Daily Reflections April 30, 2012

LIFE TO THE FULL

 

This is one of the most beautiful self-descriptions of Jesus in the Bible. A common image was that of the shepherd in Ancient Palestine. Many have tried to recapture the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd in art and song. The sheep of the Ancient East were called by name and given special treatment. Sheep are known to be fussy animals; they do not like cold weather. They  don’t even like stirred water; they only follow familiar sounds.

One interesting technique of the shepherds is to lie across the passage of the sheepfold at night. The sheep are all called in to the sheepfold, away from the dangers of the night in the form of wolves and thieves. Jesus here calls Himself the gate — the passage through which the sheep enter. He has given us access to His life and He wants to give us life to the full. The thief, namely Satan, wants to destroy us and keep us away from the benefits that Jesus offers.

The resurrection of Jesus that we celebrate these days focuses on the life that Jesus offers us. For 40 days, we celebrate Jesus who has risen, conquered death and sin, and shows us the way to eternal life. All of us are looking for life. This Easter season teaches us that there is life eternal in Jesus alone. In Him we find pasture, that is, goodness for our souls, mercy and peace, justice and love. However, we tend to think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. The first thing we want to do when we encounter problems is to escape to the other side. We want to avoid pain, suffering and death. However, in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we see that there is a way out of every sin and every problem that we encounter.

The sheep in the story takes no notice of the thief or brigand. They do not recognize his voice. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, speaks and we hear His voice. We need to learn to hear that voice, not those of others that cause confusion and disorder in our lives. There are many voices but only one is the voice of the Good Shepherd. Let us learn to listen to the voice, a voice that speaks of peace for His people and friends (Psalm 122). Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you living a life of grace or living a state of sin and death?

 

Lord, send Your light and Your truth, and let these be my guide. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Readings April 30, 2012

1^ST READING

 

Peter needs an intervention from God to be convinced that the Gospel is truly meant for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. This radical idea, present in the ministry of Jesus but never explicitly stated in an unequivocal manner, is one we have to be grateful for as we would never have received the Gospel without it. We need to remember that our evangelical activity must include presenting and proclaiming the truths of the Gospel to all men and women. If they choose to reject it, that is their choice. It is our duty and responsibility to make sure we proclaim it to those God places before us.

 

Acts 11:1-18

1 The Apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles too had accepted the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem the circumcised believers confronted him, 3 saying, “You entered the house of uncircumcised people and ate with them.” 4 Peter began and explained it to them step by step, saying, 5 “I was at prayer in the city of Joppa when in a trance I had a vision, something resembling a large sheet coming down, lowered from the sky by its four corners, and it came to me. 6 Looking intently into it, I observed and saw the four-legged animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky. 7 I also heard a voice say to me, ‘Get up, Peter. Slaughter and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘Certainly not, sir, because nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But a second time a voice from heaven answered, ‘What God has made clean, you are not to call profane.’ 10 This happened three times, and then everything was drawn up again into the sky. 11 Just then three men appeared at the house where we were, who had been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 The Spirit told me to accompany them without discriminating. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He related to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, saying, ‘Send someone to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter, 14 who will speak words to you by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them as it had upon us at the beginning, 16 and I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave them the same gift he gave to us when we came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God?” 18 When they heard this, they stopped objecting and glorified God, saying, “God has then granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles too.”

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4

R: Athirst is my soul for the living God.

1 [2] As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for you, O God. 2 [3] Athirst is my soul for God, the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God? (R) 43:3 Send forth your light and your fidelity; they shall lead me on and bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place. (R) 4 Then will I go in to the altar of God, the God of my gladness and joy; then will I give you thanks upon the harp, O God, my God! (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

The desire of God is that all men and women be saved. The reality of this desire is that God has chosen to use us to bring the Gospel to those who have never heard it. We have all experienced the restlessness within that can only be sated with the truth of the Gospel. This restlessness is in all people. Let us do what we can to bring the truth of the Gospel to them so that they can know and experience the peace that only God can give.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.

 

John 10:1-10

1 Jesus said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. 2 But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. 5 But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” 6 Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them. 7 So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

READING 2nd READING

LIST

think: God has chosen to use us to bring the Gospel to those who have never heard it.

 

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

 

_______________________________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________

_________________________________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Numbers 29-33

Daily Reflections April 29, 2012

LAYING DOWN OUR LIFE

 

Today the Church celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday. The readings refer to the Good Shepherd, a popular and well-loved image. It is also celebrated as Vocation Sunday where we are encouraged to pray for vocations to priesthood and religious life. The sheep listen to the voice of the shepherd and follow him. Let us pray this day for followers of the Good Shepherd who imitate Him by giving their lives for the sake of the Gospel.

The Father loves Jesus since He lays down His life for His sheep. The Father loves us all, but He is especially drawn to the man and woman who seek a life of loving service. Jesus tells us that He lays His life down freely. His will is completely surrendered to the will of the Father. He knows the Father gives Him power to lay it down and take it up. This is the power of the Resurrection.

By virtue of our baptism, we are called to lay down our life for service in the Kingdom of God. Many are called but few are chosen to the religious life and the call to priesthood. We live in a world that is very egocentric — all about me. The one who follows the Lord as priest or religious is swimming against the tide of the world. So many things claim the attention of the youth today to distract them and turn them away from serving God. So, when we witness and hear a call to the religious life, we are amazed at what the Lord, the Good Shepherd, can achieve in weak human beings whose hearts are open to Him. His is the power at work in them, offering their lives to the glory of His name. Countless men and women have served the Lord in this way. Still the Lord calls His people.

Let us pray for vocations. Let us especially call to mind those whom we know or whom we should approach to discover the call of God in their lives. Perhaps they are waiting to be asked. Sometimes, all it takes is an invitation to consider a call to religious life. It happened to me. It could happen to you. Be open. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you willing to lay down your life for the Lord in religious, married or single life?

 

Thank You, Lord, for Your mercy and love. Thank You for calling me to serve You. Amen.

Daily Bible Readings April 29, 2012

1^ST READING

 

Jesus is indeed the keystone upon which we must build our lives if we want to have true significance in and for the Kingdom of God. There is no more important relationship in our lives than the one we have with Jesus. This is why setting time aside for prayer is not optional. It is as important for our spiritual health as a good diet is for our physical body. Let us not neglect prayer and focus on growing in our relationship with God.

 

Acts 4:8-12

8 Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said: “Leaders of the people and elders: 9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, 10 then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. 11 He is ‘the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29

R: The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. 8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. (R) 21 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior. 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. (R) 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; we bless you from the house of the Lord. 28 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior. 29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his kindness  endures forever. (R)

 

2^ND READING

 

How often do we reflect on the truth that one day, if we go to heaven, we will be united with the Trinity? Is there any more awesome thought than that one we could consider? It is important to have a vision for where we are going or else we will be easily deflected from the true path of faith. Let us not give the devil this opportunity by being firmly convinced of our ultimate destiny — unity with the Trinity.

 

1 John 3:1-2

1 Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. One of the goals of Pope John Paul II was to reform the training of priests so that they would be better shepherds. This desire is seen in his writing, Pastores Dabo Vobis, (I Will Give Them Shepherds). It is essential that we pray not just for our priests but also those training to become priests so that they develop the heart of the Good Shepherd and learn the means of maintaining it — that is, by prayer and holy life.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.

 

John 10:11-18

11 Jesus said: I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. 13 This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”

1st READING 2nd READING

GOSPEL PSALM

TODAY’S

BLESSING

LIST

think: Setting time aside for prayer is not optional. It is as important for our spiritual health as a good diet is for our physical body.

 

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

 

_______________________________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________

_________________________________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Numbers 28-30

 

LIST SABBATH PAUSE

My weekly time with God

THANK YOU LIST

Things to be grateful for from the past week

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL NEEDS

Things to ask God for in the coming week

________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

HIDDEN TREASURE

Most important word God told me this week

________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

 

Daily Reflections April 28, 2012

YOU ARE OUR LIFE

 

We come to the end of a very long discourse of Jesus on the Bread of Life. The people cannot accept this ludicrous language and many begin to stop following the Lord. The language He speaks is of spirit and life. Those who are not of the Spirit cannot accept it. To the human mind, it is intolerable. But with faith in the Son of God, trust in His wisdom, and hope in His promises, it makes perfect sense. This is one of those teachings of Jesus which we simply accept, acknowledging its mystery yet believing in faith the word of the Lord.

Jesus turns to His followers and gives them a choice: to accept the teaching and follow Him, or to leave Him. Peter, the spokesman of the disciples, proclaims Jesus as the Holy One of God. Through the discourse, Jesus has been insistent that His body and blood is real food and real drink. In a mystical way, Jesus changes bread and wine into His body, blood, soul and divinity at the consecration. It is not that we are cannibals, which is what the Jews were alluding to. When we eat the bread and wine of the Eucharist, we are consuming all that is Jesus — His very self. He is the Risen Christ whom we partake of. As St. Augustine said, we receive the Body of Christ to become the Body of Christ. As fire consumes the wood, we are consumed into the person of Jesus. We can say with Paul, “It is no longer I that live but Christ who lives in me.” This is the greatest miracle of the Eucharist. We become altus Christus(other Christs), in the words of St. Thomas Aquinas.

The words that Jesus speaks are words of spirit and life. How we need these words! We are inundated with words that ruin us, hurt and offend. In the Mass, we hear the words of life through the readings and prayers. Sometimes we become distracted but we really need to recapture the beauty of the mystery here before us — Christ Present. He comes to heal, to speak, to forgive and to abide. Let us believe again in the power of the Eucharist. Let us turn again to the Holy One of God, Jesus His Son. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you accept the teachings of Jesus in your life? Or do you turn away from Him and stop following Him because of teachings that you cannot accept?

 

Lord, You have given me life and love to me through Your Word. Fill me and make me whole.

 

Daily Bible Readings April 28, 2012

1^ST READING

OSPEL PSALM

TODAY’S

LIST

Paul seems to have been the major instigator of persecution of the early Christian communities. With his conversion there is an interlude of peace. The challenges of persecution the Church faces today are equally destructive as those experienced in years gone by. It seems that this is always an element of the experience of Christian faith in at least some places of the world. Let us never lose heart and remember that all things are possible for God, as the evidence of the conversion of Paul attests.

 

Acts 9:31-42

31 The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit she grew in numbers. 32 As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.” He got up at once. 35 And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated is Dorcas). She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving. 37 Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid her out in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, rise up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R: How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?

 

12 How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? 13 The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. (R) 14 My vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. (R) 16 O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your handmaid; you have loosed my bonds. 17 To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

As Peter proclaims, there truly is no other answer than the person of Jesus and all He offers to the problems and questions of the world. This truth is one that often takes people a lifetime to realize. Let us pray that we all come to it eventually before we die and place our trust and hope in the answers that Jesus offers. The truth of the Gospel is the only answer to all our moral dilemmas.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.

 

John 6:60-69

60 Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” 61 Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? 62 What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. 65 And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.” 66 As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. 67 Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

1st READING 2nd READING

GOSPEL PSALM

BLESSING

LIST

think: Let us never lose heart and remember that all things are possible for God, as the evidence of the conversion of Paul attests.

 

 

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

 

_______________________________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________

_________________________________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Numbers 25-27

Daily Reflections April 27, 2012

THE WAY OF THE LORD

 

The First Reading is about one of the most dramatic conversions in the Bible. Luke recalls the story of Paul’s conversion with vivid and precise details. People are astounded by the change in his life. Even the holy Ananias, sent to heal him, has trouble believing the event. The one who once persecuted Jesus’ followers becomes one of His greatest advocates.

Saul, on his way to carry out the arrest of the followers of the Way, (the name of the first Christians), is stopped by a blinding light. He falls to the ground and, turning blind, he hears the voice crying out to him. His sight is restored through the intercession of Ananias and life is never the same again for Paul. We read a number of letters written by Paul speaking of his love, faithfulness and commitment to the Christ he once persecuted.

Most of us will experience “little conversions” that help us develop and grow in our faith. Conversion takes place when we are captured by the love of God. Our whole attitude towards life changes. We are drawn to serve the Lord, to pray and to carry out His will more fervently in our life. We remember that decisive moment in our lives where we proclaimed with truth and conviction: Jesus is the Son of God. He is the Savior of my life. I live for Him alone. I love Him. I will serve Him.

Conversion takes place in all areas of our lives: intellectual, spiritual, emotional and psychological. All these aspects are in the conversion of Paul. He had to change his whole way of thinking. He had to revisit Scripture, seeing them in the culmination of the Christ Event (i.e., Jesus’ death and resurrection). His emotions underwent conversion as he grappled with the mystery of God hidden in Christ. Saul learned to accept that the Way he once persecuted was truly the Way of the Lord, the God of Israel, in bringing salvation to the world.

Most often, our conversion will be a little less dramatic than Paul. Nevertheless, God still calls us and challenges us to accept His will and follow Him. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Reflect on your own life. Where do you see God changing your life — intellectual, spiritual or emotional?

 

Grant me, Lord, a change of heart and mind that I might love You and follow You more. Amen.

Daily Bible Readings April 27, 2012

1^ST READING

 

Paul’s story ought to be an inspiration to us. If it is possible for him to be converted, then all things must be possible.The power of a personal encounter with God cannot be underestimated. Paul’s life story is testimony to this. As we reflect on how he encountered God and was converted, let us pray that we will continue to grow in our experience and knowledge of God so that we can more effectively share the truth of the Gospel with others.

 

Acts 9:1-20

1 Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men who were travelling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. 9 For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank. 10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is there praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, that he may regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias replied, “Lord, I have heard from many sources about this man, what evil things he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel, 16 and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name.” 17 So Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, “Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized, 19 and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength. He stayed some days with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and he began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 117:1, 2

R: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

1 Praise the Lord, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! (R) 2 For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the Lord endures forever. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

When we read the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel, it is very difficult to understand how those who believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible can deny the sacramental reality of the Eucharist. There does not seem to be any alternative other than to believe that the Eucharistic species are precisely the Body and Blood of Jesus as described here. It would have to be a very ingenuous, and thus, unconvincing argument proposed to the contrary.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood, remains in me and I in him, says the Lord.

 

John 6:52-59

52 The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?” 53 Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. 54 Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. 55 For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink. 56 Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” 59 These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

READING 2nd READING

GOSPEL PSALM

think: The power of a personal encounter with God cannot be underestimated.

 

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

 

_______________________________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________

_________________________________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Numbers 22-24

Daily Reflections April 26, 2012

THE FATHER LEADS YOU TO HIMSELF

 

Jesus loves His Father. He can’t stop talking about Him. The whole message of His life was central to the love of the Father. He came to make His Father known in action and in words. He is the visible image of the Father. Jesus is so caught up in the love of the Father. He earnestly desires that all will come to know this dynamic and gracious love. It is the Spirit of the Father Himself who draws us to the Son.

Many times we are being drawn by the Father. Jesus Himself tells us in the opening line of today’s Gospel: “No one can come to me unless he is drawn by the Father.” St. Ignatius, in his spiritual exercises on discernment, teaches us to be attentive to this drawing of the Father. We practice that through the examen of consciousness, a very good exercise for us to grow in faith in the Spirit. The examen enlightens us to see the good and the bad spirit operating in our lives.

A good practice in our spiritual life is the examen of consciousness. Take time in the evening to reflect on the outcome of the day. How were you drawn to love the Father, to pray, to worship? What conversations, thoughts and actions went through your day where you see the action of the Holy Spirit drawing you to the Father? Then take a look at the things which led you away from Him — the times when you felt withdrawn, isolated, not wanting to pray. We get in touch with our feelings since that is where God wants to meet us, to encounter His truth and love. A good examen will always bring enlightenment and resolution to do better the next day.

How does the Father draw or lead us to Himself? It may be through a word from a friend, priest or some wise person. It may be through an experience that causes us anxiety, stress or pain. It may be through a movie or a good book. It could be in our prayer time. We pray to the Father to open our eyes to see Him in the daily events of our life. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Take time to do the examen of consciousness every day. First, give thanks for the events of the day. Second, repent for the times you ignored the Spirit at work in our life.

 

Father, lead me to Yourself. Draw me to Your presence and heal me.

 

Daily Bible Readings April 26, 2012

1^ST READING

 

Following yesterday’s Feast of St. Mark, we have the example of the extraordinary experience of Philip being plucked up from Samaria and being taken miraculously to Azotus. I wonder what that sort of travel is like? I am sure it beats waiting at airport lounges, missed connections, etc. Philip is committed to the Gospel and God uses him as He pleases in this task.

 

Acts 8:26-40

26 The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, “Get up and head south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, the desert route.” 27 So he got up and set out. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, that is, the queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and was returning home. Seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 The Spirit said to Philip, “Go and join up with that chariot.” 30 Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 He replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” So he invited Philip to get in and sit with him. 32 This was the Scripture passage he was reading: “Like a sheep he was led to the laughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who will tell of his posterity? For his life is taken from the earth.” 34 Then the eunuch said to Philip in reply, “I beg you, about whom is the prophet saying this? About himself, or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth and, beginning with this Scripture passage, he proclaimed Jesus to him. 36 As they traveled along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, there is water. What is to prevent my being baptized?” [37] 37 38 Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but continued on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip came to Azotus, and went about proclaiming the good news to all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20

R: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

8 Bless our God, you peoples, loudly sound his praise; 9 he has given life to our souls, and has not let our feet slip. (R) 16 Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. 17 When I appealed to him in words, praise was on the tip of my tongue. (R) 20 Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his kindness! (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus is the means by which all people come to the Father. Jesus’ death and resurrection are the only means of salvation made available to mankind. God could choose to save us however He wants, but He has chosen this single and particular manner to express and empower the work of salvation in our lives. Let us not only cooperate with this, but let us offer it to those who have never heard the Gospel at every opportunity.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever.

 

John 6:44-51

44 Jesus said to the crowds: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets: ‘They shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father.  47 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; 50 this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

LIST

think: Jesus’ death and resurrection are the only means of salvation made available to mankind.

 

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

 

_______________________________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________

_________________________________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Numbers 19-21

Daily Reflections April 25, 2012

PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS

 

Mark, the evangelist, was a disciple of Peter. In his Gospel account, you will notice his constant references to Peter. It was from Peter that Mark learned about the life and person of Jesus. Mark presents a simple and vivid account of the humanity of Jesus, not so much in what Jesus said but what He did. Various themes abound in Mark’s work including the messianic secret, discipleship, and the misunderstandings of the disciples as they grapple with the mystery of the person of Jesus. Mark is often associated with an image of the (winged) lion depicting the royal line of Jesus, the Son of David. Tradition tells us that Mark set up community in Alexandria.

The Gospel today gives us a succinct account of Jesus’ ascension, bringing to the end His earthly life. It now completes what was begun – baptizing, preaching, teaching and healing. In and through our lives, we proclaim the Good News. The Gospel tells us of the various signs that accompany those who believe: casting out devils, speaking in tongues, picking up snakes, unharmed when drinking deadly poison, and healing the sick. These miracles were attributed to the first disciples in the foundation of this new community of faith. But they need not stop with the early disciples. Miracles can and still happen. Each day we wake up to a new day of opportunities to heal, teach, pray and lead people to Christ. The baptized have a duty to see that the Good News is proclaimed, perhaps not through words but by the simple witness of a faithful life.

People of faith inspire us with their lives. They preach the Gospel by their very lives of faithfulness to the Lord. They witness to God who protects us in harmful or threatening situations. They witness healing of the Lord through their hands or comforting words. We are to imitate these people of faith. Where do we find them? They are among our peers, colleagues and acquaintances at work and recreation. They are found among family members, in church or in shopping centers. Wherever these believers go, they preach through their lives. Are you one of them? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How can you advance the Gospel in your life? Mark has set an example. What can you do to complete it?

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for the grace to witness to my faith. May I show it through my life. Amen.

Daily Bible Readings April 25, 2012

1^ST READING

 

It is good to be reminded to be vigilant for the work of the enemy in our lives. Do not forget that the devil’s aim is to destroy your relationship with God. He does not care how long it takes him. He will wait for years to initiate a plan in your life if he believes that will maximize his success. Peter wants us to be alert to the devil’s tricks and deceptions so that we will prevail in the battle against sin and temptation.

 

1 Peter 5:5-14

5 Beloved: Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: “God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. 8 Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. 10 The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. 11 To him be dominion forever. Amen. 12 I write you this briefly through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Remain firm in it. 13 The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

 

P S A L M

Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17

R: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

1 [2] The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 5 [6] The heavens proclaim your wonders,  O Lord, and your faithfulness, in the assembly of the holy ones. 6 [7] For who in the skies can rank with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the sons of God? (R) 15 [16] Blessed the people who know the joyful shout; in the light of your countenance, O Lord, they walk. 16 [17] At your name they rejoice all the day, and through your justice they are exalted. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

We are all called to share in the work of the Gospel. The words of Jesus commissioning His disciples are words applicable to us as well. It is important for us to reflect on them and take them into the depths of our hearts so that we will not only be convinced they are for us but that we will act upon them as well.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

We proclaim Christ crucified; he is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

 

Mark 16:15-20

15 Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. 18 They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 19 Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. 20 But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

READING 2nd READING

TODAY’S

BLESSING

LIST

think: The words of Jesus commissioning His disciples are words applicable to us as well.

 

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

 

_______________________________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________

_________________________________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Numbers 16-18