“Be comforted, little one! In Heaven everything will no longer look black, but dazzling white.” [St. Therese of Lisieux]

Jakarta, 18 June 2016

A Christian Pilgrim

 

Whatever God prefers & chooses for me – that is what I like best. ……

Jakarta, 7 January 2015

A Christian Pilgrim

 

FEAST OF ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX – 1 OCTOBER

Jakarta, 1 October 2014

A Christian Pilgrimage

 

IT WAS IN ANTIOCH

IT WAS IN ANTIOCH 

Reading: Acts 11:19-26 

“It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’” (Acts 11:26). 

What does it mean to be called a Christian? Does it refer only to being baptized? No, for our baptismal consecration needs daily renewing. Does it mean having faith? While this is an important part of being a Christian, it is not the whole picture: “Faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26). Does it mean relating to the world with a detached, negative attitude? How can it? Jesus calls us to reach out to others, not to make Christianity an exclusive club! So what does it mean to be called Christians? Fortunately, the same passage that asks the question also provides insight into the essence of following Christ. 

Essentially, Christianity is the life of love and unity that Barnabas saw demonstrated among the Christians in Antioch. “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose” (Acts 11:23). Though powerful miracles may have been taking place, Barnabas was primarily impressed by personal transformations – those long-term life changes that come about as we remain faithful to the Lord” day after day. 

We may manifest this faithfulness by our words and actions, but prayer is where the real transformation takes place. St. Therese of Lisieux once said that prayer is like lever that is capable of lifting up the whole world. Nothing changes without it, but with it, even mountains can be moved! It is through prayer that our actions are marked more and more with the three foundational signs of Jesus’ presence: faith, hope, and love. Prayer keeps our words loving and encouraging, even when we offer correction. And through prayer, our thoughts – the seeds of all our actions and words – are purified and raised up to heaven. 

The first Christians may have seen many spectacular healings and conversions, but the greatest miracle they saw was lives transformed by Jesus. Today, let us respond to God’s amazing grace. Let us not be Christians in name only, but people who have “put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27) as we sit before our Savior in loving, hopeful prayer. 

Jakarta, 23^rd of April 2013

A Christian Pilgrim