When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. – John 21:4
I stared at the picture of a sick child posted in the elevator. The boy was only seven years old and looked very frail. His body was skinny but his tummy was bloated. He had a liver ailment and needed a major operation. Below his picture were contact numbers and a bank account where one can make a donation.
Then I reached my office floor and I stepped out of the elevator unmoved by the child’s plea for help. I justified my reaction by thinking, “A lot of people will read that poster and the child will get enough donations.”
Three weeks later, I received an email from our HR officer. It was about the same sick child. I don’t know what happened to me but I suddenly felt guilty about the way I had acted a few weeks back. I asked forgiveness from God because I didn’t see Jesus in the helpless child. I gave a personal donation and also enjoined a few friends to give.
In today’s reading, the disciples, too, didn’t immediately recognize Jesus. They only realized it was Him when He gave them instructions. Initially, I also didn’t see Jesus in the sick child needing help. I forgot that Jesus said that loving Him includes helping the sick, visiting the prisoner and feeding the hungry. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)
Reflection: Don’t experience Jesus through prayers and Mass only. Experience His presence when you help others who are in need.
reposting from http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2013-04-05
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