It was a known fact among the non-Israelites that Jerusalem had been destroyed and the people were exiled in Babylon in 586 BCE. Now when Cyrus, the Persian conqueror, gave an edict for them to return to Jerusalem, the pagan peoples were amazed at what the Lord did for Israel. The psalmist also sees the hand of the Lord in their return.

Sometimes, in a secular world, I myself tend to forget when difficult circumstances arise and feelings of anxiety creep in, I do seek advice from whom I am close with instead of falling on my knees and seeking Jesus to search and heal me of my concerns and anxieties. I realize that I take Jesus for granted at times knowing that he knows what’s in my heart and I need not seek him to ask.

God is working through this pandemic, do we see him? People say, if God is good, why doesn’t he put an end to this evil, suffering and death? Those are questions that come up in the minds of some thoughtful people and some who don’t believe in the word of God.

What keeps us going is the strength drawn from the inner depth of our relationship with God who is our driving force. Ever willing to lift us when we are weighed down and to give us the push. It feels like a tight rope pulling us and we need to make our choice to go forward or fall backward.

.......an anxious Jesus who is feeling distraught and is in distress as his cruel death loomed ahead. He cries out, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will.”

I go to Church, though I must confess not regularly, and spiritual life was lukewarm. Picked up some years later on my spiritual growth, then went downstream again. Too much tragedy, hardship with separation after 21 years of marriage, with little hope, just darkness.

This bible verse "I am the Bread of Life" gives me a thirst and puts me on a journey. It is an ongoing and intriguing journey without end. Jesus is the one who can quench the spiritual hunger that is in every human heart. I have come to love him. I will follow him anytime to a wedding, a picnic and a funeral. Who could resist the best wine?

Last year I came across a scripture verse which made a profound impact in my working life. It is from Colossians 3:23-24. (NJB) that reads “Whatever your work is, put your heart into it as done for the Lord and not for human beings, knowing that the Lord will repay you making you as his heirs, it is Christ the Lord you are serving” . This is a verse from the letter of St Paul to the Church at Colossae.