Jesus Effect

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, CMI

Lord Jesus, help me face the ups and downs of glory and humiliation in such a way as to radiate “Jesus effect”. Amen.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In 1999 a book came out with the title, “The Nicholas Effect: A Boy’s Gift to the World”. In that book, author Reg Green was narrating the wonderful effect his son Nicholas aged 7 could make in the world. While the whole family set out from California to Italy to spend their holidays there, there was never a thought that they would have to face a big crisis in life. Armed thieves, attempting to take the family’s car and valuables, waited in ambush in the Italian countryside. As the car passed, thieves sprayed a shower of bullets at the vehicle. Although the family was able to escape, some of the bullets had hit the young boy, while he slept in the back seat. A short time later, the child was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

The boy’s family arranged that all of their son’s vital organs be donated. As a result, the lives of eight Italians were forever changed. For some it meant being able to see again; for others death was postponed because a young vital organ had replaced an aged, defective one. Because organ donation was such a rarity in Italy, the gift of life was all the more remarkable. Following the lead of the Green family, countless numbers of Italians and others world-wide began to donate the organs of deceased loved ones so that others might live.

The story of the young boy and the aftermath of his death remind us of another time and place and the death of another son, whose dying brought life to so many. It is the life-giving death of the other son, viz., Jesus, which is the focus of our scripture readings for today.

The moving narrative of Abraham and Isaac that comprises today’s first reading (Genesis) has been understood as an Old Testament type or prefigurement of God’s willingness to offer Jesus as a sacrifice for human sin. Paul, in the second reading (Romans 8:31-34) reminds us that God’s love has no limits. God has given the greatest gift of all to the world in the handing over of Jesus. In today’s gospel (Mk 9:2-10), the transfiguration scene features a voice speaking from an overshadowing cloud. Identifying Jesus as God’s beloved son, the voice further asks the disciples to listen to him. As the gospel is proclaimed today, the voice instructs believers to listen to the words and works of Jesus, and to find therein the message of life and salvation.