The 4 Basic Mathematics of Life- An Spiritual Assessment

In one of our Sunday mass homilies in a congregation where I belong, our parish priest homily struck me a lot.  It has very simple and yet striking message to everyone. This is why I want to share it with you. 

According to him, to be a true Christian we had to follow the 4 Basic Mathematics of Life.

ADDITION, SUBTRACTION, MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION.

ADDITION

This is the first step and the most important aspect of being a good Christian.

We have to accept Christ in our heart and in our life.  We can never be called a Christian unless we put Christ at the center of our life.  He will be our guiding force.  The captain that will lead us to the right path and ensure safety in everything we do for as long as it conforms to the values of a good Christian. 

But being a Christian also implies bigger responsibilities.  We need to practice good works.   And we can never be called a good Christian if this will not reflect in our day to day life by doing good things to others.

Let the the Gospel of Matthew summarizes these: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ... And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (22:37-39).

SUBTRACTION

Sometimes or most of the time, it is in this state, when we are starting to accept Christ in our heart that we are being tested for our faith. Some has fallen to the trap; others remain strong to conquer temptations and sins.

Leaving behind and not accepting the things that will hurt our relationship with Christ is very important.  Again, this is where our faith will be tested.

" Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible by you." (Matthew 17:20)

MULTIPLICATION

Good Stewardship of Christ.  We have to be instrumental in spreading the Good News. 

Remember that we are not living in this world not by just ourselves.  We have our neighbor, friends, love ones and even enemies who are looking for God’s mercy and love.  And if you truly love Christ then, you will be happy to be with Him together with the people who really mean a lot to you.

"The Earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it". (Psalm 24:1:)

DIVISION

This is where sharing, giving and dividing one’s blessings comes in.

However, funny as it was, I have observed that sometimes when we are at the lowest moment of our lives that we always remember the people who needed help.  But once we received all the blessings we prayed dearly and started enjoying it that when we forgot other people’s need.  The attachment to material things and power has overcome who we really are.

But if we really love our neighbor as how we love Christ as our Savior, we will always be The Good Samaritan that Christ has wanted and expected us to be.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

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The message is so simple but how are we going to practice it requires a lot of FAITH and LOVE. 

I hope we can all reflect from this.

This is the 4 Basic Mathematics of Life.

What about sharing your own good news?

Happy Reading,

Arlene