Tag: yes

True Love

“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you” – John 21:17

Today during his homily, Father Jijimon (yes, like digimon), explained how off the translation for the Bible was.

When we think of Jesus asking Peter if he loves Him three times, we think about how incessant Jesus is after Peter answers Him. But He never simply asked Peter if he loved Him. He asked if he love Him with agape love – with unconditional, sacrificial love. And Peter answers that he loves Him with phileo love, with a love of friendship and admiration. Jesus wasn’t making Peter repeat his answer – He was asking him to love Him more.

I often think about how many times Jesus has to ask me to love with agape love. How many chances He gives me to show Him that I would do anything for Him. When I first heard the homily I struggled with the fact that Peter did not just say yes. I used to think about how silly Peter was. How dumb he was to hurt our God like that. To deny Him the greatest love. Yes Lord, I love you unconditionally. It’s so easy to say. But I think that’s how Peter and I differ.

When Peter sins he cries bitterly. He sees that he has sinned and is so sorry. He is heartbroken over his failures to God. But for me, I would have easily said yes, and believed it. I would do anything to make God happy. But I would never look deep down, making sure 100% that this answer was true. Because although I would like to love Christ with agape love, my actions don’t show it. I would do whatever it takes, tell Him whatever He wants, to make Him happy, even if it wasn’t the truth. Because words are not enough for our God, it is our actions, our heart, our everything, that He wants.

And though it’s easier to live on the surface, to simply live to make others happy, it’s not the same as unconditional love. It’s not the same as agape. And although any love is amazing, agape is what we strive for. Agape is what God calls for.

The Journey of Our Yes

March 7-9 2008, was the weekend that changed my life whether I knew it or not. This was the weekend of my very first CFC-Youth Camp, Camp Radiance. Joining at the age of 14 I really didn’t know much of what the ministry was about. Like most teens I joined because my friends were going. But there was something about CFC-Youth that captured my heart.

Recently I’ve been reflecting on my journey within this community. Many may say 5 years isn’t very long but as we approach March 7th, it feels like it’s been a long journey. These 5 years have impacted my life tremendously. Through every struggle and every bit of joy and happiness I felt within the 5 years of being a part of this community has allowed me to be captivated by Christ Himself. There is no doubt have I fallen and wandered off the path God has planted for me but I have witnessed God’s merciful and everlasting Love within this community. This community has taught me about who I am and who God calls me to be.

Through my journey with actively serving in CFC-Youth the Lord has blessed me with so many opportunities to serve and has truly pushed me to go over my limits. I’ve been so blessed with serving in this community, whether it was through my households, serving kids, being a youth advocate, and the times the Lord has allowed me to share my personal victory to thousands of youth around the world, truly I must say these 5 years have been blessed.

CFC-Youth has allowed me not only to serve others but to serve God. I have fallen in love with God through the journey He has put me through. It truly amazes me of how beautiful God’s plan works. He amazes me, every single day of my life. Who would have known, 14-year old Nikki, 5 years later, would be where I am now a Mission Volunteer, discerning for Full-time Pastoral Work. I never knew it could be possible. The fear and uncertainty we may feel is nothing compared to the love and grace we receive when we say yes and when we open our hearts and minds to what God has in store. The willingness and the surrender of our yeses allows us to fully place our trust in God. Many times I’ve felt unworthy and doubtful but all these blessings and this beautiful journey God has placed in my life wouldn’t of happened if I didn’t make that one yes to attending my first Youth Camp, 5 years ago. It is only through the faithful yeses we make throughout our lives we may encounter this journey with Christ.

As CFC-Youth, we are all called to journey with the Lord. Allowing His radiance to shine through all clouds in the sky. The Lord simply asks for our YES to journey with Him. Will you follow?

Obey and Witness

“Do whatever He tells you” – John 2:5

Benedictus Deus in Saecula