Yoked to Jesus

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“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” †  Mathew 11: 28-30  What is the labour and burden that Jesus is asking me to deal with? Perhaps I have to let go of the compulsive burden (or is it a sort of entitlement?) that my spouse and children should choose a spiritual path that I know to be right. Jesus accompanied Judas Iscariot to the very end but never deprived him of his freedom to choose his own destiny. Jesus on the other hand, uninterrupted by Judas's choice to reject him, continues to accomplish his mission. He does become a victim of Judas's betrayal but he seldom takes on the victim's identity. In divine wisdom, Jesus chooses to die in our place (and that of Judas) in a redeeming act of love. Rather than being compelled to fix those whom God has entrusted to my headship by m

Vulgar jokes & sacred thoughts



Vulgar jokes are a fad among the young. The adolescent years are crucial years of formation. Most youngsetrs give into the temptation to convene around smutty jokes as a way to "fit in" with the majority. Often, the jokes that garner the most attention are the ones in which men and women are referred to as mere sex objects to be used. At the end, the sacred gift of human sexuality is treated with humour and a lack of due respect.

The word of God says "Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but instead let there be thanksgiving". Ephesians 5:4

It is good to ask why a sacred subject like human sexuality becomes a public joke. The sensual and the sexual have traditionally been private matters. The privacy attached to these topics is not unintentional. What is holy needs to be veiled and protected because it is so priceless and sacred. We cannot afford to violate its sacredness or desecrate its holiness. But when a culture loses the sense of the sacred, the value and dignity of human persons, both male and female, take a toll. Human beings, their sexuality, and the act of procreation are reduced to a joke.

What is the consequence when a sacred topic like this becomes a subject for sensual entertainment and is treated with levity? It impacts our moral resilience. We lose our capacity to protect our own dignity by way of prudence and discipline. What is joked about becomes a sad reality in people's lives. Human beings are used and tossed around as objects of pleasure; they become vulnerable to abuse and misuse; their dignity is violated; and precious lives are taken away overnight, some consensually and others forcibly. 

With the exception of those who help heal the brokenness of our soul and body, the topic of sex and sexual matters must remain within our hearts to cherish and prepare well for marriage. It is in marriage that my sexuality becomes a perfect gift for the one who loves me—a man for a woman and a woman for a man. The purpose of our sexuality is to unite soul and body in a one-flesh union and be blessed with new life.

The word of God says “Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you. Mathew 7:6

Let the topic of sexuality be treated with dignity and honor. Let the sacred remain sacred. Let what is holy remain holy, veiled, and honourable.

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