Tuesday | April 26, 2022
John 3:7-15:
Nicodemus, a Jewish leader and teacher is attracted to Jesus. Though drawn to Jesus, their conversation reveals Nicodemus’ limited understanding and faith. Jesus asks how it is possible that a Pharisee, a teacher of the Jewish people, does not understand.
Pray for a respectful relationship with our Jewish brothers and sisters. Though we hope for unity may we commit to working together serving our God.
Monday | April 25, 2022
Mark 16:15-20:
Jesus’ final words to his disciples before he returns to his Father are so important then and now. “Whole world” and “every creature” tell the enormous scope of their mission. Jesus is not sending them forth to any group in any region. He sends them out to spread the Good News of God’s love and salvation to everyone, everywhere and for all time.
I struggle with what you ask with those I am closest to. Give me the courage and wisdom to do what you have called and sent me to do no matter how uncomfortable I might feel.
Sunday | April 24, 2022
John 20:19-31:
The appearance of Jesus to the disciples in John’s Gospel has parallels to the other Gospels but with John two things stand out. In verses 21 and 22, Jesus breathes the Spirit on this community and sends them out in the same way he is sent by the Father. His mission is now their mission with all that it entails. John gives Thomas a very important role in these events. He is stubborn in his need for substantial proof. But when Jesus provides him that proof, he professes his faith with his whole heart.
It is not always easy to believe what cannot be seen. It is harder still to profess belief in the unseen. Though I cannot see you with my eyes, I see you in my heart and soul and that gives me the courage to say, like Thomas, “My Lord and My God!”
Saturday | April 23, 2022
Mark 16:9-15:
Mark weaves Jesus’ three appearances to his disciples into one. Mary and the two disciples know him and run to tell the others, but they do not believe. Jesus appears to the disciples directly and admonishes them for their unbelief. Once said, he commissions them to go out and proclaim the Good News.
I see a very human response, fear and silence. Perhaps I see my response. Yet, I must believe you. Your Spirit would have brought me up and out of myself to courageously speak the truth. Isn’t that what you do for me today?
Friday | April 22, 2022
John 21:1-14:
The disciple’s nighttime fishing trip is unsuccessful. In the early morning light, they see someone on the shore who calls to them to go back and try again. They do as he says with great success. The beloved disciple recognizes Jesus. Once on shore he asks them to bring the fish to him. He prepares their meal and shares it with them.
Night and day, dark and light take on a whole new meaning. It is your light that leads us out of darkness.
Thursday | April 21, 2022
Luke 24:35-48:
Following Jesus’ appearance to the two men on the road to Emmaus, he appears to the disciples in Jerusalem. They see Jesus, touch his wounds, and witness him eating the food he has requested. Jesus, fully human and divine, is not only spiritually present, but he is also physically present.
Your love for your disciples brings so much joy and hope. You do not chastise but offer peace. This causes me to want to be all that you created me to be.
Wednesday | April 20, 2022
Luke 24:13-35:
Two disciples, traveling home from Jerusalem, are deeply distressed by Jesus’ death. They are suddenly joined by a “stranger” whom they do not recognize immediately. They are struck by his recounting the Scriptures and invite him to eat with them. It is in the “breaking of the bread” that their eyes are opened to him.
How blessed we are to have the freedom to encounter you in the Word and the Eucharist. I pray for those around the world who are kept from you because of ignorance and oppression.
Tuesday | April 19, 2022
John 20:11-18:
In John’s Gospel today, we hear of the beautiful encounter that Mary has with Jesus. She does not recognize him at first. It is only when he speaks her name that she knows it is the Lord. Jesus tells Mary that he must return to his Father. Mary knows what she must do and goes to tell the disciples that Jesus is risen.
When I am truly attuned to you, I hear your voice, not with my ears, but in my heart. There is no mistaking your voice and it fills me with joy.
Monday | April 18, 2022
Matthew 28:8-15:
The two women believe with some trepidation even before they see Jesus. The sight of him and his comforting words take away all their fear. They go to tell the disciples the news. In the meantime, the Jewish leaders concoct a story that contradicts anything the soldiers might say publicly.
We begin to reflect and pray the true story of your Resurrection and the beginnings of your Church. Thank you, God, for all those first witnesses and their witness to the truth.
Sunday | April 17, 2022
John 20:1-9:
Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb only to find it empty. She goes to tell Peter and John who follow her back to the tomb. Though John arrives first, he lets Peter enter before him. Both Mary and Peter do not seem to understand. It is John, the beloved disciple, who sees and believes.
All these centuries later, there is such a feeling of peace on this Easter day. I am thankful for having a glimpse of the glory and look forward to that and more in eternity.
