April 13, 2015

Sacred Spaces

For the past 15 years, the Irish Jesuits have been running a daily prayer website which invites us to make a “Sacred Space” in our day to think and pray. This “sacred space” during our busy day is a great opportunity to pause and see where we are relative to where we want to be. We may be happy or sad depending on how near or far we are from the goals we have set for ourselves.

As spiritually imperfect as we are, our good Lord has seen to it that whenever we need a boost, whenever we need a re-think to determine what is really important in our lives, he will always be with us with blessings of strength and wisdom to help us through. All it takes is for us to accept our frailties and in humility, pray to him for succor and support.

In the First Reading, the apostles were panic-stricken and confused immediately after the death and resurrection of Jesus. On the other hand, today’s Gospel reading tells of Nicodemus’ search for answers on how to be closer to God. In both instances, the Holy Spirit breathed life to those in need, providing courage to proclaim the love of the one true God, and providing clarity of heart and mind to experience oneness with our Creator.

Let us pray that we may be granted the precious gift of being born In The Spirit and be instruments of God’s love.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 31, Issue 3

<< Monday, April 13, 2015 >>

Pope St. Martin I

Acts 4:23-31
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Psalm 2:1-9

John 3:1-8
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MANY HAPPY RETURNS?

"After being released, the two went back to their own people." —Acts 4:23

The Church has completed the eight-day celebration of the Octave of Easter. We have been celebrating Jesus' return after three days in the tomb. When Jesus rose from the tomb, He returned to His followers. He then acted with great power, teaching the Scriptures and conferring the Holy Spirit in a life-changing way.

Peter and John imitated Jesus' pattern when they were set free after being held captive. Upon "being released, the two went back to their own people" (Acts 4:23). Together, they prayed with such confidence and power that the building shook. "They were filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 4:31). The apostles later continued this pattern of imitating Jesus: whenever they were set free, they returned to their fellow believers immediately (Acts 5:41ff; 12:11-12; 14:19-20).

Like Jesus, Peter, and John, we've been celebrating our own release from captivity these past eight days. Where now will we return? Many return to their TV to watch baseball or basketball. Others return to the movies, soap operas, restaurants, and other diversions. Will we return to the isolation of the pleasures of this world, thereby stripping ourselves of power? "Remember that you have been called to live in freedom — but not a freedom that gives free rein to the flesh" (Gal 5:13). Imitate Jesus and the apostles. Return now to your brothers and sisters in Christ, and return in the power of the Spirit (see Lk 4:14).

Prayer: Father, "grant to Your servants, even as they speak Your word, complete assurance by stretching forth Your hand in cures and signs and wonders to be worked in the name of Jesus, Your holy Servant" (Acts 4:29-30).

Promise: "I tell you you must all be begotten from above." —Jn 3:7

Praise: Pope St. Martin asked himself, when abandoned by former friends, "Why am I anxious? The Lord is near."