Our lives are an ongoing search for meaning. Many of us yearn for a closer relationship with our God. Thankfully interactions with the Risen Lord are not reserved for extraordinarily holy people. Any one of us can be invited into a deep personal encounter with Jesus that overwhelm and transform us. In fact, the Risen Lord is always ready and eager to enter our lives with the transforming power of the resurrection. What life does Jesus offer to believers?
0 Comments
The Risen Lord is ever present in our daily lives. Following Jesus is more than attending Mass on a Saturday or Sunday. Jesus is present in our daily activities - at work or school, in our interactions with others. This presence calls us to be living witnesses; to live a life of love, joy, hope, peace and compassion. Jesus said to Peter, "Follow me." He issues this invitation to each one of us also. What does following Jesus mean today?
In our world there are now endless opportunities and means to travel and communicate across the globe. We have the opportunity to embrace the huge range of ethnic diversity that exists in the world and in our church. A global church for global citizens! So how do we maintain unity and identity in diversity? By listening for the voice of the Good Shepherd, Jesus. "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me." What is Jesus saying to us today?
Love seems to be a universal value in all cultures. All cultures celebrate marriage, children, family life, and friendship based on love and caring. "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." To be Christian is to love and the sign of discipleship in the world is to love as Jesus loved. How can we love one another?
In this fast paced world which seems to place so many demands on us - a sense of peace may be hard to find. Yet peace is exactly what Christ offers us. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you." In each interaction we have with others, we have a choice. Whether it be in person, on the phone, in an email or on social media, we can choose words and actions that foster peace. How can we be people of peace in our world today?
Jesus tells His disciples to go out to all nations to tell the Good News. That invitation is as current today as it was then and is addressed to each one of us. Yet we are not sent alone. We are invited to receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "I am sending upon you what my Father promised." We are called to be Easter people who spread the Good News by the way in which we live our lives. Where have you seen the Spirit of Jesus in your life?
Jesus is the living water. "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and let anyone who believes in me drink". Jesus is inviting us to encounter Him in our everyday lives. Where do you encounter Jesus?
|
After engaging with the readings of the week, on your own or in a small group, take a moment to make a comment about what message connected with you this week. Some prompts have been provided for you. ArchivesCategories |