Wednesday | April 21, 2021
John 6:35-40
The food and drink analogy in John’s Gospel is to present Jesus as the one, the only one needed to gain eternal life. It is God’s will that everyone believe. The crowd’s initial misunderstanding, in reality unbelief, is proof that they see what they want to see, not what is really real.
I can understand what it is to see only what I want to see. Believing can be difficult, even scary. I pray for clarity and courage.
Tuesday | April 20, 2021
John 6:30-35
The crowd boldly asks Jesus for signs. What else can he do for them? Clearly their enthusiasm about the multiplication has faded. They site what Moses did for the people in the desert. Jesus responds by saying that God was responsible for that miracle, not Moses. He reminds them again that the bread of God is not meant to satisfy their physical hunger.
I know I can be pretty dense. How many times do you have to tell me? How many ways do you have to say it? Thank you for your patience and persistence.
Monday | April 19, 2021
John 6:22-29
The people, who Jesus miraculously fed, search for him. When they find him, they ask how he got to Capernaum. Rather than satisfying their curiosity with the truth, which they would have misunderstood, Jesus redirects their attention to the spiritual nature of his mission. He tells them that the only reason they look for him is because of physical hunger. He cautions them about relying on food that is perishable. The bread they need is the bread of the Father, the source of eternal life.
I confuse my wants with my needs. Would that I believe that you are all I need. I ask your grace to let go and trust in you.
Sunday | April 18, 2021
Luke 24:35-48
They had heard he had risen from witnesses yet they still did not believe. Then Jesus is before them. Jesus shows them his wounds and asks them for something to eat. He then reminds them of all that was written and all he had told them. Jesus opens their minds and hearts and promises them he will send the Father’s Spirit.
Open my mind Lord, so that I understand your will. Open my heart Lord, so that I burn with the desire to carry out your will. Open my eyes Lord, so that I am able to see you in my neighbor.
Saturday | April 17, 2021
John 6:16-21
In the night, the disciples take their boat out to sea. They head back to shore when caught unexpectedly in turbulent waters. Then he appears, walking toward them on the water. They are frightened, but his words calm their fears.
I am thankful that you feed me when I am hungry and calm me during the storms of my life. Knowing you are with me helps me fear less and trust more.
Friday | April 16, 2021
John 6:1-15
We see this miraculous feeding of a large crowd of people with a minimal amount of food in all four of the Gospels. Not only do we recall the story of God providing the Israelites with food on their desert journey through this event, but we are led toward what is to be, the Eucharist.
Let us give thanks for the miracles that have gone before us. They are God’s gracious and life-giving gift, as is the Eucharist today.
Thursday | April 15, 2021
John 3:31-36
The distinction between above and below, and belief and unbelief are as significant in John’s Gospel as that between light and dark. Jesus speaks to the one way, the only way, through him to the Father by the generous outpouring of God’s Spirit.
I praise and thank you, Lord God, for the most perfect relationship between Father, Son and Spirit, into which I am drawn by your grace.
Wednesday April 14, 2021
John 3:16-21
That “God so loved the world” is the driving principle of creation and salvation. God gifted the world with himself in the Incarnation. It is through Jesus Christ the darkness becomes light and unbelief becomes belief.
You have given me the gift of faith and I am blessed beyond measure. Though I am not worthy, I know I am loved.
John 3:7-15
Jesus' instruction to Nicodemus continues. Jesus challenges his lack of understanding by asking how it is possible that a Pharisee, a teacher of the Jewish people, does not understand what he is saying. He concludes by likening Moses' serpent on the pole to his being lifted up on the cross in order to gain eternal life for believers.
For years I have prayed, studied, reflected, discussed with others and sought answers from those wiser than I. Are you amazed when I don't understand? Perhaps, but better for me, you are kind and patient and don't give up on me.
Jn 3: 1-8 Nicodemus is drawn to Jesus but has not yet come fully to faith. The signs seem to point to Jesus’ divine origin but what Jesus says about being born again, confuses him. Nicodemus hears what Jesus is saying in a literal sense. To be born again means to live less in flesh and more in spirit; to turn from vice to virtue; to live in the spirit of charity, joy, peace, and mercy.
I feel that I am born again and again and again with each moment, each day that I turn to you.
