Friday | May 14, 2021
John 15:9-17
The greatest commandment and an understanding about sacrificial love are critical to the life of a disciple, in Jesus time, John’s community and today. Judas did not understand this but Matthias did.
St. Matthias, intercede for us as we strive to live out the greatest commandment, to love.
Thursday | May 13, 2021
Mark 16:15-20
The eleven are sent out to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. They are to speak and act in Jesus’ name. They will do extraordinary things at great risk but have nothing to fear for they are not alone.
I can think of a number of times when you told me to go in a direction that I never imagined. I told you no and you patiently listened to my fears and doubts. You held me until my no turned to yes.
Wednesday | May 12, 2021
John 16:12-15
Jesus will not return in the flesh but in Spirit. His Spirit will continue to speak to his disciples in their hearts. He will speak the words he receives from the Father, actively guiding them in ways that give God glory.
I cannot imagine what it must have been like for the disciples to see you go, not once, but twice. Then, as promised you returned, not in earthly form but in the form of the Spirit.
Tuesday | May 11, 2021
John 16:5-11
It is necessary that Jesus leave so that the Advocate who is the Spirit of truth will come. That same Spirit will stand in judgment of the world, a world that refused to recognize Jesus as having come from the Father thus rejecting him.
Spirit, I pray that I listen when you speak to me and always guide me to the truth.
Monday | May 10, 2021
John 16:5-11
It is necessary that Jesus leave so that the Advocate who is the Spirit of truth will come. That same Spirit will stand in judgment of the world, a world that refused to recognize Jesus as having come from the Father thus rejecting him.
“Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me,” this day and all the days to come.
Sunday | May 9, 2021
John 15:9-17
The cycle of love is revealed through Jesus words and deeds, through Jesus’ very self. It begins with the relationship between the Father and the Son, poured out on us, drawing us into that divine relationship and compelling us to love one another.
We know that God loves but to reflect on the fact that God is love takes our understanding of God, as limited as it might be, to a whole new level.
Saturday | May 8, 2021
John 15:18-21
There is an analogy between the way the world treats Jesus and the way it treats those who believe in him. The servants are not greater than their master and thus are not immune from suffering and persecution.
It is difficult to understand how to be in but not of the world. It’s easy to get caught up in all the world has to offer. Show me the way.
Friday | May 7, 2021
John 15:12-17
It is Jesus who first chooses his disciples and invites them into a loving friendship with him. Accepting Jesus’ invitation into that relationship calls for their going out and sharing that love with others. This is Jesus’ command.
Your commands do not limit us. They set us free from all that keeps us from loving you and one another.
Thursday | May 6, 2021
John 15:9-11
Those who believe are drawn into the mutual love of Father and Son through Jesus’ love. Those who believe respond to God’s love by serving and loving others. This love is not without trial and suffering but through the suffering comes great joy.
It’s hard to forget times of suffering but to remember the good that comes is where hope is found.
Wednesday | May 5, 2021
John 15:1-8
This Gospel is a beautiful and meaningful expression of relationship that the believer must take to heart. We are all connected to God and to one another. God is our center and our source.
Your peace surpasses all understanding. When I allow myself to enter into your peace I find that I have all that I need in you.
