John 14:1-12
Congratulations to the Children who will receive the Lord in the Eucharist for the first time. Happy Mother’s Day. And congratulations to all who have a reservation in heaven. Jesus promised that He has a place prepared for us and will come back to take us to Himself.
If Christians believe what we say we believe, we should be the happiest people on the planet. Eternity has been purchased for us through the Blood of Jesus on the Cross and all that we have to do is accept the gift. Getting something for nothing always feels awkward. When someone gives us a present and we don’t have one for them; the waiter comes to tell us that the bill has been paid by an anonymous friend; the countless times we have been complimented and feel unworthy of praise. We do not know what to do or how to act when we receive something for noting. Since childhood we are taught that we have to earn our way through life. We get an education, try to find a good job in order to support our family, and we “give back” to the community. Nothing in life is free. Yet, a “free ride” is what Jesus offers to all who believe in Him. The biggest obstacle is guilt. A voice comes into our mind that tells us that we are not worthy, that we are sinners, and that God cannot possibly forgive the wrong we have done. The voice is not from God. God is never the accuser. “He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.” We do not have to look for happiness anywhere else.
The bill was paid by Jesus on the Cross—a long time ago. Yet, so many have not heard—so many still do not believe—countless are trying to earn their way to heaven. Why do we want to pay for something that is free? Why do we have so much trouble accepting a gift? Story about a man who went on a cruse ship. Since he spent all his money paying for the trip, he had nothing left. So all through the cruse he ate crackers and drank water—only to discover at the end that the food—the banquet—the shows were all included. Unfortunately, some people do not find out until the end what they’ve been missing.
The Banquet is free. Children who are receiving Christ for the first time need to be reminded that the minimum to receive Our Lord is once a week. That’s why the weekend is an obligation—not something that we do for God, but something God does for us. We need to be fed, every day is we wish—but minimum—just to survive is once a week—for the rest of our life. Worst statement anyone can make, “I don’t receive Holy Communion because I have a sin on my soul.” Get rid of it! Come to Reconciliation. God is ready to forgive—over and over. Better than a mother—because God invented mothers. Not even our mothers can love us more than God, but they come close. Mamas also forgive, over and over. The essence of love is forgiveness—can’t have one without the other. Illumination comes when we realize that we are loved beyond our understanding—without conditions.
Just like the disciples we have our share of fears. Jesus reassures us: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
Congratulations to the Children who will receive the Lord in the Eucharist for the first time. Happy Mother’s Day. And congratulations to all who have a reservation in heaven. Jesus promised that He has a place prepared for us and will come back to take us to Himself.
If Christians believe what we say we believe, we should be the happiest people on the planet. Eternity has been purchased for us through the Blood of Jesus on the Cross and all that we have to do is accept the gift. Getting something for nothing always feels awkward. When someone gives us a present and we don’t have one for them; the waiter comes to tell us that the bill has been paid by an anonymous friend; the countless times we have been complimented and feel unworthy of praise. We do not know what to do or how to act when we receive something for noting. Since childhood we are taught that we have to earn our way through life. We get an education, try to find a good job in order to support our family, and we “give back” to the community. Nothing in life is free. Yet, a “free ride” is what Jesus offers to all who believe in Him. The biggest obstacle is guilt. A voice comes into our mind that tells us that we are not worthy, that we are sinners, and that God cannot possibly forgive the wrong we have done. The voice is not from God. God is never the accuser. “He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.” We do not have to look for happiness anywhere else.
The bill was paid by Jesus on the Cross—a long time ago. Yet, so many have not heard—so many still do not believe—countless are trying to earn their way to heaven. Why do we want to pay for something that is free? Why do we have so much trouble accepting a gift? Story about a man who went on a cruse ship. Since he spent all his money paying for the trip, he had nothing left. So all through the cruse he ate crackers and drank water—only to discover at the end that the food—the banquet—the shows were all included. Unfortunately, some people do not find out until the end what they’ve been missing.
The Banquet is free. Children who are receiving Christ for the first time need to be reminded that the minimum to receive Our Lord is once a week. That’s why the weekend is an obligation—not something that we do for God, but something God does for us. We need to be fed, every day is we wish—but minimum—just to survive is once a week—for the rest of our life. Worst statement anyone can make, “I don’t receive Holy Communion because I have a sin on my soul.” Get rid of it! Come to Reconciliation. God is ready to forgive—over and over. Better than a mother—because God invented mothers. Not even our mothers can love us more than God, but they come close. Mamas also forgive, over and over. The essence of love is forgiveness—can’t have one without the other. Illumination comes when we realize that we are loved beyond our understanding—without conditions.
Just like the disciples we have our share of fears. Jesus reassures us: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
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