THE PERSONAL CALL TO FOLLOW CHRIST

The call to follow Christ is a universal call to each and every one of us. It is a universal call to all humanity. This call is an invitation to holiness and discipleship. The call may be accepted or rejected. The twelve apostles accepted the call with other early disciples of Jesus (Lk 6: 12-16). Some Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians and Romans rejected the call. The rich young man rejected the call (Mk 10:17-22). Those who accept the call are preparing themselves for the weight of eternal glory. Those who reject the call are in need of conversion.

The acceptance of the invitation to follow Christ involves some challenges (Mt 16:24). The cost will be high; the road will be narrow; the sacrifices will be great; the opposition will be ferocious. There will be moments of doubts, disappointments, crisis and difficulties. However, our success is assured. Our help is in the name of the Lord who makes heaven and earth (Ps 121:2).

The decision to follow Christ can be very rewarding (James 1:12). Our sins are forgiven; we are washed clean in the blood of the lamb; we become new creature in Christ; we become sons and daughters of God; we receive necessary graces for holiness; we receive the consolation of the Spirit; our names are written in heaven. Most importantly, we receive the reward of eternal life. If we follow Christ closely and wholeheartedly, we will be worthy of eternal kingdom

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CHRISTIAN LIFE AS AN INVESTMENT

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2Cor 9:6).  This is a basic principle of life. The meaning of this biblical principle is so profound; the interpretation is so wide; the application is far reaching. This principle does not fail. It gives exactly what it promises. Of course this is not just about giving out money or sharing material things. It concerns important aspects of our lives- spiritual, intellectual, social, professional- it concerns every aspect of life.

This principle simply means little investment yields little profit and huge investment yields huge profit. The saints have invested heavily on their spiritual journey. They painstakingly stored their treasures in heaven. What we see are the fruits of their labour- their joy, serenity, balance and peace. But what we do not see are the sacrifices, penances, struggles that earned them such beautiful fruits of the Holy Spirit.

A number of people believe they can beat this principle. There are those who think they can sow little and reap much or worse, reap where they did not sow. Lazy people who sow sparingly cannot reap bountifully. Cain sowed sparingly and was expecting a huge reward. He was roundly disappointed.  Those who give minimum requirement and expecting to receive maximum profits will be hugely disappointed.

Life is too short to be wasted. Time is too precious to be squandered. Energy is too limited to be dissipated. Opportunity is so scarce to be lost. Sow bountifully so that you can reap bountifully.