The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/041415.cfm) reminds me of one way we could lift Jesus high through our lives.
In the gospel, Jesus explained to Nicodemus that the Son of Man should be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. And in the first reading, we see how evidently God is lifted high by the way the early disciples lived. They cared so much for each other, sharing what they have to their less fortunate brothers and sisters. This is one of the reasons why the apostles bore witness with great power – because God is so alive in them.
Genuine concern for others makes God more alive.
The more we share, the more we think of others, the more others will feel God’s love more alive through us. And the more we help others, the more God uses us and the more we feel God transforming us. This simple thing makes a big difference, especially during this time when people want more and more for themselves at any cost, ignoring others and even ignoring morals.
May we be inspired and be moved by this. Simple and genuine care for others go a long way.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder. Lord, I am sorry for the times I ignore you and I ignore others. Sorry for the times I just focus on myself, on my dreams, on my want – ignoring others I could have helped along the way. Sorry for failing to do good to others. I ask that you mold me and transform me, Lord. Make me more and more like you. In my own little way, may I show genuine love and concern to others, and may it make you more alive in the world. amen.
Blessed day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflections:
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April 14, 2015
Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
Lectionary: 268
Reading 1 Acts 4:32-37
The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,
but they had everything in common.
With great power the Apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them,
for those who owned property or houses would sell them,
bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the Apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need.
Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas
(which is translated “son of encouragement”),
a Levite, a Cypriot by birth,
sold a piece of property that he owned,
then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5
R. (1a) The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is king, in splendor robed;
robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
And he has made the world firm,
not to be moved.
Your throne stands firm from of old;
from everlasting you are, O LORD.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed:
holiness befits your house,
O LORD, for length of days.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia Jn 3:14-15
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man must be lifted up,
so that everyone who believes in him
may have eternal life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Jn 3:7b-15
Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“‘You must be born from above.’
The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes,
but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes;
so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Nicodemus answered and said to him,
‘How can this happen?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this?
Amen, amen, I say to you,
we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen,
but you people do not accept our testimony.
If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe,
how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?
No one has gone up to heaven
except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,
so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”
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