No reason for conflict

There are possibilities for reconciliation between Islam and Christianity.  Christians and Muslims should read the Bible and Koran.  In Chapter 5 of St. Matthew Jesus speaks about loving even our enemies. In the Koran too it speaks about Mary: “O Mary!  Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee—chosen thee above the women of all nations” (Surah [chapter] 3:42).  In Surah 3:45: “Behold!  The angels said: O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus: the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of [the company of] those nearest to Allah.” 

In Surah 3:55: “Behold Allah said: O Jesus!  ... I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith.”  In Surah 43:63: “When Jesus came with clear signs, he said, ‘Now have I come to you with Wisdom, and in order to clear to you some of the (points) on which ye dispute: therefore fear Allah and obey me’”.   If we follow Jesus, would there be conflict?  He only came to prove his love for us by his humility and forgiveness, and by his curing of the blind, the lepers, and raising the dead to life (see Surah 3:44 and Mt. 11:5).

There is possibility for an encounter of minds between Muslims and Christians, after all religion is a source of tolerant understanding between peoples because God is a “God of peace, not of dissension” (1 Cor. 14:33).

A transitory life

When we ponder on the life we live in this world we know our lives pass away, human as we are.  We can only thank the Lord for His goodness, giving us all the people we love and those who care for us, reflecting the very goodness of an almighty and provident God.   No one can deny, as the years and centuries go by, that here is a God who truly cares for us and provides for our needs, so long we endeavor to do our part in keeping His laws of justice and righteousness, and truly place our trust in His loving care and protection.

As the Saints of ancient days did acclaim: “Soli Deo omnis honor et gloria” (To God alone belongs all the honor and glory).  That is what we are to humbly pray for: that our humble lives bring honor and glory to the Almighty God, who rules the world and prepares the reward that is due to every man or woman for all the good they have done in this earthly existence. 

A heartfelt tribute to all the good people who lived lives of true service to God and their fellow men and women...an inspiring example for new beginnings and to last for always! 

God's only Son

Jesus, being the Only Begotten Son of God, shares His Divine Nature.   He is love in Person.  He said He is the Son of God, that is the reason the Jews crucified Him.  As we read in the Gospel of Mark, “The High Priest put a second question to him, ‘Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?’  Then Jesus answered, ‘I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Most Powerful and coming with the clouds of heaven around him.’  The High Priest tore his clothes to show his horror and said, ‘What more evidence do we need?  You have just heard his blasphemous words. What is your decision?’  And they all condemned Jesus saying, ‘He must die’” (Mk. 14:61-64).

Jesus proved it so because many witnessed His Resurrection and His many miracles that no man ever did before.  He is true God and true man.  That is why we say: “And the Word was made flesh; he had his tent pitched among us, and we have seen his Glory, the Glory of the only Son coming from the Father: fullness of truth and loving-kindness” (John 1:14).   “Yes, God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but may have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16).