“Even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” (John 10:38) In the Gospel of John, Jesus consistently calls his disciples to believe — believe in him, believe in God, believe in the Good News. What can you do today to deepen your belief in Jesus?
April 12
“It is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” (John 11:50)
The high priest Caiaphas said this in support of getting rid of Jesus. Yet the irony is that Jesus woulddie so that the people would not perish, but have eternal life. God can take evil plans and transform them. Give thanks to God for this great plan of love.
April 13 Palm Sunday
As we read the story of the Passion according to St. Matthew (26:14-27:66), we see how Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 50 and gives himself completely for us. As we begin Holy Week, spend some time in prayer and reflect on what Jesus has done for you.
April 14 Holy Monday
“I the Lord have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand.” (Isaiah 42:6)
“Our life does not exist by accident…My life is willed by God, from eternity. I am loved. I am necessary. God has a plan specifically for me.” (Pope Benedict XVI) Where have you heard the Lord call you this Lent? Can you believe in his love and his plan for you?
April 15 Holy Tuesday
“Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” (John 13:37) Peter had confidence in his own abilities, claiming he would die for Jesus. Yet a short time later, he will deny him. Judas, too, will betray Jesus. Yet Peter later accepted forgiveness, but Judas didn’t. We are asked to trust in Jesus’ forgiveness for our sins. Can you believe in his pardon?
April 16 Holy Wednesday
“The Lord God has give me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” (Isaiah 50:4)
Jesus was able to speak words of comfort to the weary, to the broken, to the lost. Can you believe in his presence, even when you feel lost?
April 17 Holy Thursday
“If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow.” (John 13:14-15)
The model Jesus gives us is one of loving service, of laying down his life for his friends. How can you follow Jesus’ example? How can you love?
April 18 Good Friday
“Let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.” (Hebrews 4:16)
The Cross is Jesus’ throne of grace, from which mercy and love pour out upon us. Jesus spent his life giving of himself, loving us and trusting in God. He took all of our sin, all of our pain, and took it to the cross with him.
April 19 Holy Saturday
“Something strange is happening — there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh.” (from an ancient homily on Holy Saturday)
Spend some time today reflecting on the past 40 days of Lent and give thanks for what Christ has done for you. After reading this, turn off the electronics and silently listen for God.
April 20 Easter Sunday
“I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.” (Matthew 28:5-6)
Alleluia! Jesus is risen! As Pope Francis said: “Love has triumphed, mercy has been victorious! God’s mercy always triumphs because God’s love is stronger than evil and death itself. God’s love can transform our lives too.” Rejoice and be glad! Seek to continue living in the new life God has given you! Alleluia!
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