Reflections on Matthew 3-4:11, John 3 & 9

During a class discussion in high school, my government teacher asked for a reason for the hardships of those affected by Hurricane Katrina. He brought up punishment from God as an option. To my delight, the class outspokenly disagreed with this notion. The Truth of the matter lies in God's Word, the Bible. Through the Bible, Jesus tells us His holy plan for our salvation. These Gospel readings of Matthew and John have a rich underlying message of Jesus Christ's mercy and love for His people.

First, I will quote John 9:2-3(the story of the healing of the blind man): "And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him." The man was not born blind because of sin, but so that he may be a living witness of Christ. To be a witness, His life must be imitated, which includes sacrificial suffering. In order to live with Him in Paradise, we must die with our cross just as He did. The goal of our sufferings is a more intimate relationship with Christ, and ultimately Eternal Joy. It is also interesting to note that the blind man did not ask for the blessing of sight. This reminds me of how God gives us graces when we do not expect it.

In order to carry our crosses sanely, we must turn to His Divine Mercy. Matthew 3:2-3 states: " 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' " When I read Matthew 3:2, I feel a sense of urgency to constantly seek His mercy, and in seeking His mercy I find the highest love. His mercy is love. This is a love that will never be fully understood on earth.

In resolution, when you read the Bible with an open heart, the poetry of God's Word can be overwhelming. Though the two Testaments are not particularly long, the meaning and rich love in the Word is extensive. While Protestants are our Christian brothers and sisters, they do not grasp the full picture of salvation. The concepts they overlook-- such as fruitful suffering, penance, and the immensity of Divine Mercy-- are beautifully communicated in the Gospels.