Seventh Sunday of Easter • Year C
Jesus reveals that God’s very nature is restorative, generous, and merciful. He was willing to die for our small-mindedness so that we might become spacious and welcoming. During this Easter season, we are invited to live more fully the soul’s journey of life, death, and resurrection modeled by Jesus. The Holy Spirit prompts our soul with discernment so our hearts and minds learn and may be transformed. Where would we be without the learning we are given in prayer, in service of others, and participation in the liturgies of our church?
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time • Year B
God is patient with us, but we are often afraid, self-absorbed or stubborn. The great spiritual writers and mystics have told us that, while it is a little scary, when we allow ourselves to be emptied God will fill us up again with Himself. He will make whole what is broken, He will heal wounds, He will soften hearts, He will forgive sins. How can this be? In today’s gospel Jesus responds his disciples similarly incredulous question…
Fourth Sunday of Lent • Year B
Today’s readings pour out an abundance of love. In the middle of this season of obedience through austerity, sacrifice, fasting, and charity, today’s scriptures boldly remind us of the depth and the breadth of God’s love for us. In fact, John’s Gospel quenches all of our human longing for acceptance, belonging, respect, and love. John’s Gospel tells us that actions of our prompt devotion and hopefulness of our eager faith find fulfillment in our lifelong love affair with the Creator of the Universe. Fewer words in scripture frame the mind of God and the incarnation of Jesus with such clarity and magnanimity as we hear today:
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.