Forgiveness and Mercy

Peter said, I will lay down my life for you.’ ‘Lay down your life for me?’ answered Jesus. ‘I tell you most solemnly, before the cock crows you will have disowned me three times.’ 

Jn.13:38 

Judas has just  left the Last Supper to betray Jesus. Jesus tells the remaining disciples where is he is going they cannot come, yet. Peter hotly protests that he follow Jesus where ever he goes. Jesus foretells Peter's impending denial.

Each Holy Week I am amazed at how much detail the Gospels record of Jesus' passion and death. It proves their authenticity, that what the world judges as an abject failure the Gospel writers are at pains to detail.

Peter's frail humanity is exposed over the next few days. The boasting hothead becomes a trembling coward, afraid even of a servant girl's accusations. This why I can identify so easily with him. If I was in this scene, I would be Peter.

The good news is that Peter the sand pile becomes Peter the Rock. The pivotal point that causes this transformation is even before Pentecost. It's when the resurrected Jesus meets Peter on the beach and Peter experiences Jesus' forgiveness and mercy.

I need to again and again experience Jesus' forgiveness and mercy.

Jesus, your forgiveness of my broken sinfulness is so wonderful it's hard for me to fully appreciate. Help me to be forgiving and merciful to the people I encounter today, for your glory.
Little Flower, pray for me.

Mourning to Dancing

Then the young girls will rejoice and dance, the men, young and old, will be glad. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console them, give gladness for grief.Jer.31:13

Jeremiah focuses much of his prophesy on the impending destruction of Jerusalem and Judah. However, here he looks even further into the future and prophesies the mercy and love of God drawing the scattered people back as one nation. Mourning is turned into dancing, grief into gladness.

God acts like a lovesick father. No matter how wayward I act he just can't help loving me and calling me back home. This "outrageous grace" offends many. They would rather see justice applied. I for one am glad of God's mercy as it is my only hope. I guess this makes me beholden to extend mercy to others.

And what happens when mercy is given and received? Mourning is turned into dancing, grief into gladness.

Jesus, you extended mercy even on the cross, asking your Father to forgive your killers. Help me not judge others but be merciful to them as much as I need mercy from you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Never Die

Jesus said to the Jews: ‘I tell you most solemnly, whoever keeps my word will never see death.’Jn.6:51

Jesus is speaking to the Jews who are arguing with him. He tells them the greatest reason for believing in him, victory over death, and they continue to argue.

This foreshadows what happened after Jesus' resurrection, still the Jewish Elders would not believe. Unbelief in Jesus continues to this day. Maybe in these days of pandemic Jesus' message will get another look.

If our faith has anything to say about anything, it has something to say about death. Death is not the worst thing that can happen to a Christian. It's been defeated, lost its sting. Yes, one day my mortal body will die but that will only be the doorway into eternal life with God. This lets me stand up and lift my head.

Thank you Jesus that you have promised eternal life to those who keep your word. Help me be a "Word Keeper" today.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Loyal

They would have arrested him then, but because his time had not yet come no one laid a hand on him.

Jn.7:30

Jesus is in the Temple and openly proclaiming he is from God. The Jewish elders had already decided to kill him, they were just waiting for the moment.

Today's readings set the scene for Holy week. There is plotting from the killers in the First Reading, protection promised by God in the Psalm and Jesus the victim placing himself in their sights in the Gospel.

It seems Jesus had to experience the ultimate betrayal before being lead to his passion. The kiss of Judas. To have one of his inner circle of friends betray him in such a way would have been the deepest of cuts. It is said civil wars are the bloodiest.

The opposite of treachery is loyalty. This virtue is something I can practice in all my relationships, with my friends, neighbours, at work or at home. Especially at home...

Jesus, you experienced treacherous betrayal and yet returned it with loyalty and love. Help me be a loyal friend, a loyal Dad and Grandad, a loyal husband.
Saint Thomas Moore, please pray for me.

Hearing God

‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.
Lk.1:38

The angel Gabriel has just announced God's plan to Mary, for her to be the Mother of the Son of God. Mary gives her fiat, her yes, and instantly God is made flesh.

It struck me while reading this passage how this event affirms that life begins at conception. Jesus became one with mankind the moment Mary said yes. He wasn't a zygote or a "product of conception". He was God made flesh at that very moment. 

A lot can happen from a yes, especially when that yes is to an offer from God. Mary heard clearly what the angel was saying. There was no, "Could you run that past me again please?" She got it. I don't always hear God that clearly. This morning prayer time is the one time I'm quiet enough to listen. I must guard this time jealously.

Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness in being with me each morning I pray. Speak Lord, your servant is listening...
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me.

The River of Life

Wherever the river flows, all living creatures teeming in it will live.Ez.47:9

The prophet Ezekiel is given a vision of a river whose source is the Temple. Fish teem within it and life-giving medicinal plants flourish on its banks.  It is the river of life.

This scripture is such an encouragement to all who place their hope in what the temple contains, the living God. In these times of uncertainty from the COVID-19 virus pandemic it is good to remember that our God is the source of healing and of life.

Thank you Lord for your word of encouragement. I place my trust in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for Italy and pray for us.

Joy comes in the Morning

Sing psalms to the Lord, you who love him, give thanks to his holy name. His anger lasts a moment; his favour all through life. At night there are tears, but joy comes with dawn.
Ps.29:5

David writes this psalm, stating yes there will be tears but joy always follows.

A pessimistic Christian is an oxymoron. We always have hope no matter how uncertain the future as with the current COVID-19 pandemic. Joy always comes in the morning. These times are an opportunity to witness to the hope we have in Jesus and that witness can start with a friendly, kind, patient and yes, joyful countenance, today.

Lord Jesus, help me be a face of hope and joy to the people I meet today.
Saint Philip Neri, pray for me.