Reflection for the Week

Peter pointed out that the Twelve had given up a lot, and he wanted to know what they would get in return. Jesus foretold the mockery and death that He would suffer, prompting James and John to ask for reserved places right beside Him in glory. Even the Apostles had a lot to learn about serving. With figs out of season, Jesus caused a tree without fruit to wither-an example of dramatic results the Disciples could receive by praying with belief. When we doubt that God will grant what we ask, do we try to see whether the doubt comes from withered

In prayer, Jesus said that He had accomplished the work given to Him by the Father. He prayed for others sent to carry on His mission. After the Resurrection, Jesus met a group of the Disciples on the beach, where He asked Peter three times to confirm His love for the Lord-the same number of times that Peter had denied knowing Jesus as He faced Crucifixion. If we become distressed because it seems that the Lord keeps asking us to show our love for Him, do we stop to realize what it would take to tally every time God has shown His loving forgive

Jesus had told the Disciples that they would mourn but then rejoice to see Him again. He rose but would return to the Father, wanting them to continue His work and not let persecution stop them. They should love one another, remain in His love, and testify to that love. Knowing that they could bear to hear only so much, Jesus promised that the Spirit would come to guide them. When the Lord seems distant, do we ask to come closer to heartfelt understanding of what we need in order to love as He taught?

Before the Crucifixion and Ascension, Jesus promised the Disciples that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to remind them of things forgotten and give them new enlightenment. Most importantly, the Lord told His friends to love one another, as He loved them. He would go to the Father, and they knew the way-a comment that baffled Thomas until Jesus called Himself the way! After the miraculous cure of a crippled man, early Church missionaries Paul and Barnabas shouted that people must not treat them like gods. On the other hand, persecutors thr

Like a good shepherd, whose sheep know and follow His voice, Jesus leads the faithful. Before the Crucifixion, He assured the Disciples that He would go, prepare a place for them in the Father's house, and come back. They already knew the way to get there-Jesus Himself! When we fail to see God working in today's world, do we look at how we can do better at allowing God to work through us?

People had seen loaves and fish miraculously multiplied, yet they asked Jesus the next day for another sign-something like manna in the desert given to their ancestors. Arguments occurred about how the Lord could possibly give His flesh as the Bread of eternal life. In the early Church, God worked through the Apostles but also through the Pharisee and ruthless persecutor who became Saint Paul. When we want a sign from God, do we consider that flashiness can temporarily blind us?

Jesus had multiplied five loaves and two fish to provide more than enough food for thousands of people. God doesn't ration the Holy Spirit, either. After Jesus' death, a member of the Sanhedrin advised having nothing to do with the Apostles. If just a fad, their ministry would die out. If not, religious leaders might find themselves "fighting against God"! Do we pray to understand what more God asks of us or stop after saying that we have had enough challenge?