We discover in the Gospel of John of the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. This is a dark hour in the history of our salvation, and it underscores the consequences of our actions and our reliance on God’s infinite grace.
The Passion of Christ is the greatest love story ever told. As we reflect on the depth of the Lord’s sacrifice for our sins, may we encounter the compassion, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, who gave his life that we might be with him in Heaven.
The prophetic words of Caiaphas reveal an insight into God’s plan for our salvation, “it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people.” Jesus Christ takes our place by his death on the Cross so that our sins might be washed clean by his blood. May this fact bring us to our knees in grateful thanks for what God has done for us.
Jesus reveals his majesty as the Son of God through his relationship with the Father and the works that he performs. The moment we acknowledge this fact our lives profoundly change as we conform our thoughts, words and actions to the will of our Lord.
Jesus teaches in the Gospel of John that “whoever keeps my word will never see death.” As the Son of God, his sacrifice on the Cross becomes the means by which we gain eternal life. May the promise of Heaven inspire our words and actions here on earth.
Jesus speaks of his relationship to the Father and invites us to become his disciples by remaining in his word. What attacks this connection? Sin. Yet the closer we draw near to the Lord the clearer we see our need for God and the grace that Christ alone can offer us.
In John’s Gospel we hear Jesus state that he is “I AM” not once but twice. These words echo back to the time of Moses, who was told by God that “I AM” is his name. Let us be clear: Jesus is Lord, the 2nd Person of the Trinity whose divinity will be fully revealed when we stand before him at the end of time. May we live accordingly!
Fr. Andrew offered a Teaching Mass for the kids from the Cathedral religious education program on April 3, 2019. This 40 minute presentation summarizes the explanation about the Mass and how we can get more out of this crucial prayer that Jesus left us.
The encounter between Jesus and the woman caught in adultery offers an insight into both the judgment and mercy of God. May we cherish the Lord’s compassion as we honestly examine our hearts for whatever keeps us from God and one another.
As doubt and division surround Jesus in the Gospel of John, we recognize the presence of division in our lives and throughout the world today. Wherever we find ourselves isolated and at odds with one another, may we draw near to the Lord and ask for his grace to bring unity and peace.