In preparation to write this reflection, I decided to ask some random people this question: “What is the meaning of ‘peace’ to you?” All of them articulated their answers in different ways, but, for all of them, peace generally meant that there are no wars in the world, no problems…
Today’s readings bring to mind a recent workshop at my parish that I attended on the charisms of the Holy Spirit. We reflected on how God has given each of us unique gifts, along with ways to discern which charisms are especially ours. One insight that stayed with me is…
When we look at today’s Gospel, we hear the Apostles asking Jesus to show them the Father. They don’t quite understand. Jesus responds, “No one comes to the Father, except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father.” If we pause and look at Jesus’…
While the Lord Jesus Christ was having a conversation with His disciples, Philip, one of His apostles, made a request, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” (John 14:8). Jesus responded: “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is…
As I walked through my university corridors last week, I noticed one of my former students sitting with another student by the corner, reading their well-marked-up Bibles. The marked-up Bibles caught my attention. I have known this student as a hardworking young man, but not particularly religious. I approached and…
“Amen, amen I say to you no slave is greater than his master…nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him…. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen.” ( Jn13:16-18) John’s Gospel speaks so clearly to the necessity of the Christian…
The Emmaus Disciples, Abraham Bloemaert, 1622[1] In today’s gospel (John 12) Jesus tells us: “I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness”. One of the main effects of Easter is joy, and joy can be translated into light. Light expels…
In today’s Gospel, our Lord says: “My sheep hear my voice. And I know them: and they follow me.” Jn 10:27. So how can we accustom ourselves to hear God’s voice and follow Him? How do we differentiate God’s voice from ours or the demon’s? First, we must make time…
The image of Jesus as the good Shepherd has something to do with our own identity as children of God; “See what great love the Father has bestowed on us, that we are called children of God—and we are.” (1 John 3:1). The fact that we are his children gives…
Today’s second reading is from the First Letter of St. Peter. St. Peter writes to Christians in far-flung areas in Asia Minor who were experiencing ostracism and persecution for their faith. The reading begins: If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace…