ASTONISHED & AMAZED

a personal reflection on Mark 6:1-6

Two words with similar meanings. The Gospel today uses them both but in different contexts.

Mark 6:2 says that "When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were ASTONISHED". Then Mark 6:6 says that Jesus "was AMAZED at their lack of faith."

“Astonished” in verse 2 speaks about something positive. It’s about how many of them felt being blown away or shocked by HIS teaching. On the other hand, verse 6 is about “their lack of faith” which is not good. Jesus performed mighty deeds but they did not believe. The word “amaze” in its Medieval use referred to being irrational or foolish. That’s how the “kababayans” of Jesus were. They were being irrational & foolish for not believing.

ASTONISHED & AMAZED. Two words. Similar meanings but use in two different contexts. Isn’t our lives just like that also? A life with contradictions.

* We claimed to be Christians but we don’t follow CHRIST
* We know that heaven is real and is forever yet we give in to sin which is #fakejoy & gives temporary happiness.
* We are part of the Church but what are we doing for the Church?
* We are called to love. However, we only love the feeling of being loved. We forget about the sacrifice that comes when we give out true love.

Don’t just be astonished. Don’t settle being amazed. Instead, create ASTONISHMENT, generate AMAZEMENT. How?

* B-e like Jesus. Be a Saint & inspire others to do the same.

* L-ove your Church. She needs you more than 1 hour per week.
* E-ncourage people in your house, your workplace & even in Social Media.
* S-urprise others by doing what is right not what is popular
* S-eek to serve others. We need one another.

That's how you create amazement! Go out there & BLESS the world! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

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