Sunday | May 30, 2021
Matthew 28:16-20
Earlier in the chapter, the women who encountered the risen Jesus have gone as he told them to share their good news and tell the eleven that they are to go to Galilee. They go, and he is there. Any doubt that they have is overshadowed by Jesus’ divine instruction. They are to go out and make disciples, not just of a chosen group but of everyone, everywhere.
It is through the Spirit, the outpouring of the perfect love of Father and Son, that I am drawn into the divine relationship.
Saturday | May 29, 2021
Mark 11:27-33
“By what authority ….?” is more than a question posed by the Jewish leaders. It is a challenge. They have been publically chastised in the temple. They are ready to disprove what he has said and done. Once again Jesus responds with a question that silences his opponents.
There are so many who doubt you, your Church, and all who believe. I pray that they stop questioning and start listening.
Friday | May 28, 2021
Mark 11:11-26
The key to understanding this difficult Gospel is that an Old Testament image of Israel is a fig tree. The temple is to be a house of prayer for all people, not a certain select few. For Jesus, Jewish temple piety is insincere and does not bear fruit. That’s the source of his anger.
I know that I am not always sincere in my prayer and practice. With your help I will strive to be fully alive, conscious and active in faith.
Thursday | May 27, 2021
Mark 10:46-52
The blind man is persistent in his attempts to see Jesus. Some in the crowd try to quiet him but he pushes through. Though physically blind, Bartimaeus sees who Jesus is with eyes of faith. Once his sight is restored, he follows Jesus.
I pray to see you with eyes of faith, to hear you with ears of faith, to follow you and to share with others all that I have come to believe.
Wednesday | May 26, 2021
Mark 10:32-45
Jesus’ third prediction of his impending suffering and death is misunderstood by two of his closest followers. James and John are concerned about their status. Jesus uses their misunderstanding as an opportunity to reiterate the difference between God’s kingdom and the world.
You challenge me constantly, always with good reason. I often misunderstand what it meant to be a servant leader. It is not my needs but the needs of others that must come first. St. Philip Neri, pray for us.
Tuesday | May 25, 2021
Mark 10:28-31
Jesus demanded that the rich man go beyond all “that he has observed from his youth.” Those who have detached themselves from earthly things, people and possessions, to follow Jesus will be given so much more.
I understand that it is more about attachment than having things and relationships. I am thankful for all that I have and pray that when a sacrifice needs to be made I choose you.
Monday | May 24, 2021
John 19:25-34
The scene is both tender and heartbreaking. The mother and the beloved disciple remain with Jesus until the end. They are together in that moment and will remain so by Jesus’ instruction. The Church is born and Mary is and will always be her mother.
Pray for us, Holy Mother of God. May we, the Church, carry on your Son’s mission until he comes again.
Sunday | May 23, 2021
John 20:19-23
The disciples are hiding behind locked doors. Jesus is suddenly in their midst and twice offers them peace. It is now time for them to go out to continue the mission he began. Jesus breathes on them in the same way the Father breathed life into the first human. They are filled with his Spirit, the outpouring of the perfect love between Father and Son.
I was baptized as an infant and confirmed as a young teen. It was not until adulthood that I began to breathe the life breath of your Spirit in me.
Saturday | May 22, 2021
John 21:20-25
No sooner has Peter responded to Jesus’ by professing his love for him, he questions Jesus about John. The reader senses tension between Peter and John, which may, according to Scripture scholars, have more to do with John’s community. Nonetheless, Jesus responds by reminding Peter that he is not to be concerned about John. Jesus commands Peter once more to follow him.
I see in John the ideal disciple. He gets it. Peter, on the other hand reveals to us a human person, flawed and weak, but in the end really trying. I do identify but know you love me despite my sinful nature.
Friday | May 21, 2021
John 21:15-19
This beautiful exchange between Peter and the risen Lord is Peter’s opportunity for public repentance. Three times he denied knowing Jesus. Three times he professes his love for him. Jesus’ role as shepherd is now passed on the Peter and he too will lay down his life.
I know that like Peter, I am weak. But you invite me into your loving arms and enter into my weakness and give me your strength.
