Thursday, January 17, 2008

From Words to Deeds

Reading thru Jesus' parables, I'm amazed by how his words can stir my heart in such a powerful manner, compelling me to act accordingly. And what's more interesting, it stops right there, giving you complete freedom, and full responsibility, to decide how you react to them.

It is that very transition, from words to deeds, that many men falter. It's easy to feel enlightened and moved, but it takes courage and convictions to venture a decisive act, using Kierkegaard's (o-so-poetic) phrase. God/Christ/the Holy Spirit can go far to stir our hearts, but in the end, each individual has to will himself to the ultimate expression of his faith - in his actions.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Submission/ Cooperation

What is the ideal God-Man relationship? One of submission, or one of cooperation? From my own experience, it's always been an ambiguous combination of both. There are times when I knelt prostrate before God, seeking his guidance and forgiveness, and there are times when I feel as if I'm fighting against temptations by actively focusing my will towards the Word of God.

This self-God dichotomy often confuses and frustrated me. When should we let go and rely solely on God, and when do we exercise our faith and will to remain true to the Way? The answer to that has always been elusive to me, like trying to snatch the fog into my hand. Where exactly does the individual and God meet?