Lenten Reflection Day 45 Holy Week: Luke 23:46

Listen to audio version here: https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/Lenten-Reflection-Day-45-Holy-Week-Luke-2346-eu38h8

“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

Reflection

Good Friday is the affirmation of faith.

There are many aspects of our lives that are always not in our control. Some of them cause us a great deal of inconvenience and, at times, sorrow. Jesus on the Cross shows us that no one is immune from life’s perils and injustice. However, when we place our trust in God, life’s trials offer transformation and redemption.

Today’s Intention

Lord Jesus, you give us the Passion as a sign of trust in your Father and the Holy Spirit. We ask that you move our hearts with the same grace of faith.

Peace and Goodness

Lenten Reflection Day 39: John 11:51-52

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Lenten Reflection Day 39: John 11:51-52 https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/Lenten-Reflection-Day-39-John-1151-52-etkq60

“he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.” (John 11:51-52)

Reflection

Passover is upon us; the Lenten season is approaching its fullness. A day when Jesus willingly offered himself as a spotless lamb, establishing a new Passover of salvation. One sacrifice to unite us all, the near and the far.

Today’s Intention

Jesus, Son of the living God, you established a new Passover of eternal life to those who believe. May we praise you eternally for your priestly offering of redemption.

Peace and Goodness

In The Power of The Spirit

English ( Para Español haga clic aqui. )

 

The life Jesus was not directed by his own accord but by the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus brought hope to the poor, freedom to the captive and the oppressed, and healing to the wounded (cf. Luke 4:18-19). His ministry manifested God’s love and mercy.  In other words, redemption for all of us.

Through the sacrament of baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to direct our lives we imitate Jesus we building up the kingdom of God.

 

Español.

La vida de Jesús no fue dirigida por su propia voluntad, sino por el Espíritu Santo. A través del Espíritu Santo, Jesús trajo esperanza a los pobres, libertad a los cautivos y oprimidos, y curación de los heridos (Lucas 4: 18-19). Su ministerio se manifiesta el amor y la misericordia de Dios. En otras palabras, la redención para todos nosotros.

A través del sacramento del bautismo, recibimos el Espíritu Santo. Cuando permitimos que el Espíritu Santo dirija nuestras vidas nosotros imitamos a Jesús erigiendo el reino de Dios.

First Sunday of Advent

“But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13: 32).

On this first Sunday of Advent, Mark reminds us to be prepared for Christ’s return. Therefore, “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33).

The next 25 days of Advent are an opportunity to reflect on what we are doing to stay watchful:  “Behold, I am coming soon. I will bring with me the recompense I will give to each according to his deeds” (Revelation 22:12). What is our relationship with God? Are our thoughts, actions, and words inviting Jesus to come into our lives? (cf. Rev 22:20) How are we loving God and our neighbors? (cf. Luke 10:27) Are we aware of our shortcomings? What steps are we taking to improve our faith, hope, and love? (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:13) Have we served others with corporal and spiritual works of mercy?

Advent is a chance to ask God with hopeful hearts: “Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved” (Psalm 80:4). With the armor of God’s grace, we can draw strength from the Lord and stand firm against the darkness and evil of the world      (cf. Ephesians 6: 10-13).

We ought to rejoice during the Advent season with Paul’s words to the Corinthians in the second reading:

“…for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:4-7).

On Christmas Day, we celebrate our Savior’s first coming, his Nativity, and his Incarnation. A joyful occasion indeed, but one gravely incomplete if we fail to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

This Advent season, let us ponder our watchfulness. Let us keep in mind Isaiah’s words: “You, LORD, are our father, our redeemer…we are the clay and you our potter: we are all the work of your hands” (Isaiah 63:16; 64:7).

– God, I give my heart to you this day; may you will it to please you.