The death of John the Baptist is an outrage, a stark example of human cruelty that assaults our sensibilities. While we acknowledge the presence of violence and hatred in our world we continue to see in the Cross of Christ God’s response: a love that embraces our sins.
Jesus returns to the village where he grew up and encountered the disbelief of those who were trapped in the past. All of us are works in progress and every day provides us with one more opportunity to grow as Sons & Daughters of God…even if those who knew us as children fail to see how far we’ve grown.
Every day we have the opportunity to learn life lessons, whether it’s good or bad, pleasant or painful. As we follow the Lord we can take these lessons and become more fully sons and daughters of God…preparing for the day when the Lord will call us to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Moses speaks face-to-face with the Lord, to the point that his face becomes dazzlingly bright. Everyday in our prayer and sacraments we, too, can encounter Jesus Christ in a powerful and personal way…transforming our lives as well.
The Lord’s explanation of the parable of the weeds and the wheat reminds us that in the face of the Final Judgment we have the opportunity today to seek the mercy of Jesus Christ.
When God said to King Solomon, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you,” Solomon offers a response that is profound…inviting us today to consider how we carry out the Lord’s plan for our lives as we serve others with God’s grace.
Martha’s conversation with Jesus reveals the depth of her friendship and the conviction of her faith. May her example inspire us to turn to the Lord in our need with the same trust.
As Jesus explains the meaning of the parable of the sower, he provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what needs to be removed from our hearts as we cultivate our lives for the Lord.
God does the planting, and it’s our job to do what we can to help the seeds grow. What’s the Lord planting in your heart today? What are the obstacles? What can you do to cultivate a harvest worth of the Lord?