Lenten Reflection Day 33: John 12:26

Listen to audio version here: https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/Lenten-Reflection-Day-33-John-1226-et50kl

“The Father will honor whoever serves me.” (John 12:26)

Reflection:

Today is a day for rejoicing in the Lord, for today we remember Jesus’ agreement with us. Our Savior expresses the perfection of his covenant in three parts.

First, the Father will honor his followers. No human being can ever make this claim, only the Son of God. Second, Jesus died for all humanity. It is Jesus’ sacrifice of love on the cross that unites us with him. Third, our works in faith, obedience, and charity aim at glorifying the Lord, not us.

Today’s Intention:

O God, thank you for this Lenten day of service in worship, thanksgiving, and joy through the grace of your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Peace and Goodness

P.S. I invite you to join me during Sunday Mass streaming this morning at St Mary Cathedral, Austin Texas at 9:30 AM CST.

Lenten Reflection Day 5: Nehemiah 8:9,10

Listen here: https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/Lenten-Reflection-Day-5-Nehemiah-89-10-eqndmf

“Today is holy to the Lord your God. Do not lament, do not weep! Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our Lord.” (Nehemiah 8:9, 10)

Reflection

Let us not fast on the Lord’s day. God made Sunday for prayer, almsgiving, and joy.

Today is a day for worship. A celebration of the blessings in our lives. An occasion to relieve others’ sufferings according to our gifts.

Today’s Intention

Lord, this is the day you made for us. Please help us to experience and share it fully as you command us today.

Peace and Goodness

One-Minute Reflection 1 Timothy 2:5 (30 Days of Prayer for Unity#11)

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: One-Minute Reflection 1 Timothy 2:5 (30-Days of Prayer for Unity#11) https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/One-Minute-Reflection-1-Timothy-25-30-Days-of-Prayer-for-Unity11-epnr13

“For there is one God.

There is also one mediator between God and the

human race, Christ Jesus, himself human”

1 Timothy 2:5

Reflection

A cause of division in our lives is the worshiping of other gods. Among them: technology, people, and our desires.

These gods are the golden calves of our generation, to whom we worship for short-lived joy.

Only God and Christ Jesus can give us lasting joy. When we focus on their love, we can properly use all the gifts in this world.

Today’s Intention: O Lord, You made this day for us. May we use the gifts you have made available to glorify You and to obtain real joy: unity with You and our community.

Peace and Goodness

One-Minute Reflection: Heb 4:12

Audio Reflection

“Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints, and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” Heb 4:12

Reflection:

The world is filled with words. Most of them are inconsequential.
They are like the air that we breathe in without noticing.

Some words are inspiring. They move us to action.
Some words bring joy; others bring pain.
They are like jewels that adorn us or rocks that disfigure us.

Then there is the word of God. It is the incense of life
The well of joy that keeps us hydrated in the desert of despair.

His word is intentional. The word of God calls out the fragility of our humanity while revealing the hope of the promise of salvation