Category: Prayers

“I am thirsty.” –John 19:28 Jesus was thirsting for the people of Jerusalem to “come to” Him (see Mt 11:28). He told them: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…how often have I yearned to gather your children, as a mother bird gathers her young under her wings, but you refused Me” (Mt 23:37). Jesus thirsted for a people who would accept His saving love, listen to His words, and put them into practice (Mk 4:8-9). Jesus poured out His life for His beloved people, teaching, healing, and working miracles in their sight. “Despite His many signs performed in their presence, they refused to...

“Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples (the one about to hand Him over), protested…” –John 12:4 The four Suffering Servant readings from Isaiah during Holy Week reveal that there is no self-centeredness in the Suffering Servant (Is 42:1-7; Is 49:1-6; Is 50:4-9; Is 52:13—53:12). Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, a holy family devoted to Jesus, reveal a focus on Jesus and a lack of self-interest as they minister hospitality to Jesus (Jn 12:1ff). Sadly, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, showed a total focus on himself and a lack of focus on Jesus during the week he...

“Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples (the one about to hand Him over), protested…” –John 12:4 The four Suffering Servant readings from Isaiah during Holy Week reveal that there is no self-centeredness in the Suffering Servant (Is 42:1-7; Is 49:1-6; Is 50:4-9; Is 52:13—53:12). Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, a holy family devoted to Jesus, reveal a focus on Jesus and a lack of self-interest as they minister hospitality to Jesus (Jn 12:1ff). Sadly, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, showed a total focus on himself and a lack of focus on Jesus during the week he...

“When they came to Skull Place, as it was called, they crucified Him there and the criminals as well, one on His right and the other on His left.” ––Luke 23:33 “One of the criminals hanging in crucifixion blasphemed [Jesus]: ‘Aren’t You the Messiah? Then save Yourself and us.’ But the other one rebuked him: ‘Have you no fear of God, seeing you are under the same sentence?’ ” (Lk 23:39-40) Today’s Gospel passage from St. Luke confirms that every action has a consequence. Are we living for the world like the bad thief? Or do we have the eternal...