Friday | May 13, 2022
John 14:1-6:
The disciples are troubled because of Jesus’ impending departure. He tells them they must have faith. He is not abandoning them. Where he is going, he will prepare a place for them. Their faith will find the way to him.
Today’s Gospel is often proclaimed at funerals. It offers comfort to those who grieve for their departed loved ones. It offers hope for all. Jesus is the way to life everlasting.
Thursday | May 12, 2022
John 13:16-20:
Today’s Gospel returns to the evening of the Passover. Jesus emphasizes two points. One is that in the same way he humbled himself by washing the feet of his disciples, so they must do for others. And, by receiving him, they receive the Father for he and the Father are one. Jesus tells his disciples this knowing God’s plan is about to unfold.
You washed feet like a servant, and you died like a criminal. Though it seems your humility left you powerless, in fact, it made you powerful.
Wednesday | May 11, 2022
John 12:44-50:
Following John’s explanation of the history of the Jewish people’s unbelief, Jesus summarizes the heart of his teaching. All that Jesus says and does sheds light upon the truth and points the way to the Father. Jesus has come from the Father to the world, to save the world.
Let us pray today for all the nations of the world, that they turn from anger and apathy to kindness, and turn from war to peace.
Tuesday | May 10, 2022
John 10:22-30:
In this climactic encounter with the Jewish authorities, Jesus reiterates his identity and purpose. Everything he says and does is in the name of the Father. He is one with the Father, a perfect union that they cannot touch. They don’t believe, nor will they.
There are so many who because they do not know you, do not recognize your voice when you call them. They are too distracted. I pray to be able to help others hear your voice over the din of this noisy world.
Monday | May 9, 2022
John 10:1-10:
Jesus is the good shepherd, a beautiful and relatable metaphor. Jesus knows his sheep and his sheep know him. He is vigilant, and like a gate, remains at the entrance of the pen guarding the sheep. He likens the Pharisees to the thieves and robbers who do not enter via the gate but with ill intent jump over the fence in the dark of night.
You know me better than anyone. You want only what is best for me. You keep me safe, guarding me from harm.
Sunday | May 8, 2022
John 10:27-30:
Jesus is in the temple area on the feast. The Jewish leaders press Jesus to tell them if he is the Messiah. He replies that he has already told them, and they did not listen. He then goes on to use the metaphor of the sheep knowing the voice of their shepherd. The Jews do not know the voice of their Lord, who is one with the Father.
They press for answers but don’t listen because it is not what they want to hear. I am guilty of doing the same thing. Help me to listen, to hear, and to trust your answer.
Saturday | May 7, 2022
John 6:60-69:
The final verses of the Bread of Life discourse begin with the reaction of some of the disciples to Jesus. There are those who choose to walk away. Jesus addresses the Twelve directly asking if they too are going to leave. Peter, their spokesperson, responds with a profession of faith.
I can only think where else would I go? Who else would I follow? Though I may be tempted to stray, you will me back to you. You are the way.
Friday | May 6, 2022
John 6:52-59:
The Jews twist what Jesus is saying with their literal understanding of eating and drinking his flesh and blood. Jesus is the new Moses who nourishes all who come to him. He gives himself, the Eucharistic source of eternal life to all who eat and drink.
How blest I am that you want to be part of me and will me to be a part of you.
Thursday | May 5, 2022
John 6:44-51:
The ancestors of the Jews were taught by God through the prophets. This was their spiritual food. They were also fed physically by God in the desert. Now Jesus is present, the Word of God, the Bread of Life that will sustain them for all eternity.
Pope Francis said that “Jesus’ declaration that he is the Bread of Life renews our amazement for the gift of the Eucharist.”
Wednesday | May 4, 2022
John 6:35-40:
Another “I am” statement is complete. Jesus is the bread of life. The food and drink analogy in John’s Gospel shows that he is the one, the only one needed to gain eternal life. It is God’s will that everyone believes. The crowd’s initial misunderstanding, in reality — unbelief, is proof that just because they see the truth does not mean they believe. They see what they want to see, not what is real.
I can understand what it is to see only what I want to see. Believing can be hard and scary because of what it demanded of you and what it will demand of me. I pray for clarity and courage.
