Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: John 15:9-17
“Remain in my love. . . . I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”
Sometimes I find myself pondering the enormous challenges we face as a Church, on the many lost sheep we need to reach, on the great needs of the world, and I feel overwhelmed. It is easy to lose perspective when trying to grasp a picture bigger than what my mind can understand. What brings me back to a place of peace and joy? Love.
This Easter, I shared the joy of my brothers and sisters, who were welcomed into the Catholic Church in a more personal way, as I had the privilege of walking with them during their RCIA formation time. I knew their names, their commitment to answering the call, the sacrifices they made to come to formation each Wednesday evening, the love and dedication of their sponsors and family members. I knew their story; I knew them. And in knowing them, I loved them. And in loving them, I shared in their joy.
When the world seems too big for us and the problems we face overwhelm us, we need to return to love. We grasp the infinite when we look at the small, at the individual. I don’t know how to love the idea of all my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, but I know how to love a person. I get to know them. I let them in. When the idea of God seems too big and overwhelming, I look to the altar. I see a piece of bread broken for me. It is there I find Someone who knows me, who knows my story. It is there that I find love and peace.
Ponder:
When you find it hard to serve someone this week, try to learn more about their story. See if you find it easier to love.
Pray:
Lord, open my eyes, open my ears, open my heart. Lord, help me to love like You.
Copyright 2022 Ivonne Hernandez
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