What is God offering you?

One of the best known and widely respected religious women of our time is arguably Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997). She is known worldwide for her work of providing shelter, care and comfort for the unwanted and dying in Calcutta, India. She is quoted as saying that the hungry, naked and homeless is Jesus Christ in distressing disguise. So when we see that disgusting vagrant, it would help if we can recall what Christ said to the woman at the well: “If you only know what God is offering.” (Jn 4:10)

Do you know what God is offering? The transfiguration gives us a glimpse of what God is offering. “There in their presence He was transfigured: His face shone like the sun and His clothes became as white as the light.” (Mt 17:1; Mk 9:2; Lk 9:28) The resurrection itself amplifies the offering of God. John Paul II states that “in the resurrection Jesus’ humanity is wholly transfigured and glorified, revealing the fullness of his divine identity and glory.” (Dies Domini No 74).

In effect, what God is offering is the “divinisation” of our humanity, the redemption of our wretched condition, a chance at eternal glory, the opportunity to become fully human. This is not a process that is attainable only at the end of time—the process begins now, for as Jesus said: “The kingdom of God is among you” (Lk. 17:21). Jesus shows another dimension of the gift when he states: “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.” (Jn.10:10)

He offers us a full life as enunciated by the words of Isaiah: “If only you had been alert to my commandments your happiness would have been like a river.” (Is.48:18) Which one of us does not want to be happy? To be engulfed in happiness that transcends the vicissitudes of life. To the young man trapped in a life of crime, do you hear what God is offering? To the young woman embroiled in conflict with her parents, do you hear the call? To those trapped in gangs who are seeking a way out, there is hope, for Isaiah says, “Turn to me and be saved all the ends of the earth, for I am God unrivalled.” (Is.45:22)

This Sunday, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, hope is echoed in the words of Ezekiel: “I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view. I shall look for the lost one, bring back the stray, bandage the wounded and make the weak strong. I shall be a true shepherd to them.” (Ezk.34:11-16)
However, there is a challenge in the Gospel for today (Mt 25:31-46). Jesus makes it abundantly clear that at the last judgement we would have to give an account of how well we have: fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, visited those who were sick or in prison.  The message is clear that we have to pay special attention to the marginalised. On this special day, our King challenges us all to ransom the oppressed and downtrodden, because of their innate dignity, being made in His image and likeness. 

Carl and Charmaine Lara
Marriage Preparation Ministry

Bible Says

“I was hungry and you gave me food; thirsty and you gave me drink; a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me….”   
(Mt 25: 35 - 36)

Family In Focus

The Marriage Preparation Ministry offers two programmes for couples planning to receive Marriage as a Sacrament. They are Engaged Encounter and Evenings for the Engaged. These programmes are designed for couples who desire a richer and fuller life together and want to bring God into their marriage
For information, call: 637-5939/762-9908 or e-mail: josebarbarasalazar@hotmail.com   
   
A Catholic Media Services Ltd feature article.