Tuesday | April 5, 2022
John 8:21-30:
The tension is escalating rapidly as Jesus’ final days draw near. In today’s Gospel, he speaks publicly about his divine origin and at the same time his obedience and subservience to the Father. He tells the “Jews,” though they may not know him now, they will when they raise him up on the cross. John tells us that those words bring some to believe.
I reflect today on the depth and breadth of those two words, “I AM.”
Monday | April 4, 2022
John 8:12-20:
In the first reading from Deuteronomy, we hear a story about the false testimony undone by a proper investigation. For every question posed by the Pharisees in John’s Gospel, Jesus has an answer and counters every argument. They are not willing to accept Jesus’ testimony because their minds are already made up.
There are so many who cannot or will not accept the truth. They spin their own truth. I want so much to help them see.
Sunday | April 3, 2022
John 8:1-11:
The scribes and Pharisees are not interested in the woman’s transgressions or the precepts of the law. They are using the situation to trap Jesus. Jesus is not interested in a moral debate but rather takes hold of the exchange with a profound demonstration of God’s gracious mercy.
Lord, have mercy on those who live in regret and grieve over their sinful ways. Lead them to your loving and forgiving embrace.
Saturday | April 2, 2022
John 7:40-53:
Though the people are singularly focused on Jesus’ human origin so much so that they do not understand, the guards see something extraordinary in Jesus. They present this to the Pharisees who balk. It is Nicodemus, himself a Pharisee who challenges their unwillingness to look harder, to go deeper.
Not once did you strike back as you could have. Your power was in your powerlessness. I am thankful for your example.
Friday | April 1, 2022
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30:
Jesus cannot go anywhere without being watched and scrutinized. He does not hide for that would not serve his mission, God’s mission. Jesus affirms the knowledge of his human origin but, he tells them, there’s more to it. Jesus is sent from God.
There are those who watch and scrutinize others. They work hard to undo the good being done. There are those who recognize and affirm the good. I pray for the day when good will triumph over evil once and for all.
Thursday | March 31, 2022
John 5:31-47:
Finally in this discourse, Jesus speaks of the witnesses that testify to him. John the Baptist inspired some. There are Jesus’ works and the words written in Scripture. Finally, he addresses the Jewish people about the written witness of Moses which they profess to believe.
God, though we too can be “stiff-necked” you love us so. We pray for ourselves and others that minds and hearts become open to your love.
Wednesday | March 30, 2022
John 5:17-30:
Jesus has done God’s work on the Sabbath. It is because of his intimate relationship with God that he does so which further infuriates the Jews. In the discourse Jesus goes into depth about how he and the Father are one. Jesus is in God and God in him.
Thank you, God, for those you commission, from the first to the present, who teach and write about the perfect relationship of Father and Son.
Tuesday | March 29, 2022
John 5:1-16:
Imagine the desperation, even despair this man feels. Jesus knows before he asks that the man wants nothing more than to be healed. What better day is there for this miracle to take place than on the Lord’s Day. The hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders is abundantly clear. Not only do they condemn Jesus for the timing, but they also condemn the man for carrying his mat.
No doubt we all have times when we are hypocritical. May we, by your grace, be sincere and genuine in our relationships.
Monday | March 28, 2022
John 4:43-54:
The Galileans in Cana experienced Jesus’ power at the wedding feast. Now a pagan official asks Jesus to heal his son. The child is healed, not by touch but by Jesus’ word. By questioning his staff, the official realizes, the miracle took place at the very moment Jesus spoke from afar. This powerful sign brought the official and his entire household to believe.
Through the time taken to pray and reflect on your word, I have seen my life change in so many ways. I am grateful.
Sunday | March 27, 2022
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32:
There is great joy felt in finding something that has been lost. So, it is for the father. The meaning of prodigal is extravagant. The father has been wronged and yet his actions express his extravagant love for his son. He waits in hope for his return and then once reunited celebrates in an unexpected way. This is how we are to understand our Father.
We pray for all those who are lost. May they come to understand what they have given up and return to the welcoming arms of God.
