In this image, Jesus is with His three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, in the Garden of Gethsemane. He asks them to pray with Him. Then Jesus moves a stone’s throw away, kneels, and prays "so fervently that His sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground" (Lk 22:39-46).
As we look upon this image, we rightfully tend to focus on Jesus. However, may I suggest that we consider the three disciples who are asleep? What do we see?
We see three lethargic disciples in a deep slumber. Some have said that this is a foretaste of the condition of the Church. Yes, this is the Church most of the time—asleep!
As our Lord and Saviour pours out Himself and gives of Himself for us, and even while He personally asks us to be vigilant and pray (Lk 22:46 and cf. Lk 21:3-6), we, His disciples, are fast asleep.
Well, "let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober" (1 Thes 5:6).
Yes, it is now time for us, Christ’s disciples, to wake-up! "Be watchful! Be alert!" (Mk 13:33) and realize the power, the strength, and the dignity we have in our Lord and Master.
It is time for us to stop paying lip service to Him, rather to be engaged and live out what we profess—live out our baptismal promise—in His power!
It is time for us to stop conforming ourselves to this world in ignorance and start conforming ourselves to the mind of Christ—in His strength!
"Sleeper, Awake!" is the overarching theme of a five-book study:
This study project is designed to convey fundamental theological truths with simplicity and clarity, so that we may grow in our knowledge of God. Although each book concentrates on a particular topic or study, the overall synthesis promotes a call to wake up and keep alert, a call to realization, and a call for personal change!
My brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus: We were once darkness, but now in the Lord we are light.
Therefore, we must live and walk as children of light (Eph 5:8).
You are all children of light and children of the day; you are not of the night or of darkness.
So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober and alert ( 1 Thes 5:5-6).
Try to find out and learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness; rather expose them . . .
Everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light.
For this reason, He said:
"Sleeper, Awake!" (Ephesians 5:10-14)
The Jesus the Christ each of us “knows” might not be the Christ Who Is. Then, Who is Jesus the Christ? Even assuming that hindsight is 20/20 we still often fail to recognize Who He really Is.
If you are looking for a mere surface understanding of Who Jesus Is, reading this book will be a waste of your time. On the other hand, if you are looking to delve—study, grapple, stretch, and grow—in your fundamental biblical-based understanding of Jesus the Christ this book is for you!
In this study we will investigate into the following questions, beginning with the pivotal question Jesus posed:
Then,
As we progress in our understanding of the answers to these questions, we will ask and answer another: As a Christian, how do we accordingly live a Christ-centred life?
“The reader of this k will be embarking on a very interesting theological journey, exploring the essential aspects of Jesus’ identity. This book offers elements of the various dimensions and experiences of our life and faith which should provide the reader fresh insights into the person of Jesus the Christ" . . .
"May the Holy Spirit open your mind and heart as you read this book, and may you receive new graces that will inspire you to see the world
through the eyes and gaze of the Christ.”
Diocese of Calgary
“Rodrigo’s book is a search to define basic Christian understanding. Anyone will benefit from reading about the perennial importance of divine revelation through Our Lord Jesus the Christ, and the will of the Catholic Church to bring that all humanity to it through its mission from Christ Himself.”
“It is always exciting to see believers who dedicate themselves to ‘think through’ their faith, as Rodrigo does in this book. This book can lead us closer to our Lord. May many of us turn our minds and hearts to Him in a similar way.”
“Rodrigo’s goal in assisting the reader to understand who Jesus is and what it means to be Christ-centered exceeds all expectations. His objective of making the primacy of Christ in one’s personal faith-life and a theological awareness of the centrality of Christ in the Spiritual ways of the Christian is more than accomplished.”
“Jesus the Christ encourages Christ as our reference point for life. In the same manner as the Christ, we joyfully strive to carry out the will of God the Father.”
“This book highlights the core beliefs of the faith in a clear and simple language, making it an invaluable treasure for anyone seeking a straightforward understanding of the Catholic principles.”
“I find this book Jesus the Christ to be spiritually enlightening and meditative (especially the last three chapters). At times it can be a tough read; but, it is well worth the read!”
“In those who know Jesus only through the Gospels and the historic effects of his teachings, faith is similarly aroused. In this book you will see how Jesus talks about our faith and how it helps a person live a life which is like Christ. Faith is Christ, passes into a union with Christ, mystical but not vague, vital yet not formal, permanently sustained by the living Christ, not dependent on Man’s fitful purpose. Jesus the Christ, creates a very relatable portrayal of the teaching, preaching and personality of Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. Rodrigo’s distinguished research is very evident, as he has beautifully weaved his words portraying the virtues of Jesus. The relevancy of this book and it being so intelligibly and theologically written, had me set aside time to ensure I dove into it! It is an extremely good read.”
“This book not only reaffirmed my faith in (the) Christ but also inspired me to contemplate the profound implications of Jesus’ primacy in my daily life. It encouraged me to seek a deeper relationship with Him, recognizing that only by surrendering to His divine will can I find true peace and fulfillment. I definitely recommend this book to my parishioners and also to the people that come to me for spiritual direction. It is a spiritual gem that will undoubtedly strengthen one’s faith, nourish the soul, and draw us closer to the heart of our loving Lord, Jesus the Christ. May the Holy Spirit guide all who will read it on a transformative journey of faith and holiness.”
“J.F. Rodrigo in this book “JESUS THE CHRIST” explains the basics of our faith in very clear and direct language that the modern western secular mind that is unfamiliar with Christ will encounter Him, understand Him, and accept Him as THE Christ and Lord of their lives. For those of us who follow THE Christ as THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE the author challenges us with a detail explanation to help us deepen our relationship with Him and make Him the SOLE center and fountain of our life. To quote the author, ‘As Christians, putting on the garment for one hour every Sunday is not good enough, e.g., being Sunday-Catholics; nor can we put it on and take it off as we see fit, e.g., being Cafeteria-Catholics. That is not how the Giver of the garment designed it . . . The gift-Giver wants us to be all-in’. I pray you will be all-in after encountering The Christ in this well explained book.”
“This book is clear, balanced and thought-provoking Christology. The book has to be read slowly and with care, and you will find it easy to follow and understand more about JESUS THE CHRIST.”
“I am very impressed by the depth of theological insight, and biblical knowledge found in this book.”
“A work that combines Christology with practical and pastoral theology. It rightly emphasizes that the way in which we live our Christian lives—how we become Christ-centered—is founded upon who we believe Jesus the Christ to be. "
As a Christian, are we a witness to something or of something? Alternately, are we a witness to someone or of someone? The way we answer these questions will determine our worldview. Here, we will study these questions from a true Christian perspective.
In this study we will look at the following:
Once we know and understand the answers, we will ask and answer another: As a Christian, how do we now live our life accordingly?
“This little book, Witness of Charity … brings ‘fresh eyes’ to some of our basic teachings on charity.”
Diocese of Calgary
“It is my desire that you will use this work to spread the important message of true Christian charity that is so desperately needed in our world.”
Diocese of Calgary
Understanding What is Holiness
and Our Personal Call to Holiness
Understanding Suffering
and Why We Suffer
Understanding the True Meaning
of Christian Faith
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory,
give you the Spirit of wisdom and insight to know Him clearly.
May He enlighten your innermost vision
that you may know the great hope to which He has called you.
(Ephesians 1:17-18)
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