ARE YOU A FOOL OR A SAINT?

Today, April 1, is Palm Sunday. Coincidently, today is also April Fools’ Day.

Today you have a choice – be a fool or a saint. ☺

I know somebody who had to make that decision a few centuries ago. He was a fisherman by the name of Peter. He was amongst his friends when it happened. It was a stormy night and the waves were strong. Peter and his friends were in a boat, far from land and the waves were battering the boat. Then they saw a ghost! They gave it a second look and realized that it was Jesus walking in water.

Then came Peter’s “fool or saint” moment. 

Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” - Matthew 14:28 

You remember what happened next. Jesus was up to Peter’s challenge so He invited him over. 

And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:29-31 

Can you imagine how the other disciples reacted when Peter started to sink?

Maybe the boat was filled with silent reactions of – 'Oh no!', 'You’re a fool for leaving the boat', "Why did you do it?"

But Peter did not care how others would react. He only had one thing in mind. Follow God. Follow God at all costs. Even to the point of being a fool.

This story of Peter teaches us an important lesson. When it comes to God, be ready to be a fool every time. You don’t have to make a choice between being a saint or a fool. Be ready to be both when you choose to go with God. Every time you make a decision to follow God you are choosing to become a saint. You may reach a point where you feel that you made the wrong one. Do not fear. The reply of Jesus will simply be “have faith, do not doubt”**.

Have a blessed day!


** My personal interpretation of Matthew 14:31

THE REASON WHY HE CAME

“Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” - Matthew 20:28

I love the management style of Jesus. He practiced leadership by example.

I get motivated to serve more whenever I see someone lead by example. Most especially if it is the leader who gets his hands "dirty".  A hands-on leader is truly inspiring. It’s a blessing for me to be surrounded by people who practiced the same philosophy. Their ideals give me the extra "ummph" whenever I serve in various capacities. Their action gives varying messages yet proclaiming the same idea – SERVE!

• My father travels to Bicol regularly to spread God's word. His action teaches me that one cannot be satisfied in evangelizing your area only. Go out and go far if needed.
• I interviewed Alex Lacson a few months ago. Google his name if you don’t know him. He wrote a book that encourages Filipinos to do small changes so our country can advance. This teaches us that service (small or big) not only helps the recipient but also the community (or in Alex’s book the country) where he belongs.
• It’s always nice to see our coordinator Gary personally fixing and cleaning chairs for our gatherings. His humility in service declares that leaders don't just give instructions and wait for the team. Instead, leaders give instructions then he joins the team in executing the instructions.
• Albert is a friend failed in his first business venture because he simply wanted to earn money. He changed his perspective and prayed that he may serve his family through his next business venture. Since that change in outlook he was able to put up 4 branches for his food business. His story demonstrates that service results to blessings so that you can bless more people.
• My friends Gilbert and Me-Anne have been happily married for a couple of years already. They are both into sports and one of the common things they enjoy doing together is running. Aside from the marathons they ran, they have been leading (or to make it more apt “running”) the children’s formation of our community for more than 5 years already.  They are an example of what dedication in service means. 
• Lastly, I am honored when pastoral leader Jun is always ready to meet up whenever if I have concerns. He shows that serving a brother/sister always takes priority over other things.

There are more men and women who I looked up to. They drive me to be the best in whatever I do. Seeing men and women in action is like having an extra shot of espresso when you feel sleepy.

Jesus was no ordinary man. He is the Prince of Peace, sits on the right hand of God the Father and He is God himself.

Yet, He came to this world to love and to serve. I looked up to Jesus. Life can be difficult but His inspiration gives me the "push" to continue serving. When it comes to serving, Jesus is like my coffee with an extra shot of espresso in a Venti cup!

Do you want to follow Jesus? Be a servant now.

Have a blessed day!