On Rounds with Jesus

Tag: christianity

  • Going the extra mile

    Going the extra mile

    Scripture reading: Matthew 5:38-42

    When a client recalls a great experience in the hospital, it usually does not entail receiving the most sophisticated treatment or procedures. Most often, it’s about that doctor who took an extra minute to listen, or that nurse who went beyond duty to reassure them. The memory is usually about the “extra mile” — the gentle, unexpected brush of kindness.

    “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” (Matthew 5:41)

    In Jesus’ time, under Roman law, soldiers could compel ordinary people to carry their burdens for one mile. This was burdensome, humiliating, and deeply resented by the Jewish people. Yet Jesus flips this around: instead of resisting or doing the bare minimum, He teaches His followers to voluntarily exceed expectations — to surprise even the oppressor with generosity.

    Reflections

    • Radical Love in Action – True love doesn’t only do what is required; it goes beyond duty into grace.
    • Breaking the Cycle of Resentment – Rather than retaliating, Jesus calls us to disarm hostility with kindness.
    • Living Differently – As children of God, we are called to stand out from the world in humility and service.
    • Inner Freedom – By choosing to go further willingly, we master our response instead of remaining victims of compulsion.

    Application Today

    • At Work – Don’t just do the minimum your boss expects—add value willingly.
    • In Relationships – Extend forgiveness, patience, and kindness even when others may not “deserve” it.
    • In Service – Help people beyond what they ask, showing Christ’s love in practical ways.

    Let’s pray

    Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who showed us what it means to love beyond duty and serve with joy. Too often, we stop at the bare minimum, giving only what is required. Lord, teach us to walk the second mile — in our work, in our homes, and in every relationship.

    Help us to turn burdens into opportunities, insults into kindness, and demands into chances to reveal Your grace. Fill our hearts with the freedom that comes from choosing love over resentment.

    May every “extra step” we take reflect Your generous love and draw others closer to You. Strengthen us to live differently, to shine Your light in a world that desperately needs it.

    In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

  • Comeback

    Comeback

    Scripture reading: Luke 15:11-32

    We all love a good comeback story. My favourite is the unforgettable 2017 Barcelona–PSG clash, known as the famous Remontada. After losing the first leg 4–0, Barcelona needed nothing short of a miracle. And a miracle they delivered — scoring three goals in the final seven minutes to win 6–1 and progress to the quarter-finals. It was the perfect reminder that it’s not over until it’s over.

    In medicine, I’ve also seen patients defy the odds, fighting back from dire prognoses and rising stronger. Those moments inspire awe.

    But no comeback story surpasses the parable of the Prodigal Son, because it is our story. A young man, broken and empty after squandering everything, “came to himself” and returned home. Instead of rejection, he was met by his father’s open arms. This is the clearest portrait of God in all of Scripture: a Father who waits for us, ready to welcome repentant hearts. How touching!

    The greatest comeback you will ever make is the one where you return to God. Recognise your mess. Take the first step home. And what a glorious homecoming it will be when you make that comeback. The entire host of Heaven will rejoice!

    Reflections

    • No defeat is final until you stop trying.
    • God’s grace gives us more than a second chance — it gives us a new beginning.
    • Our worst mess can become the stage for God’s greatest mercy.
    • Heaven celebrates every comeback story of repentance.
    • Your comeback is not just for you — it inspires others to return as well.

    Prayer

    Father of mercy, thank You for being the God of comebacks. Thank You that no matter how far I wander, Your arms remain open to receive me. Forgive me for the times I have squandered Your blessings and chosen my own way. Like the prodigal, I come back to You — broken, but hopeful in Your grace. Restore me, Lord, and let my life be a testimony of Your unfailing love. May I never forget that Heaven rejoices over every sinner who repents. Help me to extend the same mercy to others, that they too may find their way home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Watch!

    Watch!

    Scripture reading: Matthew 25:1-13

    One too many times, I have encountered clients who present to the clinic with symptoms too late their prognosis is often already poor. What began as a minor complaint was ignored for far too long. By the time they sought help, it was often too late. In some cases, they had obvious risk factors but never screened. This is why diseases like cervical cancer remain so prevalent in our part of the world: many women do not get screened, and when they finally present with symptoms like persistent vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding, it is often too late.

    In today’s reading, it was too late for a group of virgins, described as foolish because they failed to prepare adequately for the return of the bridegroom. When their lamps went out, they needed extra oil, but they had none. As the Master delayed, the chances of their lamps still burning at His return grew slimmer. They wasted what was meant to be an opportunity to refill. They waited too long, and their lamps burnt out. When they finally went to get more oil, the bridegroom came. They missed the celebration of a lifetime. Jesus ends the parable with the chilling admonition: “Watch…” This parable was about His second coming. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise— He tarries out of mercy, longing for all to turn to Him. But the call is clear: we must be continually ready, sustained by His Spirit and His word that keeps our lamps burning. We cannot afford to let complacency lull us to sleep.

    Being ready is an act of faith and wisdom. As the saying goes, he who fails to plan, plans to fail. What you postpone today may cost you dearly tomorrow. Watch! Stay alert. Don’t let your lamp go out. Do not defer to tomorrow what must be done today, lest you miss your appointment with destiny.

    To watch means to be alert, to be careful, to be vigilant, to be conscious, to be intentional, to be well aware, to be in tune with the times and seasons. Watch—lest you fall. Watch, for no one knows the hour…

    Let us pray                                          

    Lord, help me not to delay obedience.

    Keep me from the complacency that makes me ignore the promptings of Your Spirit.

    May I be found ready, my lamp burning brightly, when You return.

    Give me the wisdom to watch, to act, and to live each day prepared.

    Amen.

    Reflection                                                

    What have you been postponing— spiritually, emotionally, or even physically— that you need to act on today?

    Don’t wait. Seek counsel, take that step. Stay ready. Watch!