This week as I was studying Sunday’s readings, my grandsons joined me. I explained to them to always make a place for Jesus in their hearts. When I sang Alleluia, my six year old joined in Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
My almost two year old grandson joined us at the top of his voice - Ali-ewe-yah, ali- ewe -yah, ali-ewe-yah.
Then I read Jesus’s words: because the little one is a disciple.
That is where my reflection comes from this week.
Elisha is a lot like Jesus. They came from the same area. They are both teachers. They both are prophets. They both are miracle workers.
A certain woman tells her husband. Elisha comes to be with us often, so let us prepare a place for him.
This woman was so receptive, hospitable, and full of kindness that Elisha felt there must be something I can do for her.
Elisha is a lot like Jesus, who is our teacher, prophet, and miracle worker. Prepare a place for him.
Many say they are born again. (Even Catholics) Many identify as Christians. But, is He the most important thing in your life?
Many will say they live for him; and, many will tell you what it means to live for Christ Jesus.
Jesus puts it in rather blunt words.
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.”
God doesn’t mean that exactly; or, does he?
Surely, Jesus doesn’t mean we are supposed to love him more than our parents, spouse, children, and grandchildren.
He does. Jesus says, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Those who try to live his words know one truth.
Love Jesus with all that you are and you will love others so much more. Love Jesus and he will live in our hearts. When Jesus lives in us, we will be able to see Christ in others. That takes a pure heart and if God is not first in your heart; the human heart may not truly be pure.
It is time for all of us to drop to your knees and make a place for Jesus in our hearts. Make hearts pure and ready for Jesus and He will make a place for us.
Jesus says we must come to him like children and this is with a pure heart. He said the pure of heart would see God.
Purity of heart is to will one thing in a constant and consistent path. That purity of heart should be given to Jesus, anything else divides the heart.
Look around at the many saying they seek justice and dignity; but, are their hearts pure for the one in whom is found true freedom, true justice, and true dignity. Sadly, most have no place in their hearts or agendas for Christ.
When politics is chosen over truth, purity of heart is almost always abandoned. There is no place for Jesus in the words and deeds of those who attack the Church. There is no place for Jesus in the hearts of politicians who say they are Christians and condemn Christian beliefs. There is no place for Jesus in the words and deeds of even religious leaders who do not speak truth because they are afraid to offend.
There is no place for Jesus in the hearts of many. Cardinal Ratzinger, before he became Pope Benedict, spoke of this when he said that the future church would be a lot smaller. He knew that many had not made a place for Jesus.
No matter who they are. No matter what label they wear – Christian, Catholic, Pastor, layperson, deacon, religious, Priest, or Bishop - if they put anything in their hearts above Christ, they cannot love as Christ asks us to love.
God will always seek that special place within us.
Remember, the story of Elisha and the Shunemite woman. They fed each other. The woman gave Elisha shelter and nourishment. She made a special place for him. Elisha fed the woman with spiritual food and a great reward.
When we make a place in our hearts for Jesus Christ, He feeds us a love that comes from God. Whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. That is a great reward.
Because the little one is a disciple, fall to your knees. Sing out with the pure heart of a child to make a place for Jesus. Ali-ewe-yah, ali-ewe-yah, ali-ewe-yah.
Be good, be holy and preach the gospel by the way you live your life and love one another. Amen
Peace and Love,
Deacon Bill Goss
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