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.

His Plan

And Mary said to the angel, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?
Lk.1:34

Mary's first response to the momentous news that she is to become the Mother of God's Son is, "How?" Her second response is, "Yes."

Questioning God isn't testing God. It's getting up to speed with God's plan. If I want to be a player in God's plan I need to know the plan. "Ask and it shall be given to you" says Jesus (Mt.7:7). 

Mary was given the plan for the rest of her life, even into eternity. Sometimes I need the plan just for today, or the next hour. The starting point is believing there is a plan, that life isn't a series of random happenings that I stumble through and that the Holy Spirit is in me to guide me. 

Thank you God for listening to my prayer and for the promise that Your plans for me are good—plans to give me a future full of hope. 

Who Are You?

So they said to him, ‘Who are you?’ 
Jn.8:25

This is the most important question of my life. I didn't receive an answer until I first asked Jesus the question.

The line "Who are you?" is a common trope in Disney films and is featured in at least five major Disney/Pixar movies, often during moments of confrontation or identity discovery. 

There are times when I ask Jesus again, "Who are you?" Depending on what is happening, I receive different answers. Friend, truth, beauty, the way. These all are encompassed in the reply, love. 

While accompanying a friend dying of cancer we talked about the mystery of his suffering being what love looked like. It helped us look beyond the pain and towards the promise.

Who are you today Lord? 

Ambassador

I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.
Jn.7:29

Jesus had a clear knowledge of who it was that sent him into the world. He was an ambassador for the Father. 

As it was for Jesus, it is important I know who I am and where I come from.

The final words spoken by the priest at the end of Mass roughly translate from the Latin phrase "Ite, missa estto" to "Go, it is the sending". At the end of every Mass I am sent. Sent where? Into the world. To do what? Make disciples. 

I am an ambassador for Christ representing Christ’s character, sharing his love, and fulfilling a divine mission in daily life, treating the world as a temporary assignment. 

I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.

A Man of Honour

Joseph; being a man of honour...
Mt.1:19

Oh to be worthy of this epitaph.

We know little facts about Saint Joseph but we can perceive much about his character by looking at the woman he married and the son he raised. A healthy tree produces good fruit. 

I have four daughters and they all speak of the ideal man being someone who will love, protect and provide. Saint Joseph is a role model of true manhood.

Honour signifies high respect and moral integrity. Could these words be applied to me? What fruit do I produce?

Saint Joseph, please pray for me. 

The Power of Many

I can do nothing by myself.
Jn.5:30

Jesus underscores that he is no Lone Ranger, he is a son doing the will of the Father.

I sometimes think the song "I did it My Way" is the song to hell. My desire to do it my way usually has me turning my back on doing it God's way.  

I can only achieve anything worthwhile with the help of God and the help of others. There is no such thing as a well rounded individual. I have weaknesses alongside my strengths. But there is such a thing as a well rounded team, where everyone contributes their unique strengths.

A good leader is one who identifies strengths (giftedness) in others and calls them forward. This is topical for me as I'm currently helping build a team for a parish Alpha Course. 

Holy Spirit, help me see the gifts of each team member and place them in positions where they can naturally work with generosity and joy.

 Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, please pray for me.