NEED A LIFT?
“When you lift up the Son of Man…” –John 8:28
Mass Readings: April 4
First: Acts 5:12-16;Resp: Psalm 118:2-4,13-15,22-24;Second: Revelation 1:9-13,17-19;Gospel: John 20:19-31
When the Son of Man is lifted up, Jesus will draw all people to Himself (Jn 12:32) so that they may realize that He is God (Jn 8:28), believe that He is Healer, and receive eternal life (Jn 3:14-15). Lifting up Jesus unleashes a life-changing, parish-changing, and world-changing sequence of events. Therefore, we must devote ourselves to ensuring that Jesus is constantly being lifted up.
How is Jesus lifted up? He is lifted up:
- on His cross. Display crucifixes everywhere – in your home, parish, school, office, car, and other places.
- at the elevation of the Eucharist in Mass. Attend Mass daily or as often as possible, and invite others to join you.
- as He is exposed in the monstrance at Eucharistic adoration. Adore the eucharistic Jesus whenever possible.
Work to promote eucharistic adoration wherever you can.
- in a manner of speaking, in the praises of His people. Praise God daily. Praise Him in church (Ps 150:1). Praise Him with the spiritual gift of tongues (1 Cor 14:2, 17). Start or join a prayer and praise group. Pray the Divine Praises. “Praise the Lord!” (Ps 150:6)
- during Sunday Mass, as the Word of God, Jesus (Jn 1:1, 14), is lifted up as the priest or deacon lifts high the Book of the Gospels before proclaiming the Gospel reading. Teach others to tremble at His Word (Is 66:2).
Jesus proclaims: “I – once I am lifted up from earth – will draw all men to Myself” (Jn 12:32). Therefore, “lift high the cross!” Lift up the name of Jesus! Give your world a lift.
PRAYER: Jesus, may I decrease so that You may increase (Jn 3:30).
PROMISE: “You will surely die in your sins unless you come to believe that I AM.” –Jn 8:24
PRAISE: St. Isidore’s brothers and sister also became canonized saints
