Bloom Where You're Planted

Holy Father,
I pray not only for these,
but for those also
who through their words will believe in me.
Jn.17:20

Jesus prayed then for me now. This is such a consoling thought.

The expression "Bloom where you're planted" holds special significance for me. It was these words, spoken by a visiting priest, that tipped me over the line in wanting to become Catholic. I looked at my Catholic wife, my Catholic children and my Catholic friends and recognised the garden into which I was planted was undeniably Catholic. 

This has been a great reminder that blooming is a lifetime affair. Lord water me, cultivate me, prune me so I can add my small flower in your beautiful garden, for your glory.

Joy Fulfilled

These things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 
Jn.17:13

Knowing unspeakable torment is about to fall on his followers, Jesus prays they may have unspeakable joy.

Ah, His joy fulfilled. Don't we all want it. Jesus wants it for us as well. And where does it come from? From the things he speaks, or to give it another name, The Joy of The Gospel.

The opening sentence of Pope Francis’s 2013 apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), is one of his most famous quotes: 

"The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness."

The key to this joy is to encounter Jesus and accept his offer. 

Come Lord Jesus, meet me on the road of my life today as you did the two on the road to Damascus. Explain your Word and let my heart burn within me with joy and love of you. 

Courage Dear Heart

In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart: I have overcome the world.
Jn.16:33

Jesus tells it like it is. He didn't promise an easy life, but He did offer a lasting peace and the absolute assurance that the battles I face have already been won.

Jesus spoke these words knowing his passion and death was only hours away. At first it would look like the world had overcome Jesus. But the world didn't reckon on his resurrection. 

I'm reminded of the terrifying yet beautiful scene in C.S. Lewis' book, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Lucy is looking down at her siblings suffering their worst nightmares while passing the Dark Island. In the midst of the horror, Aslan in the form of a bird, swoops past her and calls, "Courage, dear heart." Lucy receives hope and her hope spreads to the others. Light returns to the Dawn Treader.

Courage is born within me when I remember that Jesus is beside me, always. Every tribulation I face I never face alone. 

I can take heart today. Whatever the "world" is throwing my way right now, it operates under a defeated system.

Courage, dear heart!

Permanent Joy

Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 
Jn.16:22

Jesus tells his followers sorrow does not have the final word. Their sorrow at his death will turn into joy at his resurrection. 

This lies at the heart of my Christian faith.  Yes we experience sorrow, but we don't stay there. The joy that awaits on the other side of sorrow is a joy no one can take from us. 

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 1Cor.15:5.

Fertile Faith

You did not choose me:
no, I chose you;
and I commissioned you
to go out and to bear fruit,
fruit that will last;
Jn.15:16

I am chosen and commissioned, for what? To bear fruit that will last.

Sometimes I forget who did the choosing. I think my friendship with Jesus is from my initiative. That he first chose me is mind blowing. I am a tiny speck of a seed from which a mighty tree will grow bearing eternal fruit.

Jesus sees something in me that he will use. I just need to be available and trust him. Faith makes me fertile.

Jesus, thank you for choosing me. I step out in faith today trusting that you are with me. 

What Must I Do?

 Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Acts.16:30

The gaoler asks Paul and Silas the most important question of his life. The answer? "Believe in the Lord Jesus."

The gaoler's vital question is my vital question. What must I do to  be saved? My answer affects not only me but my household. 

Yes Jesus, I believe. I place my trust in you. 

Convinced By God

 We lost no time in arranging a passage to Macedonia, convinced that God had called us to bring them the Good News.
Acts.16:10

Paul and his companions had been stopped from entering various countries by the Holy Spirit. Now they were given the green light. "Go to Macedonia!"

"Convinced by God". What a great place to be in. Being sure of being in the centre of God's plans gives fervour and zeal.

Lord, speak to me in visions. Guide me by your Holy Spirit so I may have fervour and zeal for the Gospel. Saint Paul, please pray for me.