We know that St Peter denied Christ three times prior to the crucifixion. So when Jesus revealed himself to the apostles fishing in the Sea of Tiberia, St Peter was asked three times, “Do you love me?” (John 21:1-19) to which he responded in the affirmative.
According to one priest; that reply of St Peter was half-hearted falling in the category of filial love that is one of awe and respect. The clergy continued that Jesus was wanting of agape love, the purest form of love, strong, unwavering, unchanging, unconditional and eternal. Christ knew that the first Pope would attain it later when He said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.” For truly St Peter followed Christ’s path towards martyrdom, a symbol of agape.
How many times have we denied Christ in our lives - three times like St Peter or many times over? Since I started writing this weekly blog, “Blotfree”, I have many times in my subconscious state been told to speak about my writings before brethren. Many times I resisted, afraid that nobody will come, nobody will listen. But God guides us to the right path, for as long as you seek His words.
The first step was the formation of Teachers in Sandals Fellowship for tertiary students. He led me to meet Fr Sam Pulanco who was assigned as Priest Chaplain of the Auckland Catholic Tertiary Chaplaincy. For the past two years, the ministry meets regularly in Newman Hall where students deliver speeches about their faith. I thought that was enough.
In a secular society like New Zealand, Christians do not talk openly about their faith, afraid of being labeled as insensitive to the beliefs or unbelief of others. So who now call the shots in the policies of the State? It is the promoters of prostitution, same-sex marriage, abortion and legalization of marijuana. They articulate with laced-language that persuades elective public officials wanting to stay in office longer.
Christians must stand up for Jesus’ teachings. But like soldiers going to war; Christians must be equipped to do battle against the relentless forces of the devil. “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)
The key to victory is: KALP: Know; Articulate; Live; and Pray. To allow brethren to Articulate about the faith that they KNOW from the word of God, the inaugural gathering of LIGHT.SOUL.BREAKFAST will be held on April 27, 2013 8:00 am in Auckland. The activity aims to establish a fellowship among people towards better understanding among each other and to propagate love, peace and harmony in the world. It is part Toastmasters, part prayer gathering, part business meeting and part community singing. Of course, there is food for breakfast. We will become advocates of the Word.
We are knocking at your hearts to join us. This could be the beginning of agape love between you and the Lord.
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