In life, it is easy to see matters through “our worldly lenses”. We can start to think that God will follow our formulas and ways of thinking rather than being open to the Lord’s plan. When life doesn’t go our way, we can become anxious, stressed, and even dive into depression. We can push God away. Yet, we’re called to press into God in these moments – into his promises, his embrace, his offer of salvation.
Today's reflection is for anyone who's ever felt lukewarm about their faith. It must have taken a certain amount of desperation for this royal official to seek Jesus out. A few biblical commentaries say that he was probably a pagan, so right away, he’s not initially going to be open to the idea of a Jewish Messiah. We don’t know how long his son was ill, but we do know that it had become so serious that he begged Jesus to come and heal him.
I had a million questions for Jesus when my husband lost his job. “Are you friggin kidding me?!” “Why are you doing this to us?” “Don’t you see that we have a house, three kids, and I’m unemployed?”
For many of us, the Lord’s Prayer is like our favorite comfy, old sweatshirt – it fits, it’s easy, and it’s always there. Lets take a fresh look at an old favorite.
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” My word! Can you imagine having a pop quiz with Jesus? Today's reflection looks at Jesus naming Peter as the rock upon whom he builds the Church and what that might mean for you me.
We all love a good cliché, even one about the Church. A quote attributed Saint Augustine comes to mind here: "The church is not a hotel for saints, it is a hospital for sinners."
