Go!

 And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’
Mk.16:15

Last words are important, especially when they are a command. From Jesus it's concise and clear.  In a word,"Go!"

I've come to realise if I am not going and making disciples I'm being disobedient. Jesus didn't say come (..to Mass and get your attendance book stamped). He said an emphatic "Go".

We all have spheres of influence into which we can go. Mine is my children, my grandchildren, my parish and my neighborhood. What a great joy it is to bring them the Good News, that God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their lives.

Of course, Jesus didn't say "Ta ta. I hope it works out alright." No. He said "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn.20:22). I am not meant to go it alone, thank goodness.

Come Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful. Kindle in them the fire of your love and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Never Give Up

Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’
Jn.21:12

After another night of failed fishing the risen Jesus encourages the disciples, first with a miraculous catch and then more importantly, with fellowship.

Jesus had every reason to condemn the disciples who had so recently abandoned him. But there are no recriminations, no condemnation from Jesus, just encouragement. And how does he encourage? Through fellowship, through communion, through being a friend meeting a need.

Here is a leadership lesson for me. People sometimes let me down, sometimes just don't get what it is I'm saying or trying to do. What is to be my response? Go back to basics. Start off again with friendship and fellowship. Invite them out for a coffee, to breakfast if you will.  Encourage. Be in communion.

Jesus, give me your heart of encouragement. Help me never give up on people as you never give up on me.

He is Risen!

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

Easter Sequence

Day six into the Easter Octave and we are still thrilling at the news that "Christ is Risen!". He's risen indeed, Alleluia alleluia!

Everything is changed by this fact that remains beautifully a mystery. 

•Why do we hold onto hope, even in the face of death?
•Why do we sense that beyond the vastness of space and time, there is a presence that sees us and cares?•Why do we dare to believe our lives have meaning and purpose?
•Why does our society still cling to the idea that every individual matters?

The answer is striking in its simplicity and power. Three words: HE IS RISEN.

Not I Lord, Surely?

‘Not I, Lord, surely?’
Mt.26:22

The declaration by Jesus that one of the twelve is to betray him provokes a shocked response, even from Judas. 

If I were sitting at that table, that would have been my response as well. "Not I, Lord..!" Yet, the truth is... I have betrayed Jesus. Every sinful thought, word, deed or deed withheld is a betrayal of the one I love. 

I nail Love to the Cross. Love looks at me saying, "I know you. I understand your brokenness. I forgive you and will never stop loving you." 

This divine, transformative power revealed through Jesus exceeds human understanding. It's a mystery, giving me hope beyond mere intellectual comprehension.  All I can do is receive it and let it animate my life.

Love of Christ come now! 

I Am His He Is Mine

I shall make my home above them; I will be their God, they shall be my people. 
Ez.37:27

God establishes a relationship. I am his. He is mine. 

This is a great mystery, that the creator of the universe desires a relationship with me. Love is the only thing that makes sense of it, God's great love for me, his son. 

I can do nothing to earn it or bar it. All I can do is receive it. I do this best by loving him in return.

Thank you Father for your great love for me. I bask in your love and love you in return.

Works Prove Words

And many came to him. And they said, ‘John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there.
Jn.10:41,42

Jesus returns to the region where John the Baptist first baptised. People compared John's words with Jesus' works, leading to a significant increase in faith in that area.

Words are proven true by works. I can say I love someone but this is not shown as true until I lovingly serve them. Emotional love doesn't achieve much. Active love does. 

Faith is often born from works. Yes, faith is a gift but the gift can be given through love in action. 

Jesus, help my love be active today so that many can believe. 

Hearer Doer Keeper

I tell you most solemnly, whoever keeps my word will never see death.
Jn.8:51

Jesus makes the ultimate promise for those who believe. Eternal life.

There are 8.3 billion people in the world and we all face the same 100% certainty of death. However, for believers death is viewed as a transition ("falling asleep in the Lord") rather than an end, promised through Christ’s own resurrection.

I am reminded of the importance of my "keeping God's word". Jesus says the good soil for the seed are people who hear God's word and act on it. (Mt.13:23)

Jesus, help me be a hearer, doer and keeper of your word today.