Reflections 1: Instructions from Our Creator

“28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28, NKJV, Pp.1485).

It brings me to tears every time I feel anger and resentment, especially when faced with someone who has hurt me deeply for no apparent reason other than they wanted something I had, or perceived that I had. In the act of taking this perceived object or status, they fueled their own selfish need for power while realizing their ultimate motives and agenda. It brings me to tears because I don’t want to feel that way about anyone and in the act of hurting me I have to ask this question, “How much more pain and anguish they must be in to do the things they have done, or are doing?” It is a sin to deliberately bring pain to another human being, to hurt them on purpose. This flies in the face of God, it tempts God, it demeans all that God stands for, and above all it puts God to the test, all of which we are instructed not to do.

“Then the Devil took Jesus to Jerusalem and made him stand at the top of the temple, “To prove you are God’s son,” he said to him, “jump down from here. And remember, it is written: ‘He will send his angels to guard you and to catch you in their hands so you won’t even hit your foot on a stone.’ Jesus answered him, “It has been said: ‘You must not put God to the test’” (Lost Gospel Q, Q7, Pp40).

Oddly, armed with this knowledge, like Jesus, the temptation to not forgive can be strong and within that knowledge I am moved to forgive them, to forgive the unforgivable. It might take great amounts of time and contemplation, but the results are always the same.

How lucky we are to be placed upon such a world where we have been saved by the most power entity in existence. How lucky we are to have been given step by step instructions on how to meet him in heaven. How lucky we are to have but only one thing to fear in life and in death, none of which is Satan. It is righteous to have a healthy fear of God and a massive amount of respect for Him.

“20 You shall fear the Lord your God, you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name” (Deuteronomy, 10:20, NKJV, Pp.258).

For it is found within His glory and His grace these instructions His wisdom that leads us, His children, back to Him. For the Lords promise to always be with us continues to hold fast no matter whom shall tempt Him by bringing harm to us. It is in this fact those who have lost their way can now find the path they once were on. It is because of His love those who are lost, having no faith, seething from no hope, can now pickup their own cross once more and find Jesus, if only they say,

“6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Palms 118:6, NKJV, Pp.922).

For indeed I ask, “What can man do to me, you, or anyone living?” Thus the power of man is not equal with that of our creators, nor is the power of Satan equal with God. Therefore, it is holy to worship God, to obey God, to follow Him.  When we do we are blessed abundantly, we are loved, we are cared for, and we are saved.

God’s instructions are far more superior to that of man’s and that of Satan’s. In truth there is no logic in what we do, how we live, and behave. For our lives are filled with rebellion and disgrace in the eyes of God, yet he still loves us. Thus, it is righteous to proclaim loudly,

“1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Palms 118:1, NKJV, Pp.922).

In retrospect, I find it very comforting that God loves us as he does. It is this awesome amount of love which he freely gives, which we can choose to accept, and when we do our lives are forever changed. The greatest commandment or, set of instructions, which God handed down unto all of mankind, is that we should all love our neighbors.  But to follow this simple guiding rule would mean that we would also have to forgive each other our many indiscretions, honor each other’s wishes, work hand in hand for the shared fruits of the collective labor, and we would take care of our elderly. There would be no murder, hence no war, no reason to kill or to steal from someone else. If we obeyed God we would have no reason to become jealous and thus covet another’s house, wife, car, money, career, lifestyle, and or material belongings. We would not want those things in the first place. My personal favorite is that if we loved and I mean truly loved one other then we would never bear false witness whether it be in a court room, or in a school room, for there simply would be no need to lie and keep secrets. If there was no need then to keep secrets, there would be no adultery, for if we loved one another as commanded by God, then we would honor marriage, the family unit, and the great wealth which that brings. Our laws would protect the sanctity of this most holy union before the eyes of God, thus those who wed would truly be in love and take their vows seriously.

“Then taking him to a high mountain, the devil showed Jesus in an instant all the empires of the world. “I will give you the power and glory of these kingdoms, for it is mine, and I can give it to anyone I want. All you have to do is worship me.” Jesus retorted, “It is written: ‘You must worship God and serve Him alone.’ Having exhausted all these ways of tempting Jesus, the devil left him, to return at a later time” (Lost Gospel Q, Q8, Pp41).

Challenge question: Knowing we are commanded to love one another, to love our enemies, and because we don’t, is that proof enough that there is a God and that we all need his simple set of instructions to eternal salvation? Why else would we rebel so?

Amen

If you have been moved by this blog I humbly invite you to leave a message telling me your thoughts and how this reflection has touched you. May peace and love be with you all the days of your life.  May God keep you and bless you. Amen.

Published by

Brother Brian

Brother Brian currently serves within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Catholic School System. He is currently in his twentieth year of teaching.

0 thoughts on “Reflections 1: Instructions from Our Creator”

    1. Hi Darshini, I am really glad you read my blog, and if you find something here that helps you, as always what is mine is also yours. Love Always, Dad.

Leave a Reply to ValentinaCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.