Still Waters

The wind was strong, and the sea was getting rough. They had rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming towards the boat. This frightened them, but he said, ‘It is I. Do not be afraid.’
Jn.6:18-20

The disciples were rowing across the lake without Jesus when a storm rises, threatening the boat. Jesus appears, miraculously walking on water, and calms the storm while instantly transporting them to their destination.

The analogy of this story is obvious. Travelling without Jesus risks being overwhelmed by the storms of life. With him, while storms still come, fear is dealt with and destinations attained. Today with all its anxieties and struggles has to be traversed. With Jesus I can enjoy the journey.

Jesus, I invite you to be my travelling companion today. Thank you for being the friend at my side.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

The Easy Yoke

 ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
Mt.11:28-30

Jesus makes the irresistible invitation. Feeling burdened? Give it all to me and be rested.

Jesus gives the antidote to exhaustion. Gentleness and humility are the keys to rest. His light, easy yoke is no yoke at all. When have we not needed this remedy? I walk into today with Jesus easy yoke of gentleness and humility on my shoulders. This gives a skip in my step.

Thank you Lord for your light, easy burden. I shoulder your yoke of gentleness and humility today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Preach Christ Crucified

Here are we preaching a crucified Christ; to the Jews an obstacle that they cannot get over, to the pagans madness, but to those who have been called, whether they are Jews or Greeks, a Christ who is the power and the wisdom of God. 
1Cor.1:23,24

Paul zeros in on what is both the problem and the power of the Gospel, Christ crucified. 

The four gospels all spend a disproportionate time describing the death and resurrection of Jesus. It has always been the main tenet of Christianity. The Cross continues to be an obstacle and madness but Paul points out God planned it so faith is required to accept it. 

Faith involves surrender. Suddenly the obstacle is removed, what was madness now makes perfect sense. Faith is the key that starts the engine in the powerhouse. It allows the Holy Spirit to take over and change my life, today.

Thank you Lord for my gift of faith in the power of your death on the cross and your resurrection from the dead. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Joy in His Name

Happy the people who acclaim such a king, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who find their joy every day in your name, who make your justice the source of their bliss.

Ps.88:15,16

The psalmist writes of people who daily lift up the name of God and work out his purposes. They are people of unquenchable joy.

The fragrance of Easter is still strong in the Church, a fragrance that isn't to remain in the Church but permeate throughout the whole world. How do I be part of that? Acclaim the Lord, walk in the light, work at God's justice. Then blissful joy is mine.

Jesus you are my joy and my life. Today I acclaim you and make your justice the source of my bliss.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

He is Alive!

And he said to them, ‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation.’
Mk.16:15

Mark's Gospel summarises how the news of Jesus' resurrection spread. First it was told to Mary of Magdala, she told the disciples who didn't believe despite two of them meeting Jesus on the road. Finally Jesus told the disciples himself and then commissioned them to go tell the whole of creation. The Church has been doing that ever since.

Proclaim the Good News. So, what is the Good News? Simple, Christ died for our sins, was buried then after three days rose from the dead.  This fact gives the seal of authority on everything Jesus said and promised. No wonder the Church says Easter is a day so big it takes eight days to celebrate its fullness. 

Alleluia! Christ is risen he's risen indeed! This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

The only Name by which we are Saved

For, of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved.
Acts.4:12

Peter and John are interrogated over the healing of the cripple. When asked,‘By what power, and by whose name have you men done this?’ Peter is quick to reply it is the name of Jesus that not only the cripple but all men will be saved.

The name of Jesus has a power that transforms lives. My life is an example. I'm meeting a friend this morning who is wrestling with demons in his life. It will be a good opportunity to speak the name of Jesus so another life can be transformed.

Jesus, be with me this morning. Create the opportunity where your name can be proclaimed and your healing power released. 
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Power in the Name

It is the name of Jesus which, through our faith in it, has brought back the strength of this man whom you see here and who is well known to you. It is faith in that name that has restored this man to health, as you can all see.
Acts.3:16

While the cripple who has just been healed is still clinging to him, Peter addresses the incredulous crowd. He gives all the glory to Jesus whose healing power they released by invoking his name in faith.

Peter sets the pattern for all future Christian healing ministries. Perform the healing in Jesus' name and then preach the Good News giving all glory to God. 

The name of Jesus spoken in faith performs miracles. This power can work through me... today.

Lord Jesus, I am about to pray through my daily prayer list. I speak your mighty name in faith over all those for whom I intercede. Be glorified.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

What I Have I will Give

Peter said, ‘I have neither silver nor gold, but I will give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!’ 
Acts.3:6

Peter and John encounter a cripple begging at the entrance to the temple. The Beggar asks for a few coins. Peter gives him a new life.

The resurrection power of Jesus is starting to flow through the Church. The name of Jesus invoked by Peter is enough to make a cripple miraculously jump up and start leaping and dancing and praising God. 

The same power that resurrected Jesus from the dead lives in me (Rms.8:11). This is what I have and what I can give to those begging for a new life that I meet today, in Jesus' mighty name.

Holy Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead, rise up in me that I can give new life to others so they may leap and dance and praise God.
Saint Philip Neri, pray for me.

Christ Life

‘Save yourselves from this perverse generation.’ They were convinced by his arguments, and they accepted what he said and were baptised. That very day about three thousand were added to their number.
Acts2:40,41

It is the day of Pentecost and Peter, now full of the Holy Spirit, preaches powerfully to the Jews about who Jesus is and what his death on the cross has done. Large numbers come to believe and are baptised.

C.S.Lewis in his book Mere Christianity states, "There are three things that spread the Christ life to us: baptism, belief, and that mysterious action which different Christians call by different names—Holy Communion." In our reading from the Book of Acts we hear how the early Church was starting to grow. The first steps of those joining were belief and baptism. Holy Communion followed as they met in each other's homes for the "breaking of the bread". 

This holds true today. Christ Life is spread to and through me by my belief, my baptism and my receiving Holy Communion. In this Easter Octave I thrill in the belief of Christ's resurrection from the dead. 

Jesus, today I joyfully proclaim you are risen from the dead. Alleluia!
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Why the Joy?

Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there.’
Mt.28:10

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary found an angel sitting on the rolled back stone in front of the empty tomb. They are instructed to tell the disciples that Jesus has risen. While joyfully rushing off to do so they meet the risen Jesus. Jesus tells them again to "go and tell". 

What do you do with good news? You share it of course. Good news spreads like wildfire. I have the greatest of good news to share. Jesus has conquered death and is alive, proving that everything he said and promised is true! Oh what joyful news. 

Sharing the Good News means being the Good News. My joy I can share with everyone I meet today and maybe some will ask, "Why the joy?". Well, I'm glad you asked...

Lord Jesus, you are, my Good News, the source of my hope and joy. Help me share your good news with all I meet today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Death with life contended: Combat strangely ended!

Death with life contended:
combat strangely ended!
Life’s own Champion, slain,
yet lives to reign.

Easter Sequence

Alleluia! Christ is risen. He has risen indeed! The Easter Sequence from Easter Sunday Mass rings with wonder and joy. The unexpected triumph has happened. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?

I step into today as a member of a victorious army. The battle has been won. We now carry out the mop up operations and claim the victory.

Jesus you call me into life and joy. I am an Easter resurrection person. Alleluia!
Saint Philip Neri, rejoice with us!

Irrepressible Good News

The other women with them also told the apostles, but this story of theirs seemed pure nonsense, and they did not believe them. Peter, however, went running to the tomb. He bent down and saw the binding cloths but nothing else; he then went back home, amazed at what had happened.
Lk.24:11,12

The women have just found Jesus' tomb empty and two angels have told them not to look among the dead for someone who is alive. Their story is unbelievable, yet Peter had to run and see for himself. The incredible fact of Jesus' resurrection starts to dawn on him.

The unbelievable fact led all of the apostles, except John, to martyrs deaths. Once they realised the truth they could never let it go. Good news is like that. At first it sounds too good to be true. Then, once it is accepted as true, its power is released and changes everything.

I step into this Holy Saturday with mounting joy. The Good news of Easter is about to be released. It changes everything.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

His Way

Yet he was pierced through for our faults,
crushed for our sins.
On him lies a punishment that brings us peace,
and through his wounds we are healed.

We had all gone astray like sheep,
each taking his own way,
and the Lord burdened him
with the sins of all of us.
Is.53:5,6

Isaiah prophesies the death of Jesus and its purpose; to pay the price and bring us peace.

The song to hell is Franks Sinatra's "My Way". Isaiah nails it in describing the root cause of my sinfulness. Taking my own way, choosing my own path. The irony is I think I am being brave and innovative when really it is a wide easy path that many follow. The narrow path is the difficult one that few walk but, according to Jesus, it is the path to life. 

Today, I receive the peace and healing that Jesus has won for me. I recommit to his narrow way to life.

Thank you Jesus for dying for me, for paying the price of my wrongs, for bringing me healing and fullness of life. I place my trust in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Wash Their Feet

‘Do you understand’ he said ‘what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and rightly; so I am. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.’
Jn.13:12-15

Jesus has washed the disciples feet at the Last Supper. He explains what he has done is an example for them to follow, an example of humble servanthood.

I love having my feet massaged. I'm not so keen on doing it for others. Why? Because it's an effort from which I get no benefit. Yet here is Jesus doing just that and saying I am to copy him, not so much the washing of feet but the attitude of humble servanthood. It's a struggle. I prefer being served than serving.

I think this is one of those areas where I just have to start by pretending. I can pretend I like serving and then serve. I think what happens is the more I do this the easier it will become until, one day, I will serve without pretending. It's the long pathway to perfection that Jesus calls me to, starting from today.

Thank you Jesus for your example of humble servanthood. Help me follow your example. I want to be more like you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Not I Surely?

Judas, who was to betray him; asked in his turn, ‘Not I, Rabbi, surely?’ ‘They are your own words’ answered Jesus.
Mt.26:25

At the Last Supper Jesus declares that someone is about to betray him. Each of the disciples declares innocence of the accusation, including the eventual betrayer Judas.

Each disciple, excepting John, was to abandon Jesus. Peter was to deny him three times. Judas betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver. The difference is that the disciples allowed themselves to be eventually forgiven and restored. Judas didn't and hanged himself. 

I've betrayed Jesus each time I've sinned. I've declared "Not I, surely?" then handed over the nails for him to be crucified. Do I stay in condemnation or accept the forgiveness of Jesus and be restored? 

Jesus, I'm sorry for the times I have betrayed you. Forgive me Lord and restore me back into right relationship with you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Forgiven Restored and Raised

Peter said to him, ‘Why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ ‘Lay down your life for me?’ answered Jesus. ‘I tell you most solemnly, before the cock crows you will have disowned me three times.’
Jn.13:37,38

At the Last Supper Peter declares his loyalty to Jesus but Jesus refutes this, foretelling Peter's approaching denial and apostasy.

Peter is oh so human. His spirit is willing but his flesh is weak. This makes him relatable. I see myself in him. His denial of Jesus three times is Peter's low point. Yet, he ends up being forgiven, restored and raised to the role of leader of the early Church.

There is still hope for me yet. When I deny Christ and sin Satan wants to keep me there, condemned and hopeless.  Jesus says no, I am forgiven, restored and raised to my true position as a Son of God and co-heir. This is my true identity today.

I'm the one who held the nail
It was cold between my fingertips
I've hidden in the garden
I've denied You with my very lips

God, I fall down to my knees
With a hammer in my hand
You look at me, arms open

Forgiven! Forgiven!
Child there is freedom from all of it
Say goodbye to every sin
You are forgiven!

Crowder - Forgiven

He is Mine. I am His.

My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, they shall be my people.
Ez.27:37

Ezekiel prophesies a time when all God's people will be unified and God will live with them in a permanent relationship of love. 

Twice in today's first reading we hear of the wonderful relationship between God and us. He is ours, we are his. This possessiveness on both sides expresses the deep, permanent bond between God and us. And it's personal. I am his. He is mine. This is the rock solid relationship I have with my God. 

Jesus, I am yours, you are mine. Walk beside me today as my strength, my guide, my joy.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Words of Life

Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ!
Your words, Lord, are spirit and life;
you have the words of everlasting life.
Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ!
Jn:6:63,68

Today's Gospel Acclamation includes the declaration of faith from Peter in John chapter 6; “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” 

Lord, to whom else shall we go? This cry is still true today. The world continues to deny Christ and calls me to join it. No way! As Jesus says in today's gospel, if you can't believe in him at least believe in his works. There's two thousand years of Christ's works even before looking at his works in my own life. 

Jesus' words are spirit and life. I step into today alive purely because Jesus has spoken it to be so. The breath that I draw and the beat of my heart are from his will. Thank you Lord.

Lord, to whom shall I go? You have the words of eternal life. I have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.

I Am

The Jews then said, ‘You are not fifty yet, and you have seen Abraham!’ Jesus replied:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
before Abraham ever was,
I Am.’
At this they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple.
Jn.8:58,59

The Jews continue to argue with Jesus, calling him possessed. He then settles the matter as to who he says he is by giving himself the sacred name of God, "I Am". The infuriated Jews try to stone him.

This is another moment where, even today, we have to settle the question as to who Jesus is. He's either mad, as the Jews asserted, bad as they believed in their rage, or who he says he is, the great I Am. 

All the evidence I have read and seen supports Jesus' claim. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is my rock on whom I stand today.

My hope is built on nothing less 
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus' name

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Free Indeed

‘I tell you most solemnly,

everyone who commits sin is a slave.

Now the slave’s place in the house is not assured,

but the son’s place is assured.

So if the Son makes you free,

you will be free indeed.

Jn.8:34-36

The Jewish people are disputing Jesus over their sonship and the sonship of Jesus. Jesus points out their sonship has been forfeited by their slavery to sin, a slavery from which only he can give freedom.

Freedom from sin is the ultimate freedom I can receive. It's the "free indeed" that Jesus talks about.  This freedom brings with it peace and joy. I've experienced both the slavery and the freedom. Sin's first job is to make me forget about my freedom, my sonship in exchange for its empty promises. 

I step into today a free man, a son and heir, thanks to my liberation by Jesus. Keep this firmly in front of me and today I will be free indeed.

Jesus, truly you are the Son of the living God. You have set me free indeed.

Believe and Live

‘You are from below; I am from above.

You are of this world; I am not of this world.

I have told you already:

You will die in your sins.

Yes, if you do not believe that I am He,

you will die in your sins.’

Jn.8:22,23

The Pharisees are disputing with Jesus over who he is. Jesus makes it clear for them. They are from below. He is from above. They are of the world. He is of heaven. Believe or die in your sins.

In his marvelous book, Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis states the outworking of Christianity is based on three things; baptism, eucharist and belief. Faith, or belief, is a foundational part of Christian life.  There are lots of good reasons to follow Jesus but in the final analysis it requires belief that he is who he says he is, the Son of God. 

The beauty of belief is that it can't be taken away from me. I can let it fade away or slip through my fingers but that is my choice. My belief needs nurturing and feeding. It needs this daily prayer time. It needs the Church where I'm encouraged by other believers and where I receive communion. This means, according to Jesus, when I die I won't die in my sins, I'll die forgiven.

Jesus, I believe you are who you say you are, the Son of the living God. I place my trust in you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Pride

He looked up and said, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir’ she replied. ‘Neither do I condemn you,’ said Jesus ‘go away, and do not sin any more.’
Jn.8:10,11

The Pharisees test Jesus by bringing a woman caught in the very act of adultery, who is undeniably guilty. Jesus cuts straight to the most serious sin before him, the pride of the Pharisees. In their shame, the Pharisees leave the woman uncondemed. 

Oh don't we love this story! Why is that? Maybe because we love seeing the Pharisees outwitted so superbly by Jesus. Maybe because of compassion for the woman as we ask"And where is the man?" Maybe because Jesus' reprieve for the woman we hope to gain for ourselves. Maybe all of the above...

What impresses me is how Jesus goes out of his way to give the woman back her dignity. The custom was to strip those guilty of adultery. The woman would have been standing at least half naked. Yet Jesus placed himself lower still, sitting on the dirt. He literally looked up to her.  He does the same for me. When I stand naked before him and authentically confess my sinfulness he gives me back my dignity, my sonship and says ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go away, and do not sin any more.'

Jesus, please forgive me my sin of pride when I am so ready to throw stones. With your help I will try not to sin again.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Noble and Generous

Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
Happy are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance.
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Today's Gospel Acclamation is taken from Luke 8:15 where Jesus, explaining the parable of the sower,  says the seed in rich soil are people with noble and generous hearts who listen to God's Word and act on it.

The description "noble and generous hearts" resonates with me. I know people like that. They have high moral principles yet they always see the best in people. They are generous,  are open handed and welcoming. In short they are great to be around. 

Noble and generous. These are virtues I can work on today.

Jesus, you are the finest example of one with a noble and generous heart. In seeing the best in me you call me further up and further in. Help me be noble and generous today.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Time's Up

They would have arrested him then, but because his time had not yet come no one laid a hand on him.
Jn.7:30

Jesus not only claims sonship with God but accuses the Jewish leaders of being far from the father. Despite their malice and anger they did not arrest him as his "time had not yet come".

There's a time for every purpose under heaven. There are seasons. I'm mindful of this as a dear friend has just received the dreaded news that her illness is incurable and fatal. She's the same age as me. Why her and not me? Because it's not yet my time. My time will surely come, we are all dying, but not yet.

Keeping one eye firmly on heaven puts these things in perspective. While I sweat over plus or minus a few years, eternity stretches out infinitely before me. Eternal heaven or eternal hell. That is where I need to place my energies and concerns. Making sure I get there and as many of my loved ones as well when my time is up.

Lord Jesus, my times are in your hand. I place my trust in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.