why aren't they changing their wicked ways. You be the change! because each one has to work for their own salvation. 

Praise God❤