May 2022

Reflection for Sunday May 29th

Sunday Gospel: Jn 17:20-26

This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Easter season before we celebrate Pentecost. During the Easter season, many of the Gospel readings come from the Gospel of John. During the second part of the Gospel of John, Jesus gives some pretty long discourses. He talks about the good shepherd, being the vine, and in this passage on unity. Jesus prays to the Father on our behalf and as I prayed with this passage two things stood out. 1) Jesus sincerely wants us to have unity with God, and with himself, and with our self and 2) Jesus wants the love of God to be in us. As Christians, we should always pay special attention to the words and actions of Christ. As we hear this passage, we should reflect on whether or not we feel united with God and whether the love of God lives in us. I also think that it is interesting that Jesus demonstrates the way to be united with God and his love as he prays for it. Prayer is more than asking for things, it’s a living relationship that leads to union with God. What is your prayer life like and what is one thing you can do to improve it?

Reflection for Sunday May 22nd

Sunday Gospel: Jn 14:23-29

In this reading, Jesus is talking to his disciples about following the word of God and the importance of believing and following His word. This passage really emphasizes the importance of trusting God. We need to trust that God has a plan for us, and to understand what He needs of us, we need to be attentive to what He is trying to tell us. It’s also important to know that, despite Jesus no longer being with us physically, we can still share our struggles and questions with him. Building a relationship with God takes time, prayer and patience. What can you do to build your relationship with God over time?

This week's reflection is by Nora, MSJA class of 2022. Nora will be going to Penn State in the fall.

Reflection for Sunday May 15th

Sunday Gospel: Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35

In the Gospel, Jesus gives us a new commandment: he tells us to love one another. Knowing that Judas has betrayed him, and his time is coming, Jesus asked his disciples to love one another as he has loved them. But not only to love each other, but to love the whole world. This tells us that Jesus has the world’s best interest in mind because he knows when he dies, it is up to his disciples to spread his good word. This passage connects to our christian life, and we can apply this passage to our lives by simply doing what Jesus says and being kind. Loving someone can be as easy as smiling at them, holding the door open for them. Just by being kind we are putting more positive energy into the world. Our good intentions and actions will have a lasting impact on some lives and could change people for the better. Keeping this in mind, how can you love the world as Jesus tells us to?

This week's reflection is by Jake B, SJP class of 2025.

Reflection for Sunday May 8th

Sunday Gospel: Jn 10:27-30

This Sunday we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. When we refer to Jesus as the good shepherd we are emphasizing the care he has for his flock. The good shepherd is willing to go after the lost sheep and to lay down his life for his flock. What strikes me from this passage is the knowledge that the shepherd has of his sheep. He knows his sheep and they know his voice. This knowledge can only come from spending time together. Do you spend time with Jesus? Do you allow him to really know you or do you keep him at a distance?

Reflection for Sunday May 1st

Sunday Gospel: John 21:1-14

This Sunday’s Gospel contains a resurrection account from the Gospel of John. It is a mirror of when Jesus called his first disciples while they were fishing. After the crucifixion, the disciples go back to what they knew, fishing. Upon recognizing that it is Jesus on the shore, Peter jumps into the water and swims to the shore. This would be the first time Peter has encountered Jesus since denying him three times. I am struck by how quickly Peter rushes to Jesus. He does not let shame, guilt, or his sin prevent him from going to Christ. It is a lesson for us when we sin. Do we follow the example of Peter and go to Jesus our merciful Lord or do we hide and avoid the God who loves us and knows us? This Easter season how can you experience the love and mercy of Jesus?