Timing

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

The stage is set but the time is not yet right, both for the Jewish leaders and for Jesus. Why is it that God, who is outside our time domain (the same yesterday, today and forever), is interested in timing?

Maybe it's so the institution of Holy Mass at the Last Supper could happen at the Feast of the Passover. So many of the incidents of Jesus' passion and death happened as the result of timing. 

Maybe while I'm living within the constraints of time I should be more conscious of timing. Rather than reactionary, I should be more intentional. There is a time for every purpose under heaven.

Jesus, I want to be in sync with you. Holy Spirit, guide my time. Father, my times are in your hand.

Authentic Follower

 

They have made themselves a calf of molten metal and have worshipped it and offered it sacrifice. “Here is your God, Israel,” they have cried, “who brought you up from the land of Egypt!” 

Ex.32:8

God is heartbroken at his children's disobedience. Like any parent, that heartbreak is expressed in anger.

When I take God out of my life what am I left with? A lifeless hunk of metal, a facsimile.  Like a headstrong child I demand to be separate from God. I want to do it my way (the song to hell). 

When I choose God's way I have life and that in abundance. Hope and joy become my Hallmark, as they were always intended. As Blessed Carlo Acutis said, "All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies,".

Jesus, I want to be an authentic follower of you.

Sing!

I tell you most solemnly, whoever listens to my words, and believes in the one who sent me, has eternal life;
Jn.5:24

What is the source of eternal life? Listen and believe. 

I had to "hear" God's Word before I could believe. Many people in my life made up that beautiful chorus, each with their own instrument and voice. The resulting harmonic chorus eventually swept away my doubts and I believed. 

What am I singing today and who is hearing it? 

Jesus, I want to be part of your chorus. I want to sing  that all who hear will believe and have eternal life.

City of Joy - People of Gladness

Be glad and rejoice for ever and ever for what I am creating, because I now create Jerusalem ‘Joy’ and her people ‘Gladness.’ 
Is.65:18

The city of Joy is occupied by people of gladness. 

Now here is a command of God that is so good to obey. Be glad and rejoice for ever and ever. This is why we are prophets of joy and hope in a world aching for joy and hope. 

I need to identify "joy robbers" in my life and counter them with this truth. I am a citizen of the City of Joy and gladness is my hallmark. 

Thank you Lord for the new Jerusalem, the City of Joy you are calling me to. Holy Spirit, fill me so I may be a prophet of joy and hope. 

Love God Love Others

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
Mk.12:30,31

Finally, a Scribe gets what Jesus is teaching. Love.

I'm reminded of the open-air Christian music festival I attended. A musician was speaking when a rain shower broke out. Some of us pressed up to the stage sound shell seeking shelter while others scattered back to tents. He laughed, sat down on the edge of the stage and said, "Well, all I really need to say is two things. Love God and love others". 

I've heard it said another way. "Love God, then do what you like." When I live this central Christian tenet I become a prophet of joy and hope, not far from the kingdom of God. 

Come Holy Spirit. Kindle in me the fire of your love.

The Sweet Wound

With all your heart turn to me, for I am tender and compassionate.
Joel 2:12-13

Today's Gospel Acclamation reaffirms who it is I am being called back to this Lent, my God of tenderness and compassion.

Sinful falls always look so much worse during Lent. My high ideals and promises become ashes. There's a risk of allowing the accuser to get in and make me stay sitting in the ashes.  

However, Mother Church shines a light into my mess once again. "Turn to me", says Jesus. "Stand up and lift your head". Once again his tender compassion heals and restores me. 

How sweet the wound that calls forth his mercy and forgiveness. I am a new man once again.

The Law of Love

Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. 
Mt.5:17

Jesus is emphatic he isn't replacing the Law or the Prophets of Jewish faith. He is the embodiment of everything that is good in them. 

The Old Testament is included in the Bible for a reason. The Law and the Prophets are still very valid. They are the foundation of everything that Jesus taught, of the life that Jesus lived. His completion of the Law and Prophets is the life he lived. 

As a follower of The Way, I am to live by the Law and Prophets as well. What is the New Testament difference? Love is my motivation. Love is my application. Without love, the law becomes death. 

Jesus, help me follow you by applying the Law and Prophets in love.