Monday, May 15, 2006

Dwell Within Us May 15

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for inviting us to share in your journey. Now please help us on our journey. We have so much affluence, that sometimes we blind ourselves to the simplicity of your message.

Rabbi, help us to turn away from the things of humanity, gold and silver, and the works of people rejecting the false idols of celebrity, wealth, and other temptations.

Teacher, reminds us to simply love and love simply. These acts are the only true ways to prepare a place for you to dwell in our lives. When we do, come along with us wherever we go. Amen.

Study
http://www.usccb.org/nab/051506.shtml

“Whoever loves me will keep my word,and my Father will love him,and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” John 14:23

The answer! Verse 23 today answers two mysteries in the Gospel of John. Certainly it immediately answers the questions about why Jesus revealed himself to the disciples. However, it also answers the question posed by Andrew and John back in chapter 1:

The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” John 1:38-39

As Fr. Paul explained to the Reunion of Leaders earlier this year, another translation of the question from Chapter 1 is “Where do you dwell?” While the disciples were asking the question about physical needs, what they hear at first is, “Come and you will see.”

Now, after encountering Jesus in public ministry, they learn that Jesus dwells and wants to dwell with whoever loves Jesus and keeps his commandments. Jesus and God want to be our “companero” on the journey.

Just as we travel in community, Jesus wants to be a part of that community.

Just as Jesus invited the disciples to “come” to him in chapter one, now he explains that, like a friend, he will come to us when we love him and do as he asks.

Action
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2006/06-093.shtml

Review last week’s testimony by Anastasia K. Brown, director of refugee services for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops/Migration and Refugee Service. She explained that “this nation can meet its national security protection goals without jeopardizing the tradition of welcoming refugees, asylum-seekers, and other vulnerable populations to its shores.” After reviewing her message, contact your members of Congress and urge their support for just laws that support Catholic Social teaching on this issue.

(If the e-mail doesn't come through every day, reflections are posted at http://www.yourdailytripod.blogspot.com/.

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