CLOTHE THE NAKED
When God created Adam and Eve,
they were naked but that nakedness was not revealed to them because they were
pure. Once, they committed sin their eyes were opened and realized their
nakedness. (Gen 3:9) Both of them covered their spiritual nakedness with the
cloth of sin, which unclothed their physical nakedness. Today the naked is
being sold. The more the body is exposed the more the money is paid. Instead of
clothing the unclothing is becoming normal.
Jesus said, "If anyone wants
to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also” (Mt 5:40). But in
today’s world this dictum is rephrased as ‘unclothe yourselves fully for those
who ask you to remove your overcoat.’ Clothing gives dignity to the person.
When we are clothed we express that all of us are sinners and clothed with the
garment of sin and in need of redemption. This will be achieved only when we
become spiritually naked. To be spiritually naked and be unclothed from sin we
need Jesus who gave his life on the cross. In order to become spiritually naked
we need to refrain ourselves from the garment of sin. Those of us want to unclothe
physically first let us strive to unclothe from our sins which in turn hide our
eyes from physical nakedness.
Jesus was naked for our sake on
the cross. I was naked and you clothed me (). Yes, when we were naked and
wearing the garment of sin he clothed us with the garment of his blood. His physical
nakedness paid the price of our sinful clothes. Today, as followers of Jesus what
we can do is we have to become spiritually naked, by abstaining from sin. Let
us put off the garment of sin and put on the garment of salvation.
ADMONISH THE SINNER
The greatest story that ever told
in the history of the world is the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The father is
waiting for his son to return home. When he comes back the father does not
reminds him of the past deeds or actions that the son had done rather
admonishes and welcomes him. The new life begins. We were sinners and in need
of saviour. God who is rich in mercy sent his only Son not to condemn but to
save the world. Jesus came to this world to die for us. Even the owner of the
world Himself is merciful to us to the extent of sacrificing his only son for
us, then, who are we to judge others? It is only for God, who alone can judge and
who is very merciful and compassionate.
We as humans should be merciful
and compassionate to our fellow human beings especially towards the sinners. Because,
we are all sinners and in need of God’s grace and mercy for redemption. In
order to attain the eternal life leading good life alone is not suffice rather we
should help others to live a good life. If possible it would be good to
admonish the sinners. Salvation has to be attained by saving the others.
In the parable of the Lost Sheep
Jesus tells that that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner
who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent
(Luke 15:4-7; Matthew 18:10-14). In this postmodern world many people are in
need of God’s Mercy and his acceptance. In this Lenten season can we take first
step towards at least one sinner, who is rejected and neglected by others and
welcome him/her. Let us become Jesus for each one.
Comments
Post a Comment