Wednesday | June 1, 2022
John 17:11-19:
Jesus’ prayer to the Father on behalf of his disciples is heartfelt and very specific. Unite them. Protect them. Keep them from evil. Make them holy.
We pray, unite us. Protect us. Keep us from evil. Sanctify us in your truth. St. Justin, martyr, pray for us.
Tuesday | May 31, 2022
Luke 1:39-56:
Two women whose lives are bound together by God’s design joyfully greet one another. Elizabeth praises Mary for being the mother of the Lord. Mary responds with words of a humble servant in the canticle.
Mary, you opened yourself to God’s grace. Pray for me that I learn to do the same. I pray that I take on the attitude of servant of the Lord in my day-to-day life and living.
Monday | May 30, 2022
John 16:29-33:
Jesus tells the disciples again about his and their relationship with the Father. Because of the way he says the words, they seem to have some understanding, though naïve, of what he has been telling them. He goes on to warn them that they will scatter like sheep in the days ahead. But he offers words of comfort, telling them to seek peace in him.
Yours is a peace that surpasses understanding. I just need to allow that peace to outweigh the anxiety I often feel.
Sunday | May 29, 2022
Luke 24:46-53:
Jesus appears to the disciples in Jerusalem. He makes sure they understand that all that had been foretold has come to pass. He really died and his human body resurrected. The marks of his suffering and death are visible and they touch him. He reiterates their mission now, blesses them and returns to the Father.
The disciples returned to a city of death, but they did so joyfully, indicative of their belief in him and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Their joy echoes down through the ages. Amen. Alleluia.
Saturday | May 28, 2022
John 16:23-28:
John gives a great deal of attention to Jesus’ coming and going in Chapter 16. He uses somewhat veiled language, perhaps the reference to figures of speech. He tells the disciples that soon all that he has told them will come to pass. He reminds them that because of their relationship with him, their love for him, they are loved by the Father.
You are present every day in ordinary moments, in people I encounter. I just need to pay attention.
Friday | May 27, 2022
John 16:20-23:
Jesus tells his disciples that when he leaves life will go on as usual for the world. It may seem that they are lost forever in grief and despair, but like the mother who labors forgets the pain once she has her newborn child in her arms; their joy at seeing him in glory will overshadow their suffering.
There seems little to hope for in the world today. I have only to remember your promise that one day there will be joy and it will last for all eternity.
Thursday | May 26, 2022
John 16:16-20:
The eleven are sent out to teach and baptize, to make disciples. Jesus’ words clearly express the reality of the Trinity and fulfill the name given to him at his conception, Emmanuel, God is with us.
I pray in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, who draw me into their perfect relationship of love.
Wednesday | May 25, 2022
John 16:12-15:
The Advocate, the Spirit who will come to them soon after Jesus leaves, will speak the truth to the disciples, in their hearts and through inspired writers and preachers. Jesus spoke the truth to the disciples in the flesh. He will no longer be with them in the flesh. He will be with them in the Spirit speaking the truth through the Spirit.
I thank you for your Holy Spirit offered to me through the words of Scripture and the sacraments.
Tuesday | May 24, 2022
John 16:5-11:
Jesus tells the disciples he is going but they must not grieve their loss because, in fact, it is gain. He will send the Advocate who will prosecute the world for its disbelief. And though Jesus dies the death of a criminal, it is the means by which he will return to the Father.
I know that I must trust your plan for me, in the same way that you trusted your Father’s plan for you.
Monday | May 23, 2022
John 15:26—16:4:
Jesus has already told the disciples that because they follow him, they will be hated and persecuted just as he has been. Those who are against him and them do not know him as they know him. The Spirit of truth will be with them and sustain them through the dark times ahead.
The song written by a Presbyterian minister in the 192’s are so simple yet profound. “Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me.”
