Arulvakku

27.02.2014 DISCIPLESHIP

Posted under Reflections on February 25th, 2014 by

GOSPEL READING: Mk 9:41-50

These saying remind the listeners that discipleship is very difficult. It demands sacrifices. These are indeed challenges to those who say that following Jesus is to find complete personal fulfilment and satisfaction. There is a war between God and the power of evil. The follower should keep in mind that he is constantly challenged to choose God.

What we are asked to give up is not something sinful. Of course we should reject sin. But we should be ready to reject something which is good and God-given (like hand, feet and eyes). These are to be rejected when they lead us to wrong path, though they are good in themselves.

Salt purifies; so does fire. The disciples are asked to be salt of the earth. They should not lose their flavour and should not become worthless. They should live in peace with themselves and with the others. Living in peace is the flavour of the disciples of Jesus.

சீடத்துவம் கடினமானது. உலகத்தை தவிர்த்து கடவுளை தேர்ந்து கொள்ள வேண்டும். என்றும் எங்கேயும் எப்போதம் கடவுளை தேர்ந்து கொள்ள வேண்டும். தீமையை தவிர்ப்பது அவசியம் ஆனால் சில நேரங்களில் நல்லவற்றையும் (அவை நம்மை தீமைக்கு இட்டுச் சென்றால்) தவிர்க்கவேண்டும்.

26.02.2014 NAME OF JESUS

Posted under Reflections on February 24th, 2014 by

GOSPEL READING: Mk 9:38-40

Does Jesus belong to a privileged few (so called disciples) or he is for all. Same way one can argue about the name of Jesus, whether it is for a group only or is it for all. Through this episode the author is trying to argue an important point on fellowship in following Jesus. Does one become inclusive or exclusive in following Jesus?

John takes the privileged position and asks for exclusivity. In fact the disciples have the same attitude. Even among themselves they were arguing to find out who was the greatest or who would get the privileged position to sit on the right or left of Jesus at the kingdom etc.

John’s attitude affects many people. Jesus or his name is a gift of God offered to the whole humanity or to the whole universe. No one should be prevented to claim the name of Jesus. Jesus is for all. And those who are for Jesus will always belong to him.

இயேசு எல்லாருக்கும் எல்லாமானவர். அதேபோல் அவருடைய பெயரும். இயேசுவோ அல்லது அவருடைய பெயரோ யார் ஒரு தனி நபருக்கோ அல்லது தனி குழுவுக்கோ கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ள தனி உரிமை பொருள் அல்ல. இயேசு மேலும் அவருடைய பெயர் உலகனைத்திற்கும் கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ள ஒரு கொடை.

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