Category: Memory Verse

“Your business is to follow Me.” — John 21:22 In today’s Mass readings, we heard two conclusions, one from the Acts of the Apostles and the other from the Gospel of John. As we read through Acts of the Apostles, we meet Saul of Tarsus, who brought many Christians to trial in chains (Acts 9:2). At the conclusion of Acts, Saul (now known as Paul), is himself a Christian (Acts 28:31) and is in chains (Acts 26:29) for his steadfast belief in Jesus, Whom he earlier persecuted (Acts 9:4). At the conclusion of John’s Gospel, Jesus says to Peter, “Follow...

“They differed with him over issues in their own religion, and about a certain Jesus Who had died but Who Paul claimed is alive.” —Acts 25:19 Imagine investing your entire life to run after a Man Whom you have never seen and Who claims to be God risen from the dead. This is the decision that each Christian makes. We have decided not just to go to Church, say some prayers, or live a decent life, but to throw ourselves at Jesus’ feet, worship Him, deny our very selves, and follow Jesus even to the cross (see Lk 9:23). “We...

“They are Your gift to Me.” –John 17:24, RNAB Jesus said that God the Father’s gift to Him was twelve men (Jn 17:24). That very night, one of these twelve would betray Him (Mt 26:20-25, 47-50). His hand-picked leader would deny that he knew Him (Lk 22:57-60). All the rest, except St. John, would abandon Him (Mk 14:50). What a “gift”! Yet Jesus loves these apostles so deeply that He truly considers them a great gift. Jesus sees them not just for who they currently are, but for who they will become in Him and in the Holy Spirit. Thanks...

“I consecrate Myself for their sakes now, that they may be consecrated in truth.” –John 17:19 Today is the sixth day of the Pentecost Novena. Both the first reading and the Gospel reading are concerned with truth. St. Paul warns his disciples that men will distort the truth and attempt to lead them astray (Acts 20:30). Jesus likewise mentions in the Gospel reading that He has guarded His disciples and that they will need further protection (Jn 17:11-12). Jesus then consecrates Himself so that His disciples will be consecrated in truth (Jn 17:19). The next day, Pontius Pilate asked Jesus,...

“Do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit; He Whom you serve is the Lord.” –Romans 12:11 When you received the Holy Spirit, the devil immediately tried to extinguish the flame (1 Thes 5:19). At the same time, the Lord stirred the Holy Spirit into an even greater flame in your life (2 Tm 1:6). Yield to the Spirit. Put on the lampstand of your life the gifts and fruit of the Spirit (Lk 8:16). The Lord will continue to light your fire. With Mary, go into the hill country (Lk 1:39) and give as a gift what has...