Reflecting Him

Daily reflection – 3/31/2023

Sacred Scripture

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, ‘You are gods’? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power. He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.” And many there began to believe in him. (John 10:31-42)

Reflection

In just one week, we will look at the cross and meditate upon the death of Jesus Christ. What it meant in His time, what it means today and what it will mean for the generations that follow us.

It’s a somber time for all of us. For me, it has always been a painful time. The enormity of pain the human Jesus suffered for us is beyond anything I can imagine. The ridicule and the rejection seared his mind. We know that Jesus was fully human and fully God. We know from the Gospels that Jesus did experience the full range of emotions: joy, sorrow, sadness, fear, pain, etc.

Today’s Gospel points to that day and reminds us of the rocks we hold in our hands. How do we do this? When we cease to acknowledge the dignity of human life, when we encounter an immigrant and falsely presume he or she is a threat, when we do nothing to address the widening gap between the richest and the poorest in our world, when we tolerate exploitation and human trafficking, when we see the rise of dictators around the world and stand silent, and  all the other personal and social sins that lead to dehumanization.

 In short, we have the opportunity to gaze upon the eyes of Christ on a daily basis, but do we discover Christ in those eyes, or do we look away, turn inward, and lock ourselves in the prisons of our own desires? Worse yet, do we pick up a rock when we put the values and teachings of today’s society over the words of God? If the values of the world outweigh the teachings of Christ then that person is holding one of the rocks to stone Him.

Jesus knew that he was not alone. His Father sent him, and his Father is with him. Jesus places complete trust in his Father. Ultimately, Jesus also believes that good will come from his suffering.

And this above all is the time we need to internalize that.

We need to remain deeply convicted about all that God has said and revealed to us.  This deepens our ability to trust God in all things. We need to hold on to the fact that it was our Father’s love that sent His son to us. It is our Father’s will that we live eternally with Him. It is our Father’s strength that will get us through difficult times. Pray that we put the rocks down and recommit to the love of God for all.

Prayer of The Day

Lord, as we draw near to the commemoration of Your own suffering and death, help me to unite my crosses to Yours.  Help me to see in my daily struggle Your presence and strength.  Help me to see the purpose you have for me in the midst of these challenges.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Daily Note

One key to holiness is that in the midst of persecution, suffering, hardship and sorrow, we stand firm in the truth.  It’s always tempting to think that we must be doing something wrong when things do not go our way.  It’s easy to be confused by the lies and calumny that the world throws at us when we try to stand for goodness and the truth.  One thing God wants of us, in the midst of our own crosses, is to purify our faith and resolve to stand firm in His Word and Truth.  

Daily Reflection – 3/30/2023

Sacred Scripture

Jesus said to the Jews: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” So the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you, a liar. But I do know him and I keep his word. Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area. (John 8:51-59)

Reflection

What aroused such deadly anger from some people towards Jesus were the claims he was making for himself. One at the beginning and the other at the end of the reading — ‘whoever keeps my word will never see death’, and ‘before Abraham ever was, I am’.

Jesus was claiming to pre-exist Abraham and declaring that whoever believed in him would exist beyond this earthly life.

According to John’s gospel, Jesus pre-existed the universe. ‘In the beginning was the Word’. He came from another world, the world above, into this world. The Word became flesh. He offered the life of this other world, eternal life, to all who believed in him, to all who opened their lives to his coming. His journey from this world back to his heavenly Father was a journey that all who believe in him would also travel.

The incredible promise for us is that the journey will never end. We live beyond the death of our mortal life. That promise should sustain us, should strengthen us, should be the anchor of or faith. It calls us to walk the path with Him, so we live forever with Him.

Any person calling himself/herself “Christian” understands that from our earliest years, we begin a journey with Christ. Each moment that we breathe is a moment when we choose to walk with Christ or walk away from Christ.

The difficulties of our present life and the evil around the world   can cause us to wonder if God has forgotten us. But the fact is that God does not withdraw his covenant. Just as he remained faithful to Abraham and Sarah and just as he remained faithful to the Israelites despite the many times they turned from him, so too will he remain faithful to us.

On the cross, Jesus forged a new covenant with us; he has promised to save us from sin and death and to be with us always. These are solid promises that we can rely on, no matter what else is going on in our lives.

God’s covenant is forever. It was his initiative, and he has pledged to uphold it. God gives us the gift of faith and understanding to grow in our knowledge of him.

Jesus also claims unique obedience to God the Father.  He thinks, lives and acts in the knowledge of his Father’s word.  To look at his life is to “see how God wishes me to live.”  In Jesus alone we see what God wants us to know and what he wants us to be.

That is truly a constant that brings us hope. That is truly a constant to which we can hold when all else seems to be changing. Never give up, never walk away, never doubt His presence with you. He loves us as His creation. He beckons us to walk the journey with Him. He will sustain us and love us eternally.

Prayer of The Day

“Loving God, even though I cannot see you; I trust and believe that you are always present to me.  Give me the strength and the courage to always be present to you. Amen.”

Daily Note

Take these last days of Lent to really examine how God has been working in your life. Today, take a few minutes to remember a moment of consolation, a moment where you really felt the presence of God in your life, and sit with that moment embracing the closeness of our God even in the midst of great mystery. 

Daily Reflection – 3/29/2023

Sacred Scripture

“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father.” They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!” So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”( John 8:31-42)

Reflection

Why should we even discuss offending God at this point in time? Because we will soon approach the very day our savior carried the cross. A cross that bore the weight of all sin then and in the future.

To focus on it is to be made how acute it is. How dangerous it is for each of us.

But you say in return: “ Of course, I know that and I am aware of its effect. The issue is that we sometimes let sin happen in ways that we don’t even see.

Sin is insidious. So insidious that we don’t see it. Or so alluring that we are charmed by it. That is the sin that also enslaves us. So seductively that we fall into its arms and don’t recognize the cold embrace of its grasp.

You see it’s easy to see an overt betrayal of one of the commandments. But what about insidious sin? The sin of a person angered by life and who carries it throughout the day. Quick to protest. Quick to argue.  Quick to become enraged. Quick to brow beat someone else.

What about the person in a position of church leadership – the one who is a constant victim and needs that position of leadership to validate herself/himself and then uses that platform to judge, to criticize and point out the wrongs of another. Ever so quietly and adroitly.

What about the person who uses sarcasm to belittle or demean but when confronted by its damage quickly claims that they were only joking (after the hurt is done to another).

 Or the parent who measures one child versus the other and slowly wears down the self-esteem of the child who doesn’t measure up. These and more are the instances when sin enslaves. These are deep behavioral patterns that take control, envelop and bring a person to a darker place.

Jesus tells us that the moment sin is committed, we are bound by it, and it entraps us. We no longer can see the truth clearly but view a distorted version of it. We are blinded by our own sinfulness and cannot see the truth of happiness and love. The hold of sin is so profound, that we cannot lift its power from our life.

The good news of the gospel is that Christ has set us free from the power of sin, slavery of selfishness, freedom from the fear of what others might think or say about us, and freedom from hurtful desires and the power of sin.

Through the power of his Holy Spirit we can choose to walk in His way of love and holiness. A disciple is a follower and a listener.  If we listen to the words of Jesus, with a humble and teachable spirit, he will give us the grace and the power to follow in His way of holiness.  Ask the Lord to open your ears to His word that you may be attentive to His voice.

Prayer of The Day

“Lord, write your words of love and truth upon my heart and make me a diligent student and a worthy disciple of your word.”

Daily Note

Perhaps you are like those in the Gospel, denying that you are trapped by sin; perhaps you don’t want to believe that you are enslaved. Examine your conscience and ask Jesus to help you return fully to His grace. Ask Jesus to help you love HIM and to be free.

Daily Reflection – 3/28/2023

Sacred Scripture

Jesus said to the Pharisees: “I am going away and you will look for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come.” So the Jews said, “He is not going to kill himself, is he, because he said, ‘Where I am going you cannot come’?” He said to them, “You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above. You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.” So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “What I told you from the beginning. I have much to say about you in condemnation. But the one who sent me is true, and what I heard from him I tell the world.” They did not realize that he was speaking to them of the Father. So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.” Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him. (John 8:21-30)

Reflection

As we come closer to the end of the Lenten season, we are offered a passage from scripture which points us to the very cross of salvation. The cross of salvation which is at the heart of our Christianity. Without it, there is no Christianity.

Jesus explains to the Pharisees that if people could not recognize him in his word, then they would recognize him in the Cross — when the Son of man is lifted up. 

The reason why they misunderstand is because they and Jesus stand on opposite sides. They are from below and of this world, Jesus is from above and not of this world. If they want to change their position, they can only do so by recognizing in Jesus, God. The leaders are not able to do this.

The enormity of what lies ahead for Jesus is the enormity of those who are followers of Christ. Jesus’ coming into the world was not primarily to die but to save. If this salvation could only be achieved through his death on a cross, then so be it. Jesus was willing for it if this was to be the only way. He was also aware that because of his faith, trust and confidence in the Father that his crucifixion or being lifted up on the cross would also be his resurrection and ascension, his being exalted. Even as he is crucified, the very ones who crucify him realize that what they have done is nailed love incarnate to the cross. This love accepts, forgives and continues to love even from the cross.

The cross is the ultimate proof of God’s love for us. God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).   To fail to recognize Jesus and where he came from is to remain in spiritual darkness; to believe Jesus and his words is to walk in the joy and light of God’s truth.  There are certain opportunities in life that come and do not return. Each of us is given the opportunity to know and to accept Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior.  But that opportunity can be rejected and lost. Life here is limited and short, but how we live it has everlasting consequences. Do you take advantage of the present time to make room for God so that your life will count for eternity?

Prayer of The Day

“Lord Jesus, grant this day, to direct and sanctify, to rule and govern our hearts and bodies, so that all our thoughts, words and deeds may be according to your Father’s law and thus may we be saved and protected through your mighty help.”

Daily Note

“ The Cross is a mystery: the mystery of the love of God who humbles himself, who empties himself to save us from our sins. Our wounds, those which sin leaves in us, are healed only through the Lord’s wounds, through the wounds of God made man who humbled himself, who emptied himself.

Daily Reflection – 3/27/2023

Sacred Scripture

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So, what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again, he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” (John 8:1-11)

Reflection

Once again, the scribes and Pharisees seek to discredit Jesus in any way they could. Not only does Jesus not enter the trap, but his actions cause them to slink away, and his actions teach us a powerful lesson about mercy, forgiveness and renewal.

Jewish law treated adultery as a serious crime since it violated God’s ordinance and wreaked havoc on the stability of marriage and family life.. If Jesus said the woman must be pardoned, he would be accused of breaking the law of Moses. If he said the woman must be stoned, he would lose his reputation for being the merciful friend of sinners.

Jesus then does something quite unexpected – he begins to write in the sand. The word for “writing” which is used here in the Gospel text has a literal meaning “to write down a record against someone” (for another example see Job 13:26). Perhaps Jesus was writing down a list of the sins of the accusers standing before him. Jesus now turns the challenge towards his accusers. In effect he says: Go ahead and stone her! But let the man who is without sin be the first to cast a stone. 

 
When the adulterous woman is left alone with Jesus, he both expresses mercy and he strongly exhorts her to not sin again. The scribes wished to condemn, Jesus wished to forgive and to restore the sinner to health. His challenge involved a choice – either to go back to her former way of sin and death or to reach out to God’s offer of forgiveness, restoration, and new life in his kingdom of peace and righteousness. Jesus gave her pardon and a new start on life. God’s grace enables us to confront our sin for what it is – unfaithfulness to God, and to turn back to God with a repentant heart and a thankful spirit for God’s mercy and forgiveness.

The absolute wonder of God is the ability to forgive us. His love is so exponential that it is always there. He asks only that we take the first sin of asking forgiveness. To turn to Him and know that His love will wipe the slate clean of anything that has offended us.

That healing allows a new chapter to occur in our relationship. Unburdened now of guilt, refreshed now in low, we are given the chance to walk with Him. I know from personal experience, as well as countless parishioners over the years, that the renewed walk with Him strengthens us, sustains us, and is a sense of peace and joy.

Don’t ever hesitate. Tale the hand of the One who walks with us every day, who waits for us to renew ourselves in Him. Such a gift! Such a wonder!

Prayer of The Day

“God our Father, we find it difficult to come to you, because our knowledge of you is imperfect. . . But since Jesus came among us, he has shown that you are loving, that you are on our side against all that stunts life, and that our resentment against you was groundless. So, we come to you, asking you to forgive our past ignorance, and wanting to know more and more of you and your forgiving love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. “(Prayer of Augustine of Hippo)

Daily Note

If Jesus stands in mercy with the underdog, that’s where Christians are challenged to stand. Is that where we are?

Without minimizing her sinfulness, Jesus showed the sinner the respect she deserved as a human being, treating her with compassion. Clearly, he valued repentance and conversion more than simple reprisal. Not only did Jesus not condemn the woman, he even gave her hope for the future. Jesus is thus portrayed as a living expression of the Divine Mercy, a wise and kind judge, more concerned with forgiveness and rehabilitation than with punishment and death. God’s grace enables us to confront our sin for what it is – unfaithfulness to God, and to turn back to God with a repentant heart and a thankful spirit for God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Daily Reflection – 3/24/2023

Sacred Scripture

Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret. Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.” So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come. (John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30)

Reflection

The Galileans rejected Jesus because He was not what they expected. They wanted certainty and He brought uncertainty to their beliefs. The Rabbis were not only guilty of that but they also brought a prejudice. Their teaching was that the Messiah would rise as one would restore their dignity and rightful place as the chosen people of God.

In spite of these emotions around Him, Jesus perseveres. He continues to preach the Word of God. He continues to openly declare His relationship with the Father. He continues to publicly affirm His mission and purpose on the earth. Jesus is the Epitome of convictions and passion! Nothing could make Him compromise His convictions. Nothing could make Him lay down His principles of life.

Perhaps we should take a moment and put ourselves in Jesus’ shoes. Imagine what it would be like knowing that people hate or fear you so intensely, that they are plotting to kill you. Jesus truly was a good man. He was a man of deep love and compassion for all peoples. He had never hurt or scorned anyone. Yet, he challenged the Jewish officials and now, they were beginning to plot against him. Did these men truly disagree with Jesus’ teaching? Or were they simply afraid of his popularity and influence with the people?

Finally, Jesus had had it! He spoke loudly to the people and told them: “True, you know who I am and you know where I was born and grew up. Yet, I was sent here by another, someone you do not know. However, I know him well and he sent me to you.” Many of the people were confused by Jesus’ words. The officials were frightened by his power and his influence with the people. They wanted to convince someone to arrest Jesus. However, no one had the courage to lay a hand on Jesus!

Today might be a good day to ask ourselves: “Why do I believe Jesus became one of us?” Seriously, take a moment to explore your belief. And then ask yourself: how does my belief in Jesus, shape my understanding and relationship with him? Do I truly believe that Jesus came to this earth for me as well as every person on earth? Or is this unfolding drama too familiar to us and thus we might allow this familiarity to inhibit us from entering deeply into this mystery?

In the next two weeks, this drama will continue to unfold. Will we allow this drama to unfold in our personal lives? Will we walk and talk with Jesus? Or will we stay at a safe distance from Jesus and simply be a bystander? No one else can make this choice for us! In the days ahead, what will we choose?

Prayer of The Day

Lord, I pray that I act as a witness to the love flowing from Your Heart.  Give me the grace to be real, genuine and sincere.  Help me to become a pure instrument of Your merciful Heart so that all my works will give testimony to Your mercy.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Daily Note

We cannot be indifferent to the claims which Jesus makes on us. We are either for him or against him. There is no middle ground. We can try to mold the Lord Jesus to our own ideas and way of thinking or we can allow his word of truth to free us from our own sinful blindness, stubborn pride, and ignorance. Let each of us accept all that Jesus has taught and done for us with faith and reverence. The consequences are enormous, both in this life and in eternity.

Daily Reflection – 3/23/2023

Sacred Scripture

Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life. “I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you.  I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me.  But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?” (John 5:31-47)

Reflection

Can you hear the frustration of Jesus in this Gospel passage? Does its message possibly reflect who you are?

Jesus’ opponents refused to accept his authority to speak and act in the name of God. And they refused to believe that he was sent from the Father in heaven. They demanded evidence for his claim to be equal with God. Jesus answers their charges with the supporting evidence of witnesses: John the Baptist, the miracles that Jesus performed, the authority of God, his father, and the words of Moses.

But for some in his audience it was not enough. For too many today, it is not enough.

Jesus said: ‘As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’  He is the source of our light.  It is Jesus who turns the darkness of our judgements, pettiness, prejudice, and discrimination into light.  When we have Jesus in our hearts and our lives then our attitude changes.  Jesus, the light of the world, helps us to emerge from our darkness and to walk in the light of faith and truth.

Yet far too many view this as a challenge. Again, and again, we are confronted with the light and truth of love and yet we close our hearts. We stumble away into some blind alley, clinging to the darkness that seems safe and familiar. We fail to open fully to the life-force that confronts us in the beauty of creation or some tender word of kindness or act of generosity. We turn away from the honest admonishment in a word of truth that we need to hear but refuse to accept.

We are like the people to whom Jesus spoke in John 5. We are faced with light and life but choose darkness and death. The beauty of life calls us to embrace the light of love that is embodied in Jesus in whatever way that light is manifest in our lives.

We are into the fourth week of what should be the Lenten conversion that God wants to work in us.  We need to ask ourselves how indifferent we are to everything God has given us to strengthen our faith and help us to grow in our relationship with Jesus.

Do we still have hatred in our hearts for some long-ago hurt? Do we let words of discrimination – no matter how subtle – leap from our mouths? Do we take the words of Scripture and twist them to fit our personal perspective? Do we wrap the cloak of frequent trips to Church to hide the fact that our daily lives do not reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ? Do we have jealousy in our hearts for someone that has more, acts better, or simply and sincerely tries to live the Gospel?

In the end, the final end, it all comes down to this — we can say that we believed, that we loved God but was that reflected in our lives? For the works that we performed will testify on our behalf.

Prayer of The Day

“Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may listen to your word attentively and obey it joyfully.”

Daily Note

Scripture tells us that God reveals himself to the lowly, to those who trust not in themselves but in God alone. The lowly of heart listen to God’s word with an eagerness to learn and to obey. The Lord Jesus reveals to us the very mind and heart of God. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, he opens our ears so that we may hear his voice and he fills our hearts and minds with the love and knowledge of God.

Daily Reflection – 3/22/2023

Sacred Scripture

Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” For this reason, they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God. Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to the Son the possession of life in himself. And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation. “I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.” (John 5:17-30)

Reflection

This is one of those passages of scripture that should stop us cold. It is a profound declaration that defines the perfect love. And it comes from the lips of Jesus Christ.

The news of God’s love for us and His plan for us is laid out for you and me. So, let’s walk through this slowly.

When the religious leaders charged that Jesus was making himself equal with God, Jesus replied that he was not acting independently of God because his relationship is a close personal Father-Son relationship. He and the Father are united in heart, mind, and will. The mind of Jesus is the mind of God, and the words of Jesus are the words of God.

Jesus tells us that his identity with the Father is based on complete trust and obedience. Jesus always did what his Father wanted him to do. His obedience was not just based on submission, but on love. He obeyed because he loved his Father. Isn’t that what obedience is supposed to be? The Father loves the Son and shares with him all that he is and has. We are called to give our lives to God with the same love, trust, and obedience which Jesus demonstrated for his Father.

Jesus then reminds us of what that love means. “I will never forget”, says the Lord. This is God’s perfect love. This is how we are loved by him. Even if all our earthly loves were to crumble and we were left with nothing but dust in our hands; God’s unique and faithful love is always burning for all of us. Always burning for you and me.

The perfect love. Unbridled. Constant. Always forgiving. Forever committed.

To prove that love to us, He made it manifest in action. Jesus took our sins upon himself and nailed them to the cross. He, who is equal in dignity and stature with the Father, became a servant for our sake to ransom us from slavery to sin. He has the power to forgive us and to restore our relationship with God because he paid the price for our sins.

I am overcome when I reflect on that. The ultimate love shed for you and for me. The ultimate love which is God. That’s how much you and I are loved. Unto death and beyond.

Are you ready to accept the totality of this love? Are you ready to become a true follower of His way?

Prayer of The Day

“Lord, increase my love for you and unite my heart and will with yours, that I may only seek what is pleasing to you”.

Daily Note

Jesus took our sins upon himself and nailed them to the cross. He, who is equal in dignity and stature with the Father, became a servant for our sake to ransom us from slavery to sin. He has the power to forgive us and to restore our relationship with God because he paid the price for our sins. Jesus offers us abundant, life, peace, and joy.

Daily Reflection – 3/21/2023

Sacred Scripture

There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” He answered them, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Take up your mat and walk.'” They asked him, “Who is the man who told you, ‘Take it up and walk’?” The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. After this Jesus found him in the Temple area and said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a Sabbath. (John 5:1-16)

Reflection

That question was asked in Bethesda, but it is still being asked today.

Do You Want To Be Well?

Are you so numbed by the violence of the world that you no longer react? Are you carrying a personal tragedy whose weight is getting heavier and heavier? Do you just wish that someone or something would happen in your life to change it? To refresh it? To make you feel alive again.

You’re not alone.

Jesus is still asking you – asking all of us – that question. But until we can answer the question “Do you want to be well?” honestly, we are stuck on the mat.

We are all the man on the mat, we are all at various times, left behind – or at least it feels that way. We are all pretty used to our mat, even if we hate our mat.

 The first essential step is the desire for change. If we desire that change in our lives, we must be aware of our true inner condition.

That means truthfully admitting that we are spiritually dry. Or that we have rote actions and responses that make us look like a Christian. We must be ready not to answer the question of whether we attend Church but rather that the Church is in us.

We can’t ask to be forgiven if we have not forgiven. We can’t ask to be filled with his love if we are not responding in love.

Jesus wants our response to be filled with thirst and enthusiasm, “He wants us to say, “Yes, Jesus, I trust in you!”  In each miracle, Jesus did not cure merely a physical paralysis but a spiritual one, and he does it in such a way that he wants us, in faith, to trust in his healing power and cooperate, however little, in the miracle. He wants us to participate in our own healing and set out more fully on the journey of faith.

It’s critical that this Lent to ask ourselves whether we are advancing in His Living Water, whether we’re allowing Jesus to raise within us whatever is dead. Jesus wants to cure us of our spiritual stagnation! But he wants us to want to be cured!

Today, let’s begin walking with the Lord through our souls and heal our paralysis.

What is waiting for us beyond our paralysis is truly amazing.

Prayer of The Day

Lord Jesus, I look to you with faith, knowing that you are the Lord of all. I hope in your boundless mercy since without you I can do nothing. I want to love as you deserve, so I come to you in this prayer to console you and bring you the joy of this moment together. Help me to be humble of heart so you will heal me.

Daily Note

That is a good question to ask ourselves as we travel through Lent.  Do we have any idea what God’s will is for our lives?  Are we learning to listen to Him a little more each day, through an active prayer and sacramental life?  If we have not grown very much closer to God during this Lenten season, then perhaps today’s readings could be taken as a reminder to seek the Lord in prayer and listen for Him in periods of silence throughout our day.  Self-will is a good thing, but God’s will is even better.

Daily Reflection – 3/20/2023

Sacred Scripture

At that time Jesus left [Samaria] for Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place. When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves had gone to the feast. Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” The royal official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, “The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon.” The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live,” and he and his whole household came to believe. Now this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea. (John 4:43-54)

Reflection

Today’s Gospel is all about faith – solid, unwavering faith. The kind of faith that many do not have.

Yet the events around the world  witness to the need for a solid faith. A faith that cries out each day “Lord, I trust in you.”

We need to understand and believe that the grace of faith given to each of us is the rock unto which we need to moor the essence of our lives.

Too often we over-think and question how God is working in our lives and where he is trying to heal and love us. At one point we may believe wholeheartedly in his power to save and heal and a moment later we may completely doubt his love.

Our faith needs to be anchored in both our mind and our emotion.

We know that Jesus lived. Throughout the centuries, many have tried to debunk that and make it a question. But there is too much history that He lived. His life is proven by the thousands of his followers who died for Him as He does for us. Men, women, and children who went to their deaths because they believed.

And believe we must.

Our lives are richer, more powerful and more at peace when our faith is active. An active faith is simply one that is not only present but ALIVE in us. We walk with Jesus, we talk with Jesus, we trust in Jesus.

Faith is not contained in a prayer by itself. Faith is not practiced solely by going to Church. Faith is a constant companion each day of our lives.

Do we only believe in Jesus if He answers our prayers exactly as we request? Or do we trust that, no matter the outcome, our God is there to strengthen us, to guide us, and to lead us home. Do we truly believe that Jesus does gift and grace us?

We need to be open and to listen deeply. Jesus WILL answer our prayer. We need to be open and trust Jesus to bless us and grace us, as we truly need!

We must hold on tightly to our faith in Jesus and never give up no matter what our present circumstances are. Our faith in Jesus is much bigger than any trial or problem that we may face.

Jesus’ miraculous healings show his generous kindness and extravagant love – a love that bends down in response to our misery and wretched condition. Is there any area in your life where you need healing, pardon, change, and restoration? If you seek the Lord with trust and expectant faith, he will not disappoint you. He will meet you more than halfway and give you what you need. The Lord Jesus never refused anyone who put their trust in him. Surrender your doubts and fears, your pride and guilt at his feet, and trust in his saving word and healing love.

Today, right now, is a good time to reflect on your own level of faith and trust.  And work to discern the actions of God in your life so that those actions produce greater faith.  Cling to Him, believe He loves you, know that He holds the answer you need and seek Him in all things. 

He will never leave you.

Prayer of The Day

“Lord, please increase my faith.  Help me to see You acting in my life and to discover Your perfect love in all things.  As I see You at work in my life, help me to know, with greater certainty, Your perfect love.  Jesus, I trust in You.”

Daily Note

John concludes his Gospel by saying, “He and his whole household came to believe.” He helped his family grow to faith that it was precisely Jesus’ healing word that worked the miracle. The Lord Jesus wants us to help us to grow to a similar responsiveness, to walk by his word in faith, to trust in his word, to journey according to his promises.