They had squabbled, jockeyed for position, questioned why they were chosen and looked for more direction from Jesus on what was to come and what they were to do. And in this passage, Jesus calmly notes the disciples will abandon him soon—and that’s all right, for God will never leave him or them. The hard work has already been done, even before his Passion begins.
The hard work has been done for us, too, but sometimes, we forget that. There’s so much we want to know: What is heaven really like? Will we see all our loved ones there? Will we get answers to our questions about the reasons for the suffering they and we have experienced? We don’t know. But Jesus has given us the greatest comfort possible—he’s with us every step of the way here on earth, and the trouble we experience is fleeting. As the Almighty is with Jesus, so Jesus is with us.
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*** The disciples thought they understood Jesus speakig plainly in John 16:29-30, "Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking plainly. You are using examples that are clear. Now we can see that You know everything. You don’t even need anyone to ask You questions. This makes us believe that You came from God.” *** But they didn't really understand in John 16:31-32, "“Do you believe now?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming when you will be scattered and go to your own homes. In fact, that time is already here. You will leave Me all alone. But I am not really alone. My Father is with Me!" *** But Jesus gave the disciples one thing they can hang their hats on in John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of Me. In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world!" ******* So it is with me...I cannot and will not understand God's Word without the help, guiadance and power of the Holy Spirit in John 16:12-15, "I have much more to say to you. It is more than you can handle right now. But when the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own. He will speak only what He hears. And He will tell you what is still going to happen. He will bring Me glory. That’s because what He receives from Me He will show to you. Everything that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said what the Holy Spirit receives from Me He will show to you!" Amen!!! *** John 14:26, "But the Father will send the Friend in My Name to help you. The Friend is the Holy Spirit. He will teach you all things. He will remind you of everything I have said to you!" *** Romans 8:26-27, "In the same way, the Holy Spirit helps us when we are weak. We don’t know what we should pray for. But the Spirit Himself prays for us. He prays through groans too deep for words. God, Who looks into our hearts, knows the mind of the Spirit. And the Spirit prays for God’s people just as God wants Him to pray!" *** Holy Spirit, come! Come and help me understand God's Word I read! Come and guide me into following God's plan for me! Come and power me up to do the work God has prepared for me to give Him all the glory! In Jesus Name I pray in agreement with the Holy Spirit and to the glory of God, Amen!!!
Good morning LFF, thank you all for your prayers for Rita K and her family. Ken, your prayer was especially touching, given she battled the cancer for 4 years. Last year, she was well enough to travel to Italy to see relatives there. She was overjoyed that she was able to do that. Her celebration of life on Thursday will be awesome, just heard they expected an overflow at the bereavement luncheon following mass. PeggyR here’s the funny story about Sunday’s at our house. Often it was dad who made the sauce for family dinner . He was a good cook but to be honest, mom’s sauce was better. My homemade sauce is pretty good but it can never compare to my mom’s or grandma’s sauce. Have a blessed day and may the Lord receive and grant you peace on this beautiful day.
Melanie thank you for the comfort of those words to guide us. I struggle with letting go and letting God/Holy Spirit guide me. When I do I always get great messages and guidance. I just have to remember to relax and trust :). :} Blessings to all the LFF. I pray all was wonderful for Mothers Day yesterday and that all find God's love each and everyday, especially those needing extra support t. Rusty I hope your letter to your children's mother was guided and inspired from the Holy Spirit and went well. May we all go out and spread the love of God throughout all the world.
Thank you Melannie for the calming reflection. On this Monday morning, I really needed to hear it. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
i love Pentecost. Every time I pray the 3rd glorious mystery of the rosary I thank God for all the people he sent me to give me strength and encouragement and comfort when I needed them most. May he reward them in this world and in the next!!
Just great, Vincent! Yes, we are grateful for the people Our Lord sends to us in our lives. A little snippet of hope and happiness when we least expect it.
Vincent I totally agree with you. I love the third glorious mystery and praying it.
Amen Vincent! So glad you were able to feel uplifted.
(Day 4 of Novena)...Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your love. Set our lives aflame with your gifts. Grant us: wisdom to choose what is good and true; understanding to embrace your plan of salvation; right judgment to act according to your will; courage to share our faith with others; knowledge to live as disciples of Jesus Christ; reverence to respond faithfully to your grace each day; and wonder and awe in your presence. Inspire us with enthusiasm for our Catholic faith. Grant us boldness to proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, and help us to bring the transforming power of the gospel to our world. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. AMEN. ... OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY, GLORY BE... Monday, May 13, 2024 – The Holy Spirit Gives Life to Dry Bones Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Listen, I will make breath enter you so you may come to life. Ezekiel 37:5
Come Alive Dry Bones by Lauren Daigle https://youtu.be/8Pz53h3z_Co?si=BnPbrMoxJJzfSGGt
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Amen!