Christian Art | Reflections On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Transfiguration
Luke 22: 14-23 | King James Audio Bible KJV
Reflections On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Baptism Of The Lord Jesus In The River Jordan
‘And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ (Matthew 3:17)
As I reflect upon the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, I am struck by the powerful symbolism of this event and the profound message it conveys about the nature of God and the mission of Jesus.
At the outset of his public ministry, Jesus makes his way to the banks of the Jordan River, where he seeks out his cousin John the Baptist. Despite John’s initial reluctance to baptize Jesus, Jesus insists, and as Jesus emerges from the waters, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus like a dove. A voice from heaven declares: ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’
This momentous event is the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and signals to the world that he is the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah. I see the perfect unity and harmony between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Trinitarian nature of God. I reflect upon Jesus’ ultimate mission and purpose, which is to offer himself as sacrifice for salvation of humanity.
I reflect upon imagery of water – powerful symbol of purification, renewal, and rebirth. I recall the Old Testament, the waters of the Red Sea parting to allow the Israelites to escape from slavery in Egypt, and the Jordan River being miraculously divided as the Israelites enter the Promised Land.
In his baptism, Jesus identified with me in my need for repentance and forgiveness. It is astonishing, Jesus chooses to be baptized when he is Son of God. There is solidarity in intent to fulfill all righteousness. Through Jesus’ baptism, Jesus models for us the importance of submission to the will of the Father and the necessity of being born again by the Spirit.
As I contemplate the Baptism of Jesus, I am invited to reflect on my own baptism and the significance of this sacrament in my life. I am reminded that, like Jesus, I am a beloved child of God, called to participate in Jesus’ mission of love and reconciliation. I am challenged to live out my baptismal promises, to renounce sin and evil, and to follow Jesus on the path of discipleship. And I am encouraged to draw upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, which is poured out upon me in my baptism, to transform me from within and to make me a new creation in Christ.
In a world that is often characterized by division, conflict, and brokenness, the baptism of Jesus offers me a message of hope and healing. It reminds me that, through my union with Christ, I am part of a global community of believers who share a common identity and purpose. And it invites me to join with Jesus in his mission of proclaiming the Good News of salvation to all people, baptizing us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Reflections On The Love Of Jesus Christ | The Wedding At Cana
‘His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.’ (John 2:5)
As I reflect upon the Wedding at Cana, I am struck by the depth of Mary’s faith and trust in her son, and the way in which Jesus used this event to reveal his divinity to his disciples and those present.
I think that this first miracle of Jesus was at a wedding feast, a celebration of love and commitment. By turning water into wine, Jesus not only saved the host from embarrassment but also Jesus showed his love and care for those in attendance. This miracle reveals the abundance of God’s grace, that He is always willing to provide for our needs and bless us with more than we can imagine.
Jesus says: ‘Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.’ Mary’s faith and trust in her son did not waver. Mary instructed the servants to ‘do whatever he tells you’, demonstrating her unwavering belief in Jesus’ power to act. Through her intercession, Mary showed us the importance of trusting in Jesus’ plan and the power of prayer.
It is said that the wine produced by Jesus was of the finest quality, something that would take years to produce in the natural process. This instantaneous transformation of water into wine shows Jesus’ power over creation and reveals Jesus as the Son of God.
As I meditate on this event, I am reminded of the importance of faith, trust, and obedience. Mary’s faith and trust in Jesus led to this miracle, and our faith and trust in Jesus can also lead to miraculous transformations in our lives.
Reflections On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Proclamation Of The Kingdom
‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.’ (Mark 1:15)
As I reflect upon The Proclamation of the Kingdom, I am struck by the urgency and power of Jesus’ message, calling us to repentance and to turn our hearts and minds towards God’s kingdom.
This mystery takes place at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, where Jesus travels throughout Galilee proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and performing miracles. Jesus taught the people with authority, and his message was one of repentance and transformation, calling people to turn away from sin and to turn towards God’s kingdom.
Jesus’ message was not just a call to change our behaviour, but to transform our hearts and minds. Jesus showed us that true repentance and transformation involves a complete reorientation of our lives towards God’s will and purpose. Through his teachings and miracles, Jesus revealed the depth of God’s love and mercy, and the power of his grace to transform even the most broken and sinful among us.
This proclamation of the kingdom was not just for the people of Galilee, but for all of humanity. Jesus’ message of repentance and transformation continues to call us today, to turn away from the ways of the world and to embrace God’s kingdom in our lives.
As I meditate on this mystery, I am reminded of the importance of living our lives in alignment with God’s will and purpose. Jesus’ message is a call to ongoing transformation and growth, and we are called to be open to the transforming power of God’s grace in our lives. May we always be receptive to Jesus’ call to repentance and to the transformation of our hearts and minds towards God’s kingdom.
Reflections On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Transfiguration
‘And he was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.’ (Matthew 17:2)
As I reflect upon the Transfiguration, I am struck by the awesome power and majesty of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as well as the mystery and wonder of his divine nature.
In this mystery, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain, and there he is transfigured before them. Jesus’ face shines like the sun, and his clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Jesus about his upcoming passion and death.
The Transfiguration is a powerful manifestation of the divinity of Jesus, and reminds me that Jesus is not only fully human, but also fully divine. The Transfiguration reveals the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, as Moses and Elijah represent the law and the prophets, and they both point towards the fulfillment of God’s plan in Jesus Christ.
The Transfiguration is a call to discipleship, as Jesus invites Peter, James and John to witness this incredible event and to bear witness to his glory. As disciples of Jesus, we too are called to bear witness to Jesus’ divine nature and to proclaim Jesus’ message of love and salvation to the world.
As I meditate on this mystery, I am reminded of the need to open myself to the mystery of God’s presence in my life, and to be receptive to the transforming power of God’s grace. May we always seek to grow in our understanding of Jesus’ divinity, and may we be empowered to bear witness to his glory in our lives and in the world.
Reflections On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Institution Of The Eucharist
‘Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me…This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.’ (Luke 22:19-20)
As I reflect upon the institution of the Eucharist, I am struck by the profound mystery of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, and the deep love that Jesus has for us in giving himself to us in this way.
On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus gathered with his disciples to celebrate the Passover meal. During the course of the meal, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ Jesus also took the cup of wine, blessed it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: ‘Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’
Through this act of love and self-giving, Jesus established the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, where he becomes truly present to us under the appearances of bread and wine. This sacrament is a powerful reminder of the depth of Jesus’ love for us, and the sacrifice that Jesus made for our salvation.
The Institution of the Eucharist is a call to unity and communion, as we are all invited to share in the one bread and one cup. It is a reminder that, as members of the Body of Christ, we are called to live in communion with one another, sharing our lives and our gifts for the building of God’s kingdom.
As I meditate on this mystery, I am reminded of the great gift that Jesus gave to all of us of himself in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. May we always approach this sacrament with reverence and awe, and may we be transformed by the love and the body of Christ that we receive in it. May we pray for those who do not yet receive the Eucharist. May we be strengthened in our commitment to live in unity and communion with one another, and to share the love of Christ with everyone.