Category: Daily Reflections

“The Father has sent Me.” —John 5:36 Jesus was keenly aware of being sent by His Father to minister to the world. In John’s Gospel, Jesus refers to Himself as being sent by the Father no less than thirty-eight times! He repeatedly emphasizes that we must believe that the Father sent Him (see Jn 17:21). The Father and Jesus continually testify that Jesus was sent by the Father (Jn 5:36). Jesus even tells His disciples the Father loves them because they believed He was sent by God (Jn 16:27). We disciples imitate Jesus. To be like Jesus, we must always...

“In a time of favor I answer you, on the day of salvation I help you.” —Isaiah 49:8 We have been fasting for four weeks to prepare for Easter. What will the Lord do this Easter? 1) Some who feel forsaken and forgotten will be assured of the Lord’s tender love (see Is 49:14-15). At first, this will not change the distressing circumstances of their lives, but will dramatically change their attitude toward them. 2) Long-term desolation will be replaced by restoration (Is 49:8). 3) Many people trapped in the prison and darkness of sin will come out and show...

“Remember, now, you have been cured. Give up your sins so that something worse may not overtake you.” —John 5:14 Fr. Al Lauer, founder and long-time author of One Bread, One Body, preached often on healing. One of his frequent exhortations during healing services was: “God heals you for service in His Kingdom. He didn’t heal you so you could be the healthiest person in hell!” Father Al often referred to St. Peter’s mother-in-law as the model of one who received healing. She was suffering from a fever (Mk 1:30). Jesus healed her, and immediately she got up and began...

“Joseph, son of David, have no fear.” —Matthew 1:20 Shortly before Jesus was crucified, He prayed: “O Father most holy, protect them with Your name” (Jn 17:11). “Guard them from the evil one” (Jn 17:15). We need to be on guard, for our “opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pt 5:8). We are in such danger that the Lord has assigned guardian angels to us (Ps 91:11), and the Holy Spirit has assigned pastors to guard us as members of the Church (Acts 20:28). Possibly the greatest guardian of all is...