6th Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:5-8,14-17
1 Pt 3:15-18
Jn 14:15-21
You are in me and I am in you
I recall a testimony I heard more than a few years ago, when we were privileged to hear from a brother who had decided to join the seminary after almost four years of soul searching, questioning and anger with the Lord. He had studied abroad in a prestigious university and his life was all set – he had a girlfriend whom he had been dating for a while, the guarantee of good job offers upon graduation, and even a career overseas.
However, once his heart was stirred, life became about treasures and choices for him. In the space of one year, he had to confront a series of choices that the Lord put in front of him, many of which were difficult. After all, it meant giving up almost certain treasures – a married life with someone he loved and the prospect of a high-flying career – for choices which he wasn’t sure where they would lead him. Eventually, he did end up in the seminary after the Lord spoke to him while he was in France and revealed how he would never leave us orphans and that He will come to us.
We all come from the Father and were created in His image. Along the way, life happens. We start to give priority to things like grades, status, money and power. Very few are prepared to turn their backs on the material world and live in the Lord. Hearing the testimony that day brought tears to many in the congregation because we were all moved by the conviction of our brother, who gave up everything he knew for a life in God. And when the priest introduced his parents and siblings, the applause was heartwarming.
Brothers and sisters, we must always be mindful of our sonship and daughtership. God created us for a reason which only He can reveal to us. But how often are we too busy, too caught up in our own world, to listen to the promptings of our Father? Yes, not all of us are called to be religious; but we are certainly here on this earth for one reason – to do His work. Back then, my significant other went on a journey to discern her charisms after a silent retreat. Her sharings prompted me to question what the Lord had in store for me. Was I to serve Him in ministering to those who seek a Christ-encounter, or was I supposed to further develop my skills for the benefit of others? Today, I am blessed to be able to lead worship, sing with a group of wonderful people who serve with joy and willing hearts at Sunday mass; and yes, to be part of this community of writers who so willingly share about God and how He has moulded and shaped their lives.
Amidst the hurly-burly of working life, I seek those windows in time when I can be alone with Him. To question, discern and to simply listen. For I know that deep within me, Christ lives and is waiting for me to be open to His Spirit and to His promptings. We all have Jesus within us, brothers and sisters. We just need to let Him work in our hearts and be open whenever we feel that stirring within. We need to trust that He will never let us down or put us in harm’s way. And that everything He places in front of us and on our shoulders to bear, He does so with love.
So brothers and sisters, take a few minutes or an hour tonight, in the quiet of your room or even while on the train or bus back home, to listen and hear what the Lord is speaking to you.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Lord, we pray that you continue to speak to us, within our hearts so that we may discern your plan for us.
Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for giving us the ability to choose our path along this journey towards you.
OXYGEN 
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