Come to Jesus

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120512.cfm) reminds me that we should come to Jesus.

Sharing a story…

A man went to a barber shop to have his hair cut as usual. He started  to have a good conversation with the barber who was cutting his hair. They talked about many things and various subjects. Suddenly, they touched  the subject of God.
 

The barber said, "Look man, I don't believe that God exists!"

"Why do you say that?" asked the man. "Well, it's so easy, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God does not exist. Tell me, if God existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be no suffering nor pain? I can't think of loving a God who permits all of these things."

The man thought for the moment, but he didn't want to respond so as to cause an argument. The barber finished his job and the man went out of the shop. Just after he left the barber shop he saw a man in the street with long hair and beard. It seemed that it had been a long time since he had his hair cut and he looked so untidy. 

Then the first man again entered the barber shop and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist!"

"How can you say they don't exist?" asked the barber. I am here and I am a barber."

 "No!" the man exclaimed. "You don't exist because if you did there would be no people with long hair and beard like that man who walks the streets."

"But, I do exist, and that is what happens when people do not come to me."

"Exactly!" - affirmed the man. "That's the point. God does exist, and see what happens when so many people don't go to Him and do not look for Him? That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

As seen in the story, it is important to come to Jesus. In the gospel, Jesus could not do anything if we do not come to him. We can he that he healed all who came to him, no matter how simple or life threatening the illness may be. Indeed, nothing is too big or too small for God’s power. However, people will not be healed if they did not come to Jesus. Yes, his power is more than enough for everybody who comes to him, and nothing is too big (or too small)  for him, but unless we come to him, he can’t help us.

Same is true with the food. Jesus wanted to feed them, but he also wanted them to give of themselves, to offer whatever they have for God. Had no one given him food, there is nothing to multiply, there is nothing to thank God for. Although God can do anything, and wants to do it for us, sometimes he wants us to act as well, to take a step of faith and surrender whatever we have. He will turn the seven loaves and few fish to feed multitude. Indeed, whatever we offer to God, no matter how little, will be magnified.

God loves us. God is powerful. God wants to use us.

May we always be sensitive and willing to come to Jesus and offer up whatever little we have, knowing that He does not disappoint.

Do I pray and come to Jesus, or do I expect him to give me what I want without me asking? Do I feel entitled to God’s blessings in my life? Do I offer what I have to Jesus, no matter how big or small it is, or do i think that I have nothing special to offer him?

Father God,

How great you are. Thank you for reminding me how powerful and loving you are. Thank you for reminding me that no prayer is too big or too small for you. May I always come to you in prayer and submit myself to you, no matter what I am praying for. Lord, I know that you hear every petition I send to you, and you will act on it according to your perfect timing, not mine. As I come to you, Lord, help me be generous of whatever I can offer. Sometimes I feel I have nothing special to offer you, that I’m just a normal person, but Lord, you reminded me in the gospel that you will use mightily whatever I offer to you. May I have the humble heart to submit and offer to you my life, and have faith that as I do, you will do wonderful things to and through me, for your greater glory. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-