Hope in Him

 I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness
   in the land of the living.
Hope in him, hold firm and take heart.
   Hope in the Lord!

Ps.26:13,14

Psalm 26(27) starts with David's bold declaration, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" Where does this bold faith spring from? Hope.

Hope. A feeling of expectation and trust. The hope God gives is not a "finger-crossing" wish, but a firm conviction in things not yet seen. Hope is one of the three foundational Christian virtues; Faith, Hope and Love (Cor.13:13)

And hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Rms.5:5)

Today Lord Jesus, I hope in you, I hold firm and take heart. I hope in you. 

A Father's Love

The Father loves the Son..
Jn.3:35

John the Baptist again testifies about Jesus. He highlights the source of Jesus' identity, power and authority. The Father's love.

I am reminded of the necessity and power of a father's love. I have five adult children who are mature and living full, busy lives. Most have children of their own. Yet I still sense a need in them for affirmation and love from me. 

When they were children they never tired of hearing that "I loved them to the moon and back." They still need to hear that from me. It's an insatiable, God given desire planted in all of us. To be effective, my love has to be actively spoken or demonstrated. Thinking it isn't enough.

Holy Spirit, animate my love for my children so they know they are beloved sons and daughters.

Reflect the Light

But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.
Jn.3:21

When living truth authentically I am led to transparency. I have nothing to hide and in fact, much to proclaim.

Authentic truth is humble but not shy. I can speak the truth but always in love. Truth is love exposed. And who is love? Jesus. He is the light of the world. I am called to be his mirror.

Lord Jesus, make me reflect brightly for you today. 

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!