Sunday | April 10, 2022
Luke 19:28-40,22:14-23:56:
The assembly processes with blessed palms elevated, heralding Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. “When the hour came,” the words that begin Luke’s Passion narrative draw the listeners into the dramatic unfolding of God’s plan. Through tremendous suffering and a humiliating death, Jesus, the Messiah is glorified.
We process, with palms elevated, shouting Hosanna. It is our attempt to enter that moment in time. We hear your passion proclaimed for the first time this week. How blessed are we to know the rest of your story, our story.
Saturday | April 9, 2022
John 11:45-56:
There are those witnesses of the miracle of Lazarus brought back from death who came to believe in Jesus. Then there are those who use Jesus’ action to destroy him. The Jewish leaders gather. It is the high priest Caiaphas who influences their decision as to how to proceed. Jesus is a threat and so better to sacrifice him than their nation.
There are those who unite and there are those who divide. Strengthen your people. Bring us together in your name.
Friday | April 8, 2022
John 10:31-42:
The people are unable to accept anything Jesus says about his relationship to the Father. Because they believe his words to be blasphemy, the good works Jesus has done count for nothing. He returns to the place where his ministry began. The people make the connection between John and Jesus and with that, they come to believe in him.
I pray this day for those who do not believe. Holy Spirit, touch their hearts, open their eyes, draw them to the truth.
Thursday | April 7, 2022
John 8:51-59:
The volley of words between the Jews and Jesus continues and the dispute intensifies. He tells them that he is greater than Abraham and the prophets. Though presently in the first half of his human life, He, the great I AM, was before they came into being. This clear assertion of his divinity sends the Jews over the edge.
You are God’s greatest covenant. Thank you for inviting me into that eternal relationship. I pray for those who do not understand.
Wednesday | April 6, 2022
John 8:31-42:
Jesus is speaking to those Jews “who believe in him” about his Father. There is still confusion and resistance. They take what he says about sin as slavery literally and become defensive about their heritage. Jesus quells the dispute by stating clearly who he is and “whose” he is.
Loving God, I give you glory. You are the way, the truth and the light. Your love frees me from the bondage of sin.
Tuesday | April 5, 2022
John 8:21-30:
The tension is escalating rapidly as Jesus’ final days draw near. In today’s Gospel, he speaks publicly about his divine origin and at the same time his obedience and subservience to the Father. He tells the “Jews,” though they may not know him now, they will when they raise him up on the cross. John tells us that those words bring some to believe.
I reflect today on the depth and breadth of those two words, “I AM.”
Monday | April 4, 2022
John 8:12-20:
In the first reading from Deuteronomy, we hear a story about the false testimony undone by a proper investigation. For every question posed by the Pharisees in John’s Gospel, Jesus has an answer and counters every argument. They are not willing to accept Jesus’ testimony because their minds are already made up.
There are so many who cannot or will not accept the truth. They spin their own truth. I want so much to help them see.
Sunday | April 3, 2022
John 8:1-11:
The scribes and Pharisees are not interested in the woman’s transgressions or the precepts of the law. They are using the situation to trap Jesus. Jesus is not interested in a moral debate but rather takes hold of the exchange with a profound demonstration of God’s gracious mercy.
Lord, have mercy on those who live in regret and grieve over their sinful ways. Lead them to your loving and forgiving embrace.
Saturday | April 2, 2022
John 7:40-53:
Though the people are singularly focused on Jesus’ human origin so much so that they do not understand, the guards see something extraordinary in Jesus. They present this to the Pharisees who balk. It is Nicodemus, himself a Pharisee who challenges their unwillingness to look harder, to go deeper.
Not once did you strike back as you could have. Your power was in your powerlessness. I am thankful for your example.
Friday | April 1, 2022
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30:
Jesus cannot go anywhere without being watched and scrutinized. He does not hide for that would not serve his mission, God’s mission. Jesus affirms the knowledge of his human origin but, he tells them, there’s more to it. Jesus is sent from God.
There are those who watch and scrutinize others. They work hard to undo the good being done. There are those who recognize and affirm the good. I pray for the day when good will triumph over evil once and for all.
