We recognize that being disciples of Jesus Christ does not take away experiences of suffering and loss; rather, we understand that God will give us what we need to make our way through even the darkest moments of life – turning our grief into joy.
Jesus promises the disciples that he will send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to come upon them after he leaves. The Spirit will shine in the world revealing sin, righteousness and condemnation. May the Spirit help us today to see clearly as we follow the Lord.
The commandment to love one another as Christ loves us will stretch us and invite us to offer our entire lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. May our “Yes!” open our hearts to God’s love in our lives as we share this love with those we meet today.
There is a cost to following the Lord: sometimes we must endure the hardship of hate in this world and contend with forces that would seek to destroy the goodness in our lives. Yet we do not stand alone; Jesus Christ gives us the strength we need to face this hardship with the power of his grace.
“Love one another as I love you” is an awe-inspiring commandment. We cannot do this alone; rather, Jesus chooses us and appoints us to follow his example and bear the fruit of unconditional love in our hearts. As our friend, he gives us the grace and strength we need to walk in the light of his love.
Philip’s desire to “see the Father” reminds us that even though the apostles walked with the Son, they longed to see the face of God the Father. Seeing isn’t believing; it’s only seeing. May our relationship with Christ grow stronger each day as we seek to follow the Lord as we journey through life.
As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to cultivate a fruitful harvest in our hearts. This not only means fostering the Fruits of the Spirit in our lives, but it also requires our willingness to be pruned of the spiritual vices and behaviors that keep us from God and one another.
The memorial of St. Joseph the Worker offers an opportunity to see how our work – great or small – can bring glory to God. What’s your work today? Look for the Lord in your labors and make your work an offering worthy of God.
The accident at the oil refinery in Superior last week was a stark reminder how we rely on and support one another in times of danger. Where do we find the strength to work together? United in our faith in Jesus Christ we are nourished with God’s grace so that we can offer our lives for one another.