Salvation through the name of Jesus...

Living in a multi-ethnic community here on Devon Avenue, (north side of Chicago, Illinois)presents a challenge to our claim about Jesus. Is salvation only through the name of Jesus? Or is salvation also available through other sources? This dilemma continues to baffle humanity in its quest to find the truth about the mystery of our existence.

The rulers and elders of the people during the time of the apostles were confused. How is it that such power and wisdom is attached to these simple folks? St. Peter explains, it is by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the one you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle, which defies human limitations and comprehensions. Never before, had such an event defined our existence, nor thereafter. therefore, St. Peter concludes, "For of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one which we can saved."

Human history is filled with religious leaders and mythological figures claiming to be the savior of humankind, but no one could defy nature to claim supremacy over creation like that of Jesus. The teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, surpasses all human wisdom and knowledge. Unlike other leaders, who only point to the truth, but have no truth, Jesus says of Himself, "I am the way, the truth and the life." These words of Jesus accompanied such power as never seen before, "What is easier to say, your sin are forgiven, or to say rise, take up your mat and walk."

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for his sheep. He desires that all hear his voice and come to his fold, for there can only one flock, and one shepherd. He does not force anyone, but offers his invitation in freedom and love. Unlike the rest of us, who are subject to the power of nature; no one has power over Jesus. He offers his life freely, and with that same freedom he brings it back to life to define our existence, in order to show us the ultimate truth, which will be our path to eternal life.

In the name of Jesus we have salvation. He is the Good Shephed and all of us who are baptized are his flock. He calls us by name and leads us to the eternal fountain. Let us not be baffled by claims from different religions, but be firm in our faith in Jesus, who is our Lord and Savior. Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life. Salvation is only in the name of Jesus.

-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. St. Timothy Church, Chicago, Illinois, USA

The Mouthpiece of God!

A call to proclaim the message of God is a privilege with responsibility. However, to fulfill such a mission is a challenge even unto death. Not many dare to hear the voice of God for the fear of losing one's life. It is an irony, God calls people not to take their lives, but to give life and give it in abundance.. The obstinate nature of humankind threatens the prophets of God and those who proclaim his message; it is because God's message often subverts worldly thinking.

Amos was a native of Judah.He was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees. He was sent by God to speak in His Name to the people of Israel - the northern kingdom which had broken away from Judah. Amos is told very bluntly that he is not wanted and is to go back where he came from. Nevertheless, such threats do not deter the zeal of a prophet. Amos was fearless in the face of persecution to bring home the message of God to his people, who were misled by the religious and civil leaders. Such a stance defines the prophetic vocation.

Today, the Catholic Church is the mouthpiece of God to the whole of humanity. The secular culture of our time is misleading humanity to a destructive end. This culture is thriving with false teachings, and pseudo hopes, which many have gladly embraced. More than ever before, the Catholic Church is beckoned to play the prophetic role of instructing people about the gospel of Jesus Christ and His eternal Kingdom. The secular media accuses the church to stay away from public life. However, the Catholic Church cannot and will not bow to such pressure, because it is her nature to be a prophetic voice in the world.

Jesus sends the twelve into the world to proclaim the message of repentance and healing with authority. The same authority is conferred on all the baptized. We are sent into the world to be a leaven of love, peace, faith and hope. How do we live our vocation? When we are questioned and threatened, because we are disciples of Jesus, do we respond like the prophet Amos? Or, have we succumbed to the pressure of this secular culture, which is misleading humanity to a deadly end?

Let us remember, we are the mouthpiece of God, called to proclaim His message of forgiveness, with the hope of glorious reward in his kingdom. "Be not, be afraid", take courage, like the prophet Amos, to live as a friend of God, rather than to seek comfort here on earth, and stand on the opposite side of God.