Common Clay

We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us.
2Cor.4:7

Paul emphasises that all wisdom comes from God, that he is only the bearer of such wisdom.

An earthenware jar was the plastic bucket of the ancient world. You couldn't find a more common, unadorned utensil. Yet, an earthenware jar can hold a beautiful, fine wine, elevating the jar.

Such is my capacity, depending on what I contain, trash or treasure. The glory always belongs to God.

Jesus, fill me with fine wine that my common clay may reflect who you are. 
Saint Gregory the Great, please pray for us.

Authentic Lover

And his teaching made a deep impression on them because he spoke with authority.
Lk.4:32

How did Jesus impress the people in the synagogues? Jesus spoke and acted with authority.

Jesus adapted his style, so to speak, according to his audience. In the synagogue as a teacher, it was his authority that caught attention. For sinners and tax collectors in the marketplace, it was his guileless love.

Paul said he became "All things to all people" 1 Cor.9:22 in order to proclaim the Gospel. Is this hypocrisy? In me it is in danger of becoming so. What stops this is love, love for the one I'm trying to reach. Love ensures I am "acting" for the betterment of the other. 

Jesus, help me be an authentic lover so I can better be your ambassador in my little corner of the world.

See As God Sees

When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Mk.6:29

John the Baptist's body is desecrated by Herod (beheaded) then honoured by his disciples (buried).

Burying the dead is the seventh corporal work of mercy. The Church has always done this. Why? It recognises that all human beings are made in the image of God. 

Now I think about it, why wait until someone is dead before honouring them? How about seeing the rough sleeper in the subway as made in God's image. Love knows no limits.

Jesus, every human life is precious in your sight. Help me see people as you see them and love them as you love them.
Saint John the Baptist, please pray for us.

Strive to be Least

Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.
Mt.8:12

High office brings high risk. Best strive to be the least.

Jesus warns against pride that comes with exaltation. This is counter cultural in a world that exults the rich, the powerful, the beautiful and the brainy.

I am as susceptible as anyone to the lure of fame and admiration. The antidote? Kill the desire for exaltation. Strive to be the least.

Litany of Humility

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,

Hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being loved,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being extolled,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being honored,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being praised,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being preferred to others,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being consulted,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being approved,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being humiliated,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being despised,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of suffering rebukes,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being calumniated,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being forgotten,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being ridiculed,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being wronged,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being suspected,
Deliver me, O Jesus.

That others may be loved more than I,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be chosen and I set aside,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be praised and I go unnoticed,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be preferred to me in everything,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

Charity

Charity is patient, is kind; charity does not envy, is not pretentious, is not puffed up, is not ambitious, is not self-seeking, is not provoked; thinks no evil, does not rejoice over wickedness, but rejoices with the truth, bears with all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

To have Charity is to love God above all things for Himself and be ready to renounce all created things rather than offend Him by serious sin. ( Matt. 22:36-40)

Cardinal Merry del Val was the Secretary of State to Pope Saint Pius X (1903-1914)

New Life

When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her. ‘Do not cry’ he said. 
Lk.7:13

Jesus' compassion for the widow of Nain gives new life to her son. Death hasn't the final say.

I wonder if Jesus saw his own mother when looking at the distress of the widow of Nain. No husband. Son dead. If so, there is a message here. 

New life awaits on the other side of death. And the author of that new life is Jesus. This indeed is good news.

Jesus, give your heart so I may speak new life into those I meet today.
Saint Monica, please pray for me.

Authentic Me

Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who are like whitewashed tombs that look handsome on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of corruption.
Mt.23:27

Hypocrisy is rotten corruption dressed up. No matter how pretty, it still stinks.

What's the opposite of hypocrisy? Authenticity. Honesty is a virtue worth pursuing. I recently addressed a room full of men. It was a testimony of the good, the bad and the ugly of my life. I was thanked by numerous men afterwards, not for being a shining, saintly example. No, I was thanked for being honest.

Authentic honesty invites a similar response. Afterwards some men shared with me dark areas they were struggling with. There is something very healing in bringing darkness out into the light. Shame is replaced by hope.

Of hypocrisy, deliver me oh Lord.

Inexhaustible Comfort and Sure Hope

Such inexhaustible comfort and such sure hope.
2Th.2:16

Paul exhorts the Thessalonian Church to not be disturbed or deceived by false teaching. A sure sign of genuine good news is comfort and hope.

These are troubled times. False prophets manipulate portents to promote their own agendas. 

What is to be my response? Press further into Jesus and proclaim further out his Good News.

What does that look like? Inexhaustible comfort and sure hope.

Jesus, help me be the bearer  of inexhaustible comfort and sure hope to those I meet today.

You Know Lord

‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ I said, ‘You know, Lord.’ 
Ex.37:3

God shows Ezekiel the valley of dry bones and asks a question only God can answer. Ezekiel gives the only honest answer. "You know Lord."

God knows all. I don't. God is God. I'm not. There's a great reassurance in acknowledging that God is God. There are questions that are too great for me. My only response can be, "You alone know, Lord."

Jesus, I place my trust in you.

New Heart, New Spirit

I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh.
Ez.36:26

God promises a cleansing that gives a new, soft heart and a new spirit.

The inference is that I need regular cleansing. My heart and my spirit get tarnished and hardened. 

What dirties my spirit and hardens my heart? Selfishness, pride, judgement, lust. 

Time for confession.

When All Is Made New

 ...when all is made new...
Mt.19:28

This age has a beginning, and what we often forget, an end.

A new age is coming. We had a glimpse of this on the Feast of the Assumption did we not? Mary's assumption into heaven, body and soul, tells us heaven is going to be a fully human experience... but even better!

When all is made new the first will be last, the poor made rich, death will be defeated, no more sickness and pain. 

Fantasy? Jesus doesn't seem to think so. Neither do I.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

Simplicity

Let the little children alone, and do not stop them coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.
Mt.19:14

Jesus recognises that childlikeness opens the door to faith.

My entry into faith was greatly assisted by my children, without them realising it. As they were being taught and were receiving the sacraments of initiation, their questions were my unspoken questions. 

I secretly started playing their children's Christian music on my Walkman (remember those?). I wasn't ready for meat. I needed milk.

Tomorrow I'm leading Children's Liturgy at Mass. In trimming down the Gospel message to something a five year old can understand, time and again I find I'm speaking to myself.

Thank God for inspired writers and theologians, but sometimes I find it all "so much straw", to quote Saint Thomas Aquinas. The Gospel is actually very simple and I receive it best in simplicity.

Jesus, I come to you as a little child. Please lay your hands and bless me.

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...

Gang of Lovers

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 
Mt.9:36

The fields are ready. All that is needed is labourers in love with harvest.

Prior to talking about harvesting Jesus looked at the people with love.  They weren't just a job to do. They were souls to rescue.

This is the test for whether someone is meant to be part of a missionary team. Are they in love with the harvest? Do they feel like weeping when thinking of them? Or, is the work simply a duty?

When a mission team is a gang of lovers, the work doesn't diminish, it just becomes delightful and much more effective. Who doesn't like being loved?

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.

Set Free

The reason why those who are in Christ Jesus are not condemned is that the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Rms.8:1,2

I have been set free from the shackles of my sinful nature by the new life I have gained in Jesus.

In my BC days (Before Christ) my future was what I could make of it. At best it promised creature comfort. Peace for my soul? Afraid not. I was a dead man walking.

My new life in Jesus promises less creature comfort but infinitely more peace, hope, joy and love. I have been set free!

Lord Jesus, thank you seems hardly adequate for what you have given me. By your cross and resurrection you have set me free. You are the Saviour of the world.

Saint Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori, please pray for me.

All or Nothing

So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all...
Lk.14:33

Jesus turns on the hordes following him and speaks plainly. To follow him means all or nothing.

The crowd was becoming a mob, following Jesus for a variety of reasons. Some simply want to see the miracle worker do his next trick. 

There is a cost to following Jesus. He asks me to weigh it up and then make my choice. All or nothing.

Jesus, you are Lord of all or not at all. I give my all and place my trust in you. 

Break me, Melt me, Mould me, Fill me

And whenever the vessel he was making came out wrong, as happens with the clay handled by potters, he would start afresh and work it into another vessel, as potters do.
Jer.18:4

The potter doesn't toss away the wrong clay. He reshapes it into what he originally intended, into something beautiful.

This reminds me of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. The cracks are highlighted with gold, bringing out a remarkable fresh beauty from a destroyed vessel. It treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.

I am a work in progress. My sanctification is ongoing. I'm reworked clay. Sometimes I'm a smashed vessel, restored to greater glory.

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me
Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me

Wheat Among the Weeds

The field is the world; the good seed is the subjects of the kingdom; the darnel, the subjects of the evil one; the enemy who sowed them, the devil; 
Mt.13:38,39

Jesus describes the state of the world. We are either subjects of the Kingdom or subjects of the evil one.

I like this image of the wheat among the weeds. That's how I see myself. I'm part of a secret army. I look the same as other people but my allegiance is to Jesus.  My motivation is to be life giving to the world. 

Wheat begets wheat. Yesterday while driving grandchildren to school they reminded me to say the morning prayers their mother (my daughter) usually prays with them. We prayed Angel of God, the Lord's Prayer, a Hail Mary and finished with the prayer to Saint Michael The Archangel. 

Lord Jesus, help me be wheat to nourish those I meet today.

Joy

But happy are your eyes because they see, your ears because they hear! 
Mt.13:16

Jesus proclaims a blessing over all who "see and hear". See and hear what? See and hear him.

There is such joy in knowing Jesus. The world needs this joy, a joy only I can carry into my corner of the world today. 

Jesus, I am your cup bearer. Let my cup of joy overflow today.

He Calls My Name

Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ 
Jn.20:16

Jesus transforms Mary Magdalen from deepest sorry to highest joy with one word. Her name.

I am drawn to Mary Magdalen, one who "sought the one whom her heart loved" and found him. Christian faith is unique in that it presents a God who desires a first name basis relationship. He calls my name.

Jesus says to me, 'Mike'. What is my response? 

Jesus, walk along the road beside me today. Speak your love into my life. Let my heart burn for love of you. 

Saint Mary Magdalen, please pray for me.

Family of God

Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.
Mt.12:49,50

Jesus establishes the family of God. Anyone doing God's will is a member.

I can recall being outside of this family. I also remember the joy of being welcomed into it. Doing the will of the Father has been my motivation since that day. Sometimes successfully, sometimes not so. 

Jesus, today I roll up my sleeves and join the work of the family.

The Quiet, Persistent Hum of Christian Hope

He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not quench.
Mt.12:19,20

It's not loud and grand gestures that herald the Good News. It's the quiet, persistent hum of Christian hope in service. 

Bruised reeds and smouldering wicks abound in my corner of the world. If I call myself a follower of The Way I need to emulate his action. Strengthen the reed, fan the flame. 

Jesus, this is your work. Help me be a conduit of hope to those I meet today.

Mercy

I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.
Mt.12:7

Jesus shows what the highest sacrifice looks like. It looks like mercy.

Something in me thrilled when I heard Pope Francis say, "Who am I to judge?" Without going down the rabbit hole of what he was being asked to judge, I fell more in love with our Pope, the Pope history is already calling the Pope of Mercy.

The foundation of my Christian hope is mercy. Without mercy I'm a dead man walking. 

Was Jesus saying that sacrifice is of no value? I think not. Giving up something of value for the sake of another is a great virtue, something Jesus did for me on the Cross. But, like Jesus' death on the Cross, true sacrifice is first motivated by mercy.

Where does this leave me? Grateful for the mercy given me and motivated pass it on. 

To quote Pope Francis, "Mercy is the true power that can save humanity."

Less of Me More of Him

Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mt.11:28

Jesus invites me to surrender the exhausting burden of trying to control or earn my own salvation and instead walk through life in partnership with him.

Less of me and more of him gives most of rest.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, please pray for me.

The Cost

Peter said to Jesus, ‘See, we have left everything and followed you. What, then, will we have?’ 
Mt.19:27

Peter asks what's on everyone's mind. In following you, what's the cost?

Fear of the "cost" of being a follower held me back for years. In becoming Christian, I knew that my life would have to change and that thought was scary. In the end it wasn't that I hated the rubbish in my life that gave me the desire to change. It was realising that he first loved me, with all my rubbish. His perfect love casts out all fear. 

Oh the blessed change. It's not only the promise of a hundredfold return in eternal life, it's also the peace, hope, joy and love I have now.  I weighed it up and he was worth it. 

Saint Benedict, please pray for me.

Wisdom and Innocence

I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Mt.10:16

Jesus prepares the twelve for the hostility they will encounter. The virtues required? Wisdom and innocence.

This can be taken as advice for life today. As long as I'm on this mortal coil striving to live a Christian life, I am an alien in a hostile land, a sheep among wolves.

Serpents and doves seem unlikely allies. Yet Jesus insists they have the attributes, when combined, that will protect me. Wisdom will help me know how and when to act. Innocence ensures my heart, motivating my actions, remains pure. 

Today, may I be wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove. 

Holy Emptiness

Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey.
Mt.10:9,10

Jesus commissions the twelve by giving them... nothing. At least nothing material. Their mission is to rely on providence. 

I'm a "dot your i and cross your t" man. Spreadsheets? Love em. Jesus' approach to mission preparation is foreign to me. 

Maybe the sweet spot is somewhere between effort and commitment and that "holy emptiness". At the moment I'm all effort and commitment. I need to loosen my grip on self-sufficiency and work on expanding my God space, that space in which only he can provide. 

Jesus, I open my palm up to you, trusting in your provision. 

Authority

Jesus called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority...
Mat.10:1

Jesus' first act on forming the Church was to give it authority.

Recognising authority seems to invoke faith, faith in the one who gives that authority. The Centurion's great proclamation of faith started with, "I too am a man under authority." 

I believe authority is one of the primary differences between Protestant and Catholic churches. The Protestant Church invites me to have an opinion about doctrine. The Catholic Church invites me to believe... believe in the God given authority of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. 

I don't trust my opinions. I do trust the Church's teaching authority of the Magisterium. This authority is a strong foundation from which to "Go and make disciples of all nations."

Jesus, I place my trust in you.

Compassion

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 
Mt.9:36

A harassed, helpless crowd would make me want to run. Not Jesus, whose response was compassion.

The Latin root for compassion means "to suffer together". I feel empathy from another person when they draw me in rather than push me away. I know I am important to them at that moment. 

To suffer together with another I need to recognise our shared humanity, something Jesus did constantly. Prince or pauper, they have the same red blood and beating heart as myself. This is a good starting point for developing compassion.

Jesus, break my heart with the things that break yours. 

Son of Encouragement

And they laughed at him. But when the people had been turned out he went inside and took the little girl by the hand; and she stood up. 
Mt.9:24,25

With the unbelief of the scoffers removed the miracle could happen.

Naysayers suck energy out of the room and I've been guilty of it. I recall my youngest daughter sharing her dream of a student exchange to France. Practical dad me laughed at the idea with a "you and whose money" comment. She wisely went to her mother and between the two of them came up with a plan that got her there.

I've learnt not to rain on my daughter's parade but to be a cheer leader for her. That's much more fun.

Jesus, help me be a Barnabas, a Son of Encouragement to those I met today.

Joy

And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?
Mt.9:15

The immediate effect of having Jesus with us? Joy.

I tell my adult children, four of whom are married, "Sorry kids, the best wedding I've been to is when I married your mum." When I think of our wedding day I see a joyful celebration. We had our reception in a marquee, pretty radical in 1979. There were coloured lights and bunting strung everywhere. People were happy for us and cheering us on. 

Here's a photo of me and my gorgeous bride that day...

Jesus relating to me in the Church as a groom to a bride can't help bring similar emotions.  No wonder being Christian brings with it joy and joy in abundance. 

Pope Francis said joy is the air Christians breathe, that it's a gift not a purchase and that it brings a deep peace that only God can provide.

I'm reminded to breathe deep of that joy today and share it with others. Yes, the joy of the Lord is my strength.

Questioning Thomas

Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Jn.20:28

Thomas' questioning doubts led him to make one of the great proclamations of faith, "My Lord and my God."

I always think of Thomas not as doubting but more as questioning. "Lord, how can we know the way?" Jn.14:5 

Questioning Thomas never gave up on Jesus when he missed seeing Jesus' resurrected presence the first time. Thomas was still with the Church one week later. 

This tells me it's not only OK to question faith, it's healthy. However, I need to remember there's two spiritual players influencing my questions. The devil wants me to believe my doubts and doubt my beliefs. Jesus invites me to believe my beliefs and doubt my doubts. 

Being a convert, wrestling with questions is no strange occupation for me. Like Thomas, I've found the best place to be when questioning faith is within the loving arms of Mother Church. She guides me to where I'm meant to be, always.

Saint Thomas the Apostle, please pray for me

Take Heart My Son

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.’ 
Mt.9:2

Faith of the friends carrying the paralytic resulted in his spiritual and physical restoration.

Faith is oxygen to Jesus. I am encouraged by this verse to keep up my intercessory prayers. My prayer list is on a spreadsheet currently with 309 rows. 246 of those rows flag prayers that have been answered. 63 prayers to go.

Some of these prayers have been waiting for an answer for sixteen years. These are the knotty ones I hand over to Mumma Mary, Undoer of Knots. Take heart my son...

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Seek Good

Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and that the Lord, God of Hosts, may really be with you as you claim he is.
Am.5:14

Seeking the good brings an immediate benefit. Life!

I claim to have the God of Hosts with me. Really? Then what good am I doing?

It seems any act of good, large or small, draws God into my life. And when God is in my life I am fully alive.

This morning my daughter needed help getting children ready for school. I must confess to a begrudging yes to that. However, my small act of "goodness" did help. They have just trundled off to school fairly painlessly and are happy. God must be smiling.

Seeking good usually means putting someone else first and me second. I'm not a natural at this, so the more practice the better.

Holy Spirit, help me develop my "seeking good" muscle so the God of Hosts may really be with me.

Desperation

‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ 
Mt.8:25-27

The boat was being swamped so the disciples turned to their only hope, Jesus.

This passage is usually used to exemplify lack of faith. And indeed Jesus does rebuke the disciples for this. However, I can't help but see it as an example of what a tiny bit of desperate faith can achieve. 

I'm reminded of Corrie Ten Boom's desperate prayer while being dragged out of their home by the Nazis. "Jesus help!"

When storms threaten to overwhelm me, I'm afraid and I'm desperate. It's a human response to danger. In such situations I want my knee-jerk reaction to that of the disciples in the sinking boat, to turn to Jesus and cry out, "Lord save me!"

Jesus, calmer of storms, I place my trust in you.

Humility and Faith

Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; just give the word...
Mt.8:8

The Centurion displays two virtues that motivate Jesus. Humility and faith.

Humility and faith are like oxygen to Jesus. When they are present, miracles happen. 

How do I gain these virtues? Well, first off, they are gifts. But secondly and perhaps more importantly, they are gifts to be exercised in order to be received. 

Humility is just a word, until I am humble. Faith likewise, until I act in it.

Jesus, I struggle with humility, I struggle with faith. Holy Spirit, give me courage to exercise these gifts today so mountains may be moved.

He Touched Him

Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him and said, ‘Of course I want to! Be cured!’
Mt.8:3

He touched him. Oh the beauty of that moment!

My natural inclination when faced with a "leaper" (read homeless, addict, mental illness, poverty, burdened) is to withdraw. I try to fight this and move in the opposite spirit. 

Recently we had a man walk into Sunday Mass dressed roughly, a woollen cap on and dark sunglasses. He sat in the very front pew, always empty of course. Fighting my prejudices, I went over and sat next to him, saying "Welcome brother." It was soon apparent he had mental health issues but I could still converse with him.

After Mass, over a cup of tea,  he said, "Thank you for talking with me." I felt humbled. If only he knew my heart. 

He's been back a couple of times since. He's teaching me a lot. 

Jesus, help me see the oppressed as you see them. 

Hear then Do

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Mt.7:24

Jesus finishes his Sermon on the Mount with a plea. Don't just hear his words. Do them!

When I simply let Jesus' words "tickle my ears" I relegate him... at best to a wise man, at worst to an entertainer. He is no longer God.

Jesus' words are God's words. I either act on them or fall. And what a fall that will be.

Jesus, may your words intimate me today.

Priority

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

First things first. Jesus clarifies what is essential so we don't get distracted by the important.

I'm in danger of having too many priorities. The word priority was introduced in the 14th century and for 500 years it meant “the first thing”. Then in the 1940’s  the word was pluralised! (by businesses according to CS Lewis). Priority became priorities!

When I have many priorities, essentially I have none.

I need A Priority. Jesus suggests this be the Kingdom of God.

Send "priorities" back to the pit where it came from. Replace it with the priority of God's Kingdom. Suddenly life is less complex, less frantic, more peaceful and more joyful.

Saint Alban, please pray for me.

The Heart's Treasure

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Mt.6:21

From Jesus' Sermon on the Mount he reveals a profound psychological and spiritual truth: my heart will naturally follow and be consumed by whatever I value, invest in, and prioritise.

As a non-believer, I remember being puzzled watching ordinary people go into a Catholic church on a week day and a little time later come out again and walk on into their day. What did they do there and why did they do it? 

I understand now. I am one of those people. We are visiting our treasure, realigning our hearts. 

While travelling through Italy last year a day didn't go by without my wife and I calling into a church. Sometimes Mass was about to start (bonus), sometimes it was just us and Jesus (also bonus). We didn't have to venture out on a dangerous odyssey to find our treasure. He was just round the next corner.

I love being Catholic.

Forgive

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Mt.6:14,15

Forgiveness is not optional. It's essential... that is if I want to be forgiven.

Jesus first spoke of forgiveness by actually forgiving the paralytic lowered through the roof, demonstrating his divinity. He last spoke of forgiveness interceding for his murderous adversaries from the cross. Father forgive them...

It seems forgiveness is the key for me to live a life of joy and hope. 

Easy to say... but with God's help. 

Beggar to Beggar

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Mt.6:3-4

Vainglory is always waiting within me to pounce and rob charity of its power.

I'm reminded of the famous quote, originally intended to apply to evangelism but equally applicable to all works of charity, "I am simply one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread."

I am a beggar following the Beggar's Friend.

Jesus , let love of the other always animate me.

Love Your Enemies

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. 
Mt.5:44,45

Outrageously have I been loved.  I am called to love outrageously.

Loving those who have harmed me, or harmed my loved ones, seems to always require me first to forgive them. Can I do this? No. But I can will it. Then God will provide the love needed to forgive.

Corrie ten Boom’s prayer, when faced with the Ravensbrück Nazi guard asking her for forgiveness, is a good one to emulate. "Jesus, help me!"

Thank you Jesus for providing a path to escape the cold imprisonment of resentment and hate.

Peace Be With You

Let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. 
Lk.10:6

Jesus instructs the seventy-two for their first mission trip. What are their first words to be on entering a town? "Peace be with you". 

These were the first words the world heard from Pope Leo XIV. "Peace be with you." It seems these words are so powerful they cannot fail to achieve what they proclaim. Peace either falls on the hearer or rebounds back on the proclaimer. 

The world longs for peace. My world longs for peace. Let my first words today proclaim, "Peace be with you!"

Saint Anthony of Padua, please pray for me.

Rest

Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.
Mt.11:28

Jesus offers humanity what we all long for. Rest.

Out of all Sacred Scripture, on the Solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Church has us focus on Jesus' promise of rest. The ache in our labouring, overburdened hearts is promised relief. 

How does he do that? My laboured stress dissolves when I simply sit in His presence and soak up his love. That burning love for me consumes my tiredness, refreshes my outlook, and opens the door to peace and joy. 

This is where I simultaneously experience the ministry of both Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 

It's a cool winter's morning here in New Zealand. Time to go son-bathing at my parish church.

Jesus, I accept your offer of rest. Thank you Lord. 

Son of Encouragement

 For he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. 
Acts 11:24

Goodness is the natural fruit of the Holy Spirit and faith.

Barnabus is such a worthy man to emulate. I'm impressed with how the Book of Acts records Barnabas like a passing shooting star. His record reads, Barnabus... Barnabas and Paul... Paul and Barnabas... Paul...  He was there to encourage others, in this instance to encourage Saint Paul.

Son of Encouragement. Oh that I would be worthy of such an epitaph. 

Come Holy Spirit. Fill me with your presence and with faith.
Saint Barnabas, please pray for me.

Transforming Love

I have come not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfil them.
Mt.5:17

Jesus is laying the foundation for his Sermon on the Mount. He has come not to destroy but fulfill.

Before becoming Catholic, I was repelled by a distorted belief that becoming Christian meant exchanging freedom for shackling rules. 

My conversion experience was exactly the opposite. Binding fears and insecurities were exchanged for the liberating joy of being loved by God. My life wasn't diminished at all. It bloomed! 

This is what makes the Good News good news. Jesus adds, multiplies, blesses. This is what generates that beautiful aroma and song that accompanies believers. The steady, quiet hum of Christian hope.

Thank you Jesus for your transforming love. Help me be a conduit for that love to those I meet today.

Joyful Generosity

And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.
Mk.12:42

The widow's mite shows radical, sacrificial giving. Her quiet generosity reflects her complete trust in God. 

The degree of my generosity is a measure of my trust in God.

About half way through an Alpha Course, if I'm leading, I give what I call my "Sermon on the Amount".  The Alpha Course is run free of charge but it is not free of costs. Donations assist greatly.  Again and again I observe those who appear less well off being among the most generous givers. 

Why is that? It appears that wealth creates its own gravity, risking a certain parsimony. 

My darling wife is a spontaneous and generous giver. Her philanthropy makes me burn with shame. 

Jesus, you love a cheerful giver. Give me a Spirit of joyful generosity.

Fully Equipped

All scripture is inspired by God and can profitably be used for teaching, for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be holy. This is how the man who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.
2 Tim.3:16-17

Paul points to where the source of wisdom is found. Sacred scripture.

This is why I practice Lectio Divina each morning. It is the well from which I draw living water. Do I want to be equipped and ready? Yes! 

As proclaimed in today's psalm, " The lovers of your law have great peace; they never stumble." PS.118:165

Thank you Lord for the firm ground of Sacred Scripture on which I stand. I take your peace into my day.
Saint Boniface, please pray for me.

Love God Love Others

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
Mk.12:30,31

Jesus lays bare the heart of our faith. Love God and love others.

Without demonstrative love, our religion is a stiff carcass. Without the active love of God and man, my faith is dead. 

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.

I Am Blessed

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are... '
Mt.5:2,3

Jesus begins his great Sermon on the Mount by proclaiming blessing over all human suffering. For despair he offers hope.

As an unbeliever, I remember being drawn back to the Beatitudes, circling around them again and again. They were unfathomable to my atheist worldview. However, deep within me there was a longing for them to be true.  I see now what the attraction was. They offered hope to my state of hopelessness. 

No matter what I have to "suffer" today, and Lord spare me the martyrdom of Saint Charles Lwanga and his Companions, I can have hope. And hope leads to joy and joy heralds peace. 

Jesus, today you proclaim me blessed. Help me be a blessing to others I meet. 

Talk or Walk

Their reply to Jesus was, ‘We do not know.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Nor will I tell you my authority for acting like this.’
Mk.11:33

Jesus reveals truth to those ready to receive. The chief priests, scribes and elders weren't ready.

Jesus offered revelation but when it was rejected he moved on. I can learn from this. I have family members who have rejected Jesus. I continue to love them, to pray for them, but I move on. There is a rich and receptive harvest out there waiting to be gathered.

Jesus, thank you for the gift of faith. Give me wisdom to know when to sit down and talk and when to stand up and walk. 

Have Faith in God

Jesus answered, ‘Have faith in God.'
Mk.11:22

After the drama of cleansing the Temple Jesus remains calm and resolute. His solid foundation? Faith in God.

Jesus seems impervious to the dramatic scenes erupting about him. He does what needs to be done but remains unshaken. Faith in God is his bedrock. 

In the midst of my dust of daily battle, Jesus invites me into his calmness. "Have faith in God Mike. The mountains may move, the hills may shake but my promise of peace will never leave you. All will be well." 

Jesus, you are my rock and firm foundation. I place my trust in you.

What is it that you want?

Master, let me see again.
Mk.10:51

Bartimaeus lays his faith on the line. He is physically blind but spiritually his vision is 20/20. He sees that Jesus can heal him.

Why would Jesus ask a blind man what he wants from him? To encourage Bartimaeus to exercise his faith. Faith is oxygen to Jesus. When it is present he performs miracles. 

Jesus' response to Bartimaeus' faith is ‘Go; your faith has saved you.’ This hints that Bartimaeus has received more than his sight. He has received eternal salvation.

I need to stoke up my fire of faith when asking Jesus for the miraculous. 

Master, heal my grandson. Master, restore my friend's marriage. Master, bring peace to the Middle East and to Africa. Master, increase my faith.

Bartimaeus, please pray for me.

Good Beautiful True

Fill your minds with everything that is true... noble... good... pure... that we love and honour... that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise. 
Phl.4:8

Paul gives the key to inner peace. Fill my mind with all that is good, true and beautiful. 

The good, true and beautiful can only come from God. Fill my mind with this and I fill my mind with God. The result? Hope, peace and joy.

Jesus, today I intentionally fill my mind with the good, the beautiful and the true.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Neverending Story

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Jn.21:25

John closes his Gospel by leaving it open, leaving it unfinished. I see the quill and ink beside the parchment, inviting me to continue writing.

Every believer has a unique chapter to add to the Gospel. It truly is the neverending story. 

This morning I lift the pen, pause... and write. 

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.

Friends

I call you friends...
Jn15:15

Friendship is elevated to its highest meaning when modeled by Jesus. I am called to be nothing less to those around me. 

I am blessed to have four men with whom I regularly pray. I call them my 3 :00 am friends. If I had a great need at 3:00 am in the morning, I know these men would respond if I called them. 

Life is made sweeter when travelling alongside friends. Friendship is something I need to intentionally cultivate, not in a forced way but in an inviting, open way. It starts by spending time with someone.

Of course, the greatest friend I have is Jesus. I love responding to his friendship by spending time with him. 

What a friend I have in Jesus,
all my sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!

Fan the Flickering Flame

In fact God, who can read everyone’s heart, showed his approval of them by giving the Holy Spirit to them just as he had to us. God made no distinction between them and us, since he purified their hearts by faith.
Acts.15:8,9

God makes no distinction. Once anyone's faith is exercised, the Holy Spirit leaps in.

The Jerusalem Council stopped the Church becoming an exclusive club. The temptation is still with us to issue membership tickets to those deemed acceptable. God makes no distinction, neither should we, or more close to home, nether should I.

Faith, no matter how fragile, is the only ticket required. The beauty of this transaction is that it is purely between the recipient and God. My role is to simply fan the flickering flame. 

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.

Less of Me More of Him

You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you.
Jn.15:3

The branch is always cut, either from producing no fruit or from the desire to produce fruit more abundantly. Either way it gets cut.

Pruning or cutting, it's all the same. To become more like Jesus there has to be less of me. When people say, "be the best version of yourself" what they mean is become more like Jesus. He is the best version of me.

Saint Therese of Avila underscored this by saying, "Be the best God intends you to be and then set the world on fire!" 

 Jesus, let there be less of me and more of you in my life. 

Holy Happiness

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
Jn.14:27

Jesus is preparing the disciples for the trials they are about to face with his crucifixion. Trouble and fear are not his legacy. 

Troubled and fearful hearts are like a car's wheels spinning in mud. Lots of noise and action but no progress. 

What's the antidote? Peace and joy rooted in faith. When this is the state of my heart I am an effective ambassador for Christ.

St. Philip Neri is the patron saint of joy, humor, and cheerfulness, often called the "Humorous Saint". He is celebrated for his unconventional, playful methods of spiritual direction and his conviction that holy happiness and humor are essential to a good life.

Jesus, today I receive your gift of peace and bear your fruit of joy.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.  

Man and God

This is the victory over the world – our faith.
Who can overcome the world?
Only the man who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
1Jn.5:4,5

John underscores the central tenet of Christian faith. Jesus is both man and God.

If Christ were not truly God, He could not save us. But if he were not truly human, he could not reach us. He is both. Recognising his incarnation is key to the wonderful gift of my faith. 

Yes Lord I believe you are the Son of God come to save us. I place my trust in you.

Saint Athanasius, please pray for us.

 

Reaching Out and Welcoming In

Whoever welcomes the one I send welcomes me,
and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
Jn.13:20

Jesus is very clear. After his death there is to be an ambassadorial "sending" of people, people who can be welcomed or rejected. The Church exists to be sent. Am I packed and ready?

This can also be turned around. The Church exists to welcome. People are "sent" by Jesus when they arrive at our door seeking faith, when they hear the invitation to "come and see". Are my arms open wide in welcome?

I need to be both reaching out and welcoming in. Imagine a parish made up of such people. We could change the world!

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

Go Fishing!

Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.
Mk.1:17

Jesus calls Andrew and Peter away from catching fish to catching men.

This is the call to every person who proclaims they are a follower of Jesus. Catch more people!

From this first encounter through to Jesus' ascension, the command has been the same. Go make disciples!

If I'm not "going and making", I'm being disobedient. And it shouldn't be a hardship. The Good News is good news, something people want to hear. 

Our parish Alpha Course is one way to go fishing. 

Jesus, give me boldness to go fishing.

Saint Peter Chanel, please pray for me.

His Death My Life

 Here we are preaching a crucified Christ...
1Cor.1:23

Saint Paul highlights the foolishness of God elevated high above the wisdom of man. 

Why is Jesus' death held so high? Because of what it has won for me. While I was still a sinner Christ died for me, demonstrating how great his love is for me. His death gives me life.

This gives me freedom, hope, peace and joy. It is a victory that I walk in today.

Jesus, thank you for loving me, what can I say. You gave your everything and have set me free. 

Who Are You Lord?

‘Who are you, Lord?’ he asked, and the voice answered, ‘I am Jesus...'
Acts.9:5

On the road to Damascus to persecute Christians, Paul is struck blind by a bright light from heaven. He starts his life changing relationship with Jesus by asking a question. "Who are you Lord?"

Lately I have the sense that Jesus is meeting me "on the road" during my morning prayer. My road changes from day to day as I move through life, but Jesus is always there, wherever my road is taking me, meeting me in the midst of life at the moment.

"Who are you today, Lord?" 

A good question. He will be in the people I meet or simply the landscape I'm walking through. 

Jesus, you meet me on the road today. Reveal yourself to me so I may love you more. 

Focus on the Solution

As for me, I trust in the Lord:
let me be glad and rejoice in your love.
Ps.30:7

David prays for deliverance and guidance. Rather than focusing on his enemies he focuses on God.

King David had his trials. He had adversaries both from within and from without. But time and again the Psalms show him bringing his woes to God. At God's feet his worries seem to evaporate as his gaze shifts from his problems to the solution.

Oh there is so much to learn from David, and this is a great pearl. Jesus invites me to give him my burdens. Take my yoke he says, for it is light. Cast all your cares upon me. 

As for me, I trust in the Lord. I am glad and rejoice in his love.

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! 

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.