Thursday 5th Week of Easter

“Why are you putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?” Acts 15:7-21

Undo burdens. 

All the early Christinas were Jews,

So they kept all the Jewish customs such as the Sabbath AND Broke the Bread on Sunday 

But then the Gentiles started following Jesus,

And it was decided that they did not have to keep all of the Jewish customs in order to be Christian. 

For it was an unnecessary burden. 

For “Everyone was saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.”Acts. 15:11

Do we ever put undo burdens on others to make them prove they are true Christians?

Do ever ever measure another person’s Faith by certain expectations that we have of them?

When Jesus is all we need!

Wednesday 5th week of Easter

Bearing Fruit. Jn. 15:1-8

What good is a fruit tree that bears no fruit?

Might as well cut it down. 

And thrown into the fire. 

What good is a Christian who bears no fruit?

Jesus is the vine

And only if we remain in Him will we bear fruit. 

We remain in Jesus and He in us when we receive His Body and Blood at Mass. 

Then He is part of us and we are part of Him. 

And then we will bear abundant fruit!

Tuesday 5th Week of Easter

“The crowds stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city supposing he was dead. “ Acts. 14:19-28

Do not count the cost.  

Paul was dragged out the city and was stoned to the point of almost dying. 

Rather than walk away;

Undaunted. 

He got up and went back into the city. 

His response was that it was necessary to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God!

Paul did not count the cost, because what He was going to receive in the Kingdom far outweighed the pittance he had to pay. 

For the hardships of this life are as nothing to the rewards of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Monday 5th Week of Easter

 “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.”  Jn. 14:21

Do you Love Jesus?  

Everyone questions God’s love for us. 

“If God loves us why does he allow suffering in the world?”

Is it possible that most of the suffering in the world is because WE do not love God!

If we did love God we would keep His commandments

And by keeping His commandments much of our self inflicted sins and suffering would come to an end. 

Fifth Sunday Easter

 Do not like your heart to be troubled Jn. 14:1-2

What troubles your heart?

Loneliness or loss?

Politics and the state of the world?

Finances or work?

So what do you do about it?

Some people have a drink;

Others choose to eat;

Others shop. 

Some just complain or get angry. 

Everyone has something they turn to when their heart is troubled. 

Does it really help?

Not much. 

The disciples had given up everything for Jesus. 

Their Family and livelihood. 

And now He was leaving them. 

And their hearts were troubled. 

And he told him do not let your heart be troubled

Have faith in God and faith in him.

Not Faith in the bottle or food or politics or anything this world has to offer. 

But Faith in God and Faith in Him.  

That is why we come here

To put our Faith in Jesus. 

To put our Faith in Him who calmed the wind and the waves;

To put our Fatih Him who healed the sick and forgave sinners;

To put our  Faith in Him who raises the dead. 

For only Jesus can bring Peace to troubled hearts!

Friday 4th Week of Easter

The Way, the Truth and the Life Jn. 14:1-6

We have the latest trends giving us directions 

People telling us what to believe;

Even Life Coaches telling people how to live. 

But none of these things or people can replace Jesus. 

For Jesus is the Only Way, the Truth and the Life. 

And those who follow the latest trends for directions;

Who listen to Other people’s opinions 

And follow life Coaches,

Instead of Jesus 

Are sure to get lost along the way. 

Thursday 4th Week of Easter

No one is greater.  Jn. 13:16-20

Jesus said that,

“No slave is greater than His Master,

No messenger greater than the One Who sent him “

If Jesus is our Master as He is, 

then we are His slave;

Called to do whatever He asks. 

If Jesus is the Sender,

Then we are His messengers who must go wherever He sends us. 

How often do we think of ourselves as slaves and messengers of Jesus?

“Blessed are you if you do!”