The contrasting Rich Men
Reflection on Jesus' intervention with a Rich Ruler and Zacchaeus
> The Rich ruler calls Jesus "Good Teacher". Whereas Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name.
> Rich ruler keeps all the commandments whereas Zacchaeus was a public sinner ( Tax collectors would be usually called public sinners at that time because they would charge high customs, taxes, etc from people )
> Both of them are told to be very rich persons
> Jesus requests rich ruler to sell his belongings and do charity; whereas, Zacchaeus voluntarily says he will give half possessions to the poor + repay 4 times those whom he might have cheated.
> Rich ruler became sad and left while Zacchaeus earned Salvation for his house.
These contrasting Rich people's lives and their actions gives us a lot of understanding. We always are hungry for knowledge and more knowledge in the world, by saying this I in no way condemn gaining knowledge, but after gaining knowledge humility is important.
Here, one person is a Rich ruler probably a Ruler of a kingdom and Zacchaeus was the Chief Tax collector which was a prominent and highly rewarding job. In short, they were filthy rich! But still one clang to his riches and other one voluntarily decided to give it away.
We all invest our money in some assets or the other, but do we invest anything in learning more about Christ and teachings of the Church?
We all do our future plannings for a better future but do we prepare ourselves for eternal life?
We gain the topmost degrees, but do we at least sit down and read about what is written in the Bible?
Are we trying to be a money making machine or a blessing to our family?
All these questions are for us to ponder upon. This in no means is to dishearten someone who hasn't done such things in life as yet. But through these Bible passages we come to know that as soon as you encounter Christ, "Today" becomes a day for our salvation provided we give first preference to Jesus.
Sometimes people say to me that's it looks appealing to put such things in a blog but practically it's impossible! When I was touched by Christ, my life changed. Now the things of this World does not fantasize me; but the fact that what more can I do for Christ does. Because if you are a true disciple of Christ then you will always try to do much more than expected.
For almost 3½ years of my renewal I wasn't introduced about fellowshipping with Holy Spirit and the things He could do for me. But, in the late 2018 I started experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit and the graces that I would receive to move on with my life despite all my hardships, temptations, afflictions, etc. Don't rely on your own strength.
Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.”
Luke 18:26-27 NRSV
No matter in which level of spirituality you are, there is always "TODAY" for you to give up on your old life. 🌈
After every mass you attend, don't say, "Lord, you look so nice on the Cross or in that frame, so you be there until I see you on next Sunday". But instead take Christ along with you in your heart and believe in His presence in you.
Praise God❤
Awesome
ReplyDeleteThanks Clinton
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