Fifth Monday of Ordinary Time

As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

As word of Jesus’ healing powers spread, more and more people come to him seeking to be cured. They might not know Jesus’ message, but they recognize his authority from all his good works. We too should recognize Jesus’ authority and power and turn to him for help with our problems whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. And just like those who sought him out so long ago, we will be healed, too. We have only to come to him in faith, stretch out our hands in hope, and lovingly accept the graces he gives us.

Do we recognize Jesus’ authority in our lives? Do we come to him when we are sick or in trouble? Are there other people in our lives who we can lead to God’s healing powers?

O Lord, heal us of our afflictions.

Amen.

Fourteenth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

Jesus takes pity on all of us. He is moved by our every suffering, illness, setback, and trial. He becomes our shepherd through his proclamation of the gospel and his sacrifice on the cross. He cures us of our sins so we can walk his Way, he preaches the Truth to us, and he teaches us how to live our lives as children and heirs of God. We may feel troubled and abandoned at times, but we are never alone. Jesus is always at our side wanting us to turn to him and ask for his aid. When we do this, he gives it abundantly and without reservation. His compassion and forgiveness are unfathomable and we are blessed to have him with us on this earth. Let us hope we will be good and faithful servants so that we can spend the rest of eternity in his good graces.

What are we troubled about? Do we feel abandoned by God? How can we remind ourselves that Jesus is with us?

O Lord, show pity on us and lead your poor sheep through the heavenly gate.

Amen.

Seventh Monday of Easter

I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.

Jesus offers us peace in himself and trouble in the world. When we have consecrated our every thought, word, and work to God, then we shall have the inner peace that comes with being genuinely righteous. We shall take courage in Christ as not only our Savior, but as our model for life. We will conquer the world, not with acts of violence, but with acts of love, mercy, and grace. Still we will have much to suffer before our lives come to fruition. We will be persecuted by family, friends, and neighbors. We will be mocked and misunderstood. The empty consolations of the world cannot give us the peace we are looking for, only God can do that.

What are the troubles we have suffered because of our faith? How do we open our hearts up to God’s peace? How do we use the courage that comes from having our hearts aligned with God?

O Lord, grant us peace and courage.

Amen.

Fourth Friday of Easter

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.

When we are going through times of trouble we should try to keep these words in mind. We might have doubts, fears, and anxieties, but as long as we keep the Living Word of God in our hearts, there is nothing that can trouble us. So let us have faith in God and love Him and his children with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths.

Are our hearts troubled? If so, then how can we calm them and remember God is always with us? If they are not troubled yet, then how can we prepare ourselves for those future trials that lay ahead?

O Lord, calm our troubled hearts.

Amen.