Thursday | April 29, 2021
John 13:16-20
Jesus reiterates the absolute necessity of the disciples’ understanding his relationship with the Father and how it speaks to their relationship with one another. Being a disciple does not lead to greatness in the eyes of the world. Being a disciple, with the heart of a servant, leads to life everlasting with the Father. Jesus hints at Judas’ imminent betrayal the fulfillment of Scripture. The hour has come.
I am thankful for having the lens of the Resurrection through which to read and reflect on the events that you willingly entered into. You did it for me. Lead and guide me in serving you and my sisters and brothers this day and all the days to come.
Wednesday | April 28, 2021
John 12:44-50
This conclusion of the Book of Signs in John’s Gospel leads the reader into the Book of Glory. The high points of Jesus’ teachings held, for John, thus his readers, the key to understanding Jesus and the Father. They tell of his union with the Father and the power he draws from that union; he is the light of the world and he came to save, not to condemn; judgment will come to those who reject him.
Tuesday | April 27, 2021
John 10:22-30
The Jewish leaders press Jesus to tell them if he is the Messiah. He replies that he has already told them and they did not listen. Jesus then goes on to use the metaphor of the sheep knowing the voice of their shepherd. These men do not know the voice of their Lord, who is one with the Father.
They press for answers but don’t listen because it is not what they want to hear. I am guilty of doing the same thing. Help me to listen, to hear and to trust your answer.
Monday | April 26, 2021
John 10:1-10
Jesus is vigilant, and like a gate, remains at the entrance of the pen guarding the sheep. He knows his sheep and his sheep know him. He likens the Pharisees to the thieves and robbers who do not enter through the gate and whose intention is to “steal and slaughter and destroy.”
There are so many predators in this world today, especially those who prey on those too young, too old, naïve and easily swayed. I pray those most vulnerable.
Sunday | April 25, 2021
John 10:11-18
This is one of the most beautiful metaphors used to understand and know Jesus. It is a relatable “I Am” proclamation for the people. There are good shepherds and bad shepherds. The latter save themselves when the sheep are threatened by a predator. The good shepherd will do anything to save the sheep up to and including laying down his own life.
You made me, O God, and I belong to you. You laid down your life for me. I know your voice, Kind Shepherd and love hearing you call me, especially when I have strayed.
Saturday | April 24, 2021
John 6:60-69
The disciples admit that they find Jesus’ words difficult to understand, his directives difficult to follow. Some choose to return to their former lives. The Twelve remain and Peter speaks for the others professing belief in Jesus, the “Holy One of God.”
Through times of trial and doubt, I too have come to believe there is nowhere else to go, and certainly no one else to go with but you. You are the only way.
Friday | April 23, 2021
John 6:52-59
These passages in the discourse begin with the Jews quarreling with one another about Jesus offering his physical flesh. He responds to this by telling them that they are not asked to eat the flesh and blood of his earthly body but spirit-filled flesh and blood of the Son, glorified.
I will admit that is near impossible to completely understand the Eucharist because of my human limitations but because you say it, Lord, I believe.
Thursday | April 22, 2021
John 6:44-51
The Eucharistic theme is at the heart of this Gospel and the word “believe” is fundamental. Jesus must be consciously received as the bread from heaven, God’s revelation. Eating his flesh and drinking his blood provides ongoing nourishment for the believer. This belief is not optional. It is essential.
Eating and drinking take on a whole new meaning in the Eucharist. I realize that prayer, reflection and belief in what it means are so important in my receiving your body and blood.
Wednesday | April 21, 2021
John 6:35-40
The food and drink analogy in John’s Gospel is to present Jesus as the one, the only one needed to gain eternal life. It is God’s will that everyone believe. The crowd’s initial misunderstanding, in reality unbelief, is proof that they see what they want to see, not what is really real.
I can understand what it is to see only what I want to see. Believing can be difficult, even scary. I pray for clarity and courage.
Tuesday | April 20, 2021
John 6:30-35
The crowd boldly asks Jesus for signs. What else can he do for them? Clearly their enthusiasm about the multiplication has faded. They site what Moses did for the people in the desert. Jesus responds by saying that God was responsible for that miracle, not Moses. He reminds them again that the bread of God is not meant to satisfy their physical hunger.
I know I can be pretty dense. How many times do you have to tell me? How many ways do you have to say it? Thank you for your patience and persistence.
