Designs of the Heart

In John-17 it is said, ‘I have given them the glory you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I want those who you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you have loved me before the creation of the world…’

          We understand that we are a part of the heavenly kingdom. We are the chosen people, belonging to God. It is essential that we spend time in His Word so that we may declare His praises. However knowledge alone is not enough, we are called to do much more than to know and believe. As followers of Christ we are to be ‘doers of the Word’.

          Our whole lifespan is made up of small moments. When each moment comes, it is up to us how we grab it and fill it incorporating various tools of appreciation, kindness, love and mercy. The precious moments do wane but only to make place for the next one. If we hurry through life frantically we won’t be able to keep track of each moment and we miss small ounces of satisfaction that it gives. It becomes all the more effective when we free our thoughts from the distracting echoes of events that are long past. If we become outraged by negativity, then negativity will win. To counter it we can make kindness a key part of whatever we say and do. Every time we get a chance we can compel ourselves to be merciful and kind in all matters small and big.

          Every positive thing we do will start a chain reaction, the culmination of which is so beneficial sometimes even beyond our imagination. People around us notice the way we behave and our actions gets passed along in ever increasing numbers and ultimately we come to know that we have a far greater influence over other people and events. Life is a mirror that reflects back to us what we think, what we expect and what we feel. In the process we can discover the immense richness of giving the best we have. We can be a friend, offer encouragement to others and we ourselves will feel lifted up. In Romans 8 and 12, it is written that we are called to live lives that are “holy and pleasing to God” and exemplary Christian behavior that allows us to fully commit ourselves to serving the Lord is made possible as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit who enables us to do the Father’s will.   

          When we experience difficult situations, we think that we would never get through, yet we do make through it and life moves ahead. A few challenges seem to us as though, we would never overcome them. Some of the losses that we have suffered have made us feel that we would never be able to get beyond them. Finally we do find a way to move forward. We may be highly skilled at anticipating what will happen but we can never know for sure until we get through. These things happen in every person’s life.  The truth is that Our Lord leads us through and we grow into better individuals. Could we have surmounted all the ups and downs in life without divine help? How many of us are aware of it?   Even though we are aware of it do we really acknowledge it? We don’t have to ask or plead yet we are carried through.

          If we seek answers we need to go down the memory lane and visualize the miraculous journey through which we were led. Most of us don’t care to take this trouble though we acknowledge sometimes with a small thank you to our Lord God. Some offer a thanksgiving Mass, a few hold prayer meetings and wind up. But the mercies bestowed upon us are unending. In Colossians 1:22 it is said that our reconciliation with God is possible only because Christ went to the cross and received the punishment due for our sin. When our Saviour cried out “It is finished” the barrier between sinful man and Holy God was removed, making all those who trust in Him “Holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”             For the common folk even a chance meeting with a king will surely be an exhilarating experience. How much more beautiful would it be to have a permanent appointment with the king of kings, our Lord.  To listen to Him, to carry out His orders, to work for Him and to live for Him will then take the first priority for all of us. As we bask in the unbounded generosity of our Lord Jesus be sure to help each other grow spiritually, strengthen faith and encourage works of service by performing extraordinary acts of love. This appointment with our Lord Jesus is not just an event but it is a mission that will last a whole life time leading us to many more meaningful and beautiful moments in life.