Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 16:24-28

Life is the first gift and we could very well say that the only gift that God has given to man (because through life we receive or recognize the other gifts). Only a man with life can ever imagine of the other gifts and enjoy other gifts. No one will be able to imagine what a person would if he had no life (he would not be a person). Everything is empty and useless without life.

There is nothing in this world in exchange for life. Even the whole world would be of no use in exchange for life. The author of the gospel tells indirectly that that there is one thing that would stand up against life and that could go in exchange for life. Jesus is the only thing (person) that should go in exchange for life.

வாழ்வுதான் இறைவன் கொடுக்கிற முதல் கொடை மட்டுமல்லா மாறாக ஒரே கொடை. ஏனெனில் வாழ்வு இருந்தால்தான் மற்ற கொடைகளை பெறமுடியும் அனுபவிக்க முடியும். வாழ்வுக்கு ஈடாக இவ்வுலகில் எதுவும் இல்லை இயேசு கிறிஸ்து ஒருவரைத்தவிர. அதாவது இயேசு கிறிஸ்து தான் இறைவன் கொடுக்கும் ஒரே கொடை ஒப்பற்ற கொடை.

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 16:13-23

Simon became blessed because he was opened to the revelation of God. Revelation could either come from God or from human beings. Revelation from human beings could lead one to wrong conclusions. One should be able to discern the revelation. Discernment should be accompanied by recognition by Jesus.

Within a short time Simon fails. Here he accepted the human revelation and believed it to be right (You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do). Discernment is a must. Revelations from God and from humans are always there. They are always intertwined. Man has to discern and Jesus acknowledges when the right discernment is done and declines when wrong discernment is done.

வெளிப்பாடுகள் இறைவனிடமிருந்தும் வரலாம் மனிதனிடமிருந்தும் வரலாம். மனிதன் அதை ஆய்ந்துஅறிய வேண்டும். இறைவெளிப்பாட்டை மனிதன் பேசினால் இயேசு அதை ஏற்றுக்கொள்கிறார். மனித வெளிப்பாடாக இருந்தால் அதை இயேசு மறுக்கிறார்.