1 John: And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
I remember when we were living in Steamboat Springs and my daughter and I looked at the Christian school where she would enter as a first grader if she were to be accepted, actually maybe it was more if I were to be accepted. Honestly, I thought it would be a breeze, having gone to CCD and four years of Catholic high school.
She and I had a lovely tour and then we went into the principal's office for the interview part. No sooner had we sat down when the principal asked, "Do you believe you will go to Heaven when you die?"
Shocked at such directness, "Yes I do."
"And why do you think you will go to Heaven," she asked.
"Well," I stammered, "because I consider myself a good person and treat others as I want to be treated. I try to do good things for others."
"No," she said matter-of-factly, "you will go to Heaven because you believe in Jesus Christ. Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is your Savior?"
As a Catholic, I saw the crucifix every week at Mass. I knew the Jesus stories. I knew the Bible stories. I recited the Nicene Creed every week where it specifically reads, "I believe in Jesus Christ." Yet, did I truly believe in Jesus Christ? Did I truly believe that Jesus Christ was my Savior? It was a lot to think about and I had paused long enough, "Yes, I believe I will go to Heaven because I believe in Jesus Christ."
I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I was determined not to have her attend. She would be fine in the public school. I talked to another Catholic friend about my experience. She said, "The principal can be a little intimidating at first, but once she's in the school, everything will be fine."
My daughter did go there as did my first son. My mom commented about the Jesus songs they sang.
Needless to say, my children turned out just fine, Jesus songs and all. My experience was that her direct questions made me really look at my own relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I felt pretty solid in my faith in the Father and the Holy Spirit, but my relationship with Jesus needed some work. Because of her questions, I started paying more attention at Mass. I started questioning more and studying more.
Just like the prodigal son, I just had to start the search and the Father came running to meet me. These days, I'm much more comfortable with Jesus. We are His arms and legs, hands and feet, eyes and ears. He needs us to do His work. We need Him so we know what our work is; to love one another.
Crucifix in Spain
March 23
Mark: And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?
Luke: Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his work. He was the son (as was thought) of Joseph son of Heli,
John: John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized
Acts: And it will be that everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be utterly rooted out of the people.’
Romans: since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;
1 Corinthians: and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
Galatians: Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed.
Colossians: Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters,
1 John: And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
Comments