St. Paul, writing to the Romans (12:11) insists that

there is no room for lukewarmness in Christian life.

In this verse, he speaks of the intensity of religious

commitment, warning the readers against growing

‘slack in zeal,’ and urging them to ‘be aglow with the

Spirit.’ He reminds us that the fire which God’s Spirit

has kindled in us must be kept constantly burning,

stirring fervour in each one of us.

Visit: www.jesusyouth.org

Man is in a constant quest; each one of us carries

within us a deep yearning for something

intangible. Like prodigal sons, many seek

fulfillment in a life of ‘freedom’, which is, to them,

to do what their carnal desires dictate. Many

others try to satiate their desires, involving

themselves in intellectual or mental pursuits.

These pursuits, even when wrapped up in spiritual

labels do not truly satisfy one’s heart but lead to

further quests and pursuits.

Read more: www.jesusyouth.org

They could not believe it when they heard God’s word. Jeremiah thought he was too young, Gideon

too fearful, and the Galilean boy too insignificant amidst the five thousand men who surrounded

him. Yet they heard God’s word and believed. Their lives continue to be an aroma to believers who

meditate on them centuries later. Today, the same God is whispering in your heart “You are the

fragrance of Christ!”

In the verses that we meditate on, Paul takes an image from the Roman world - a triumphal military

parade that was given in honour of victorious generals on their return from battle. Incense was burnt

in honour of the Roman gods along the route of the parade and both the spectators and the

triumphant army would breathe in this sweet fragrance as the soldiers walked along proudly

flaunting the spoils captured in battle including goods, slaves and prisoners.

In verse 14, Paul compares the ministry of evangelization to the triumphal military parade. He sees

Jesus as the victorious general, with his army of apostles. Jesus has won the decisive battle by

means of His crucifixion and death. The apostles march in procession to display this victory to the

world. The apostles who live in Christ, by their words and deeds, radiate the truth of God to those

around them and invite them to a personal relationship with Jesus - the only One who can satisfy

them. As Christians, we have been anointed with Christ to be the new apostles, who will be his

fragrance among the people we interact with.

The world we live in is filled with people hungry for Jesus - people who rarely know genuine love,

who do not know what it is to trust someone, who have never experienced true forgiveness,

gentleness, mercy, or kindness. If the forlorn and guilt-ridden in this world would have to believe in a

message of God’s love and forgiveness, the message has to be believable to them. As far as the

message of the Gospel is concerned, the messenger is as important as the message. We need to be

life-witnesses of the sacrificial message we preach.

Jesus walked the earth in search of the needy. His personal encounters with people like Zacchaeus

and the Samaritan woman, emboldened them to move beyond their past failures and reputation and,

be exemplars of true repentance and evangelization. They became His aroma to those around them.

In a world where selfishness, competition, and manipulation are rampant, every Jesus Youth is

invited in a special way to realize their identity and worth. The Lord of Love stooped down into our

misery and elevated us to be His heirs. Aware of this transforming love burning in our hearts, let us

seek out those in need, treating them with dignity, providing them with undivided personal attention,

comfort and healing.

Monthly Reflection:

March 2021

Prepared by Jesus Youth International Formation Team. Email: [email protected]

“I am the aroma of Christ to God”. This truth should permeate our whole being through constant

meditation. Then we will cease being unduly concerned about our own difficulties and plans, will

spend less time on social media, and be present to those around us and offer genuine friendship to

those we meet. Though some people may push us away when we reflect His character, yet, there will

be times when, on seeing our sacrificial lifestyle and what we represent, many will ask why we smell

so good - the reason for our fragrance. Our Christian presence will prompt people to make choices

that will bring heaven to their hearts. Let us rise and shine – to be the aroma of Christ. That is who

we are! For God says so!!!

We are called to be a joyful people, filled with

enthusiasm, passion, and vigor. Often from the first

weeks and months of our Jesus Youth journey, we

are ushered into creative activity, missions,

ministries, and even leadership. Rightly so. For,

springs of inner vitality surge naturally from a

person who just encountered Jesus and who is now

eager to live for him. Still, these springs do not flow

on just as naturally. Gradual disenchantment

through quarrels and failures leads to a quiet

cynicism or a self-deceiving and unrealistic

optimism. Here, the voices tell us to flee like a bird,

to find safety in stepping back. After all, the world

being as it is, the Church being as it is, my

community being as it is, what can really be done?

“Foundations once destroyed, what can the just

do?” (Ps 11)

The despairing soul thinks, “I did what I could. I

tried.” It looks out at all the injustice, all the political

games being played, all the fakeness of others, and

so comforts itself by distancing itself. It hides away

in a protective cell of criticism. The false optimist,

on the other hand, flees into the world of dreams

and great visions. In this world, one does not need

to confront the hard facts of actual life or the

struggle of faithful and daily commitment.

Perhaps of all the schemes of the evil one (Eph

6:11), discouragement of these kinds is the most

deadly for believers, a silent killer. It allows one to

maintain one’s faith pristinely, even to profess it

boldly. All the while, the person unconsciously

resigns to the sidelines of life, no longer daring to

make a difference in the world or in one’s local

community.

Today, I ask myself: What is my involvement in my

local communities? Am I engaged in the ministries

around me, in the initiatives, in Christian fellowship?

Am I connected with my neighbors or local forms of

government or social cooperation? If not, why not?

“Foundations once destroyed, what can the just

do?” Simply put, the just can act. The just must act!

When something disturbs my conscience, when the

present state of affairs stirs up indignation in my

soul, such is not the time to flee but to act with

greater love and courage. To hide behind endless

commentary or intangible dreams does not resolve

the inner movement of my conscience; it only

represses it and yields a numbing despair, an inner

paralysis. The beautiful excitement, joy, and

enthusiasm of Jesus Youth can only surpass

naivete and discouragement as it is inflamed daily

by the intensity and breadth of the Holy Spirit’s fire.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and

enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. By the grace of

the Holy Spirit, let us recommit ourselves to

courageous engagement.