Sweet Fruit

I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last.
Jn.15:16

My life is not my own project, I am commissioned. To do what? Bear lasting fruit.

Jesus gives this commission at the Last Supper, just after giving the great commandment to love one another. It seems the bearing of fruit is linked to the commandment to love.

I've seen love bear fruit. I've seen the absence of love bear fruit also. Both fruits are lasting but love's fruit is sweeter.

I want to be a fruit that people can "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Ps.34:8 

Franciszek Gajowniczek, the man who Saint Maximilian Kolbe saved by taking his place to die in Auschwitz, spent the rest of his life sharing the story of Father Kolbe's sacrifice. He died in 1995 aged 93. Sweet fruit that lasted.

Lord, make me a great lover who bears fruit that lasts.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe, please pray for me.

Forgiveness

Each forgive your brother from your heart.
Mt.18:35

Forgiveness is not optional. It is essential to living the fullness of life Jesus brings.

Jesus keeps circling back on forgiveness. He knows unforgiveness, next to pride, is the greatest obstacle to entering the kingdom. 

Do I want more peace in my life, faith, hope, love, joy? Here's the key. Forgive others from my heart as I have been forgiven. 

Does this mean they get off scot free? Yes. Does it hold true even if they are unrepentant? Yes. The first to benefit from forgiveness given is the giver. 

Everyone thinks forgiveness is a great idea, until it's time to forgive. Jesus knows this. Can I forgive? No. But He can, through me.

Jesus, give me a heart that can forgive my brother. Set me free.

His Promise of Presence

For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.
Mt.18:20

Intimacy among believers invites intimacy with Jesus.

Jesus loves the Church. He desires that we meet and promises his intimate presence when we gather. Does this mean Jesus is not with me when I'm praying alone? Of course not. It's just that he enters in a special way when two or more are gathered in his name. 

I am reminded of Psalm 133. "How sweet and pleasant it is when the brothers come together in unity... for it is there the Lord commands a blessing."

Jesus, thank you for Church. Thank you for your promise of presence when we gather.

Lord! Save me!

‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him.
Mt.30:31

What is Jesus' response to Peter's cry of terror? He puts out his hand and holds him.

Peter had just done what no man had done before. Walked on water, be it but a few steps. But, what impresses me more is his most powerful three word prayer, "Lord! Save me!" Peter knew who to turn to in his time of terror.

I've often wondered what it must have been like for Peter, looking up into the eyes of love and feeling the strength of the hand saving him. Yes, a mild rebuke came but I'm sure it was from a smiling face, full of tenderness and compassion.

Lord! Save me! Save me from fear. Save me from pride. Save me from myself. I place my trust in you.

First Thing First

Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well.
Mt.6:33

Trust in God first and things will come. 

The word "priorities" is an oxymoron. When I have "priorities" I actually have none. There can only be one priority.

Jesus tells me there is only one priority, God's Kingdom. When I make that my thing of highest importance, other things fall into right order and worry evaporates.

Jesus, I set my heart on God's Kingdom and place my trust in you.

Saint Mary MacKillop please pray for me.

A Lavish Lover

For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and, when he does, he will reward each one according to his behaviour. 
Mt.16:27

Behaviour reaps a reward, good or bad.

But, isn't being Christian about just being loved and not about earning? Well, yes, but love is only fully received when it is spontaneously given away. How does the song go? "...love isn't love 'til you give it away."

This begs the question... how's my behaviour? Am I lavishly throwing away love? Honestly, I could do better. And of course, it is in giving that I receive. So what have I got to loose?

Jesus, help me become a lavish lover, like you.

I'm a Beloved Son

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
Mt.17:5

Jesus' identity is reaffirmed on the Mount of Transfiguration. Who is he? The Beloved Son.

Like Jesus, my ultimate identity is given by God the Father. I too am a beloved son. And like he tried with Jesus, Satan will do his utmost to rob me of my identity. "You, a sinner through and through! A son of God? You're dreaming, dirtbag."

Well, I may be a dirtbag, but my filthy rags have been exchanged for a pure white and spotless robe. Go talk to the one who made the exchange. I'm set free to live out my identity as a loved son. Go to hell Satan.

You're a good, good, father
That's who you are...

And I'm loved by you
That's who I am...