Rejoice in the Lord, always – Christ has risen, Alleluia!
Our journey through Lent is complete; however, our mission to spread God’s word continues. We are also called as the apostles gather and declare their mission, continuing the task Jesus set before them.
Our world seems upside down today! Each day, we hear of wars and atrocities committed upon God’s people worldwide, and we wonder, will it and how can it ever end? As the apostles gathered in prayer, we are called to unite in prayer. First, the apostles appointed a delegation to promote God’s message. Pope Francis has declared this year as the year of prayer, and today, we are the appointed delegation to pray and spread the message. We begin and end each day in prayer; we attend Mass and receive the Eucharist, but what actions are we called to take?
Having the dedication and patience to be still and listen with determination to quiet the busyness of our thoughts and lives may help us focus our prayers and intentions on the needs right before us. When we offer our thoughts and actions, we pray they are worthy of being offered to God.
Let’s place ourselves in the boat with the apostles, witnessing Jesus walking on the sea. Can we wonder how we would react? Would we be terrified and paralyzed at the sight of Him? Or, could we be courageous enough to leap out of the boat and swim toward Him? We may equate our response to Jesus’ call in our daily lives. Do we hesitate when we aren’t trusting enough to sacrifice and go beyond our comfort level to do what our Lord calls us to do? Whether God’s invitation is a simple task or uncomfortable or inconvenient, God asks for a ‘yes.’
Let Us Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of this day and for the grace of faith that you have given me. Look into my heart and thoughts today and help me to be open and totally responsive to your call. Show me the path I should take to serve you, and may every action I take be worth offering to you. Help me to give your love entirely and be an example of what it is to be your disciple. Amen.
