Forgiveness and Mercy through the Crucifixion

Good Afternoon, dear reader. Well, we certainly have our work cutout for us with so many readings. So let's get down to business.

Today is a waiting game. Everyone is trying to come to terms with what happened yesterday. How could Jesus be dead? Why did this happen? What do we do now? So many questions and no answers. Or is there?

The first two readings remind us that God created all we have. He reigns over all things living. It also reminds us that sometimes God puts us to a test to see how faithful we will remain when asked to do the impossible. This same theme is brought about in Exodus and the parting of the Red Sea. Moses was facing terrible odds. The Israelites were complaining. They were tired of travelling and not seeing any results. What was the point? They should have stayed where they were and made the best of it. But, Moses hung in there. He knew that this was something God wanted him to do. This can be viewed as Moses's test of faith. Could he still bring these people out of the mire they were in? Could he believe that God wanted this for His people? Moses remained faithful in his quest for God. God provided a way when there appeared to be none.

These readings resonate with me. At the moment, my husbaand and I are facing an impossible situation that doesn't seem to have an answer. We have tried our best and continue to keep going. My fear and anxiety multiply as each day passes. I don't want to face what the outcome will be if something doesn't materialise. But, my husband keeps reminding me to keep my faith in God, that He will provide an answer as He's always done when situations have been dire. 

I will be honest, dear reader. This has not been easy for me. I'm the sort of person who will work and work to find an answer. There has to be a way. There has to be something I can do to fix this. But, now, this time, there's nothing I can do. I've tried. And I have resigned myself to what the consequences will be. I've basically given up. BUT.. I have this teeny little glimmer, my hope in God, that He will somehow pull us out of this. So, I keep soldiering on... and I, as you,..continue to be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on todays readings: https://youtu.be/FDNilYlRmXQ

Promises

Good Afternoon, dear reader. We see the promises of God fulfilled both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. 

In Genesis, God assures Abraham that his family will multiply and lead for generations. The amazing part of this tale is that Abraham was 90 years old!! This was a miracle only God could perform. This gives all of us hope for the future. If God could use Abraham in his old age to build a kingdom, just imagine what God can do with us! We just need to trust in His timing and His promises, no matter how difficult things may seem. 

As we move to our Gospel reading, we again see Jesus trying to tell people that He was God in human form and that He knew Abraham and his joy at being assured of a future. The Jews thought Jesus was insane or possessed by the devil. They were so incensed by this, that they began to throw stones at Jesus! Jesus knows this a fight He can't win, so He choses to just walk away. 

This reminds us that we are to chose our battles carefully. Sometimes the best answer is no answer. As long as you are following Jesus and doing good, there's not much else you can do. You also need to remember that your words speak of who you are. Be sure you are only speaking in kindness. Oftentimes, your reputation will be built upon your promises, your actions and your beliefs. 

Today, do a "gut check". What is your reputation like at this moment? Do you follow through with your promises to others? Do you speak kindly and with encouragement? Make sure you're walking with God and doing the right thing. And, as always friend, be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_07kj4ntgfI

"Words" by Hawk Nelson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf_H7Lwl0FI

Cast Aside

Do you have siblings? If you do, you can understand what it is that Joseph is dealing with. Can you imagine your sibling disliking you so much that they plot your death? I'm sure as children, we've all had that fantasy at least once. I'm sure my own children may have had that thought a time or two. lol 

Joseph really suffers because his father favors him above his other children. Joseph's brothers ridicule him about his dream. They couldn't think of being subjects under Joseph's rule. It's more or less "you can't tell me what to do!" and Joseph saying that someday he will! The brothers' jealousy is so bad that they plot his death. But then they reconsider. After all, Joseph is their flesh and blood. So they decide to sell him. Now the brothers have to come up with some good excuse why Joseph is gone. So they decide to tell their father that he had been accidentally killed. Upon hearing this, their father is utterly devistated. I'm sure the brothers must've felt terrible seeing their father be so forelone and saddened. This is their punishment for their jealousy. This is something they will have to live with the rest of their lives.

We see a similar story play out in today's Gospel. We see what people will do when they are greedy or jealous. Jesus used this story to illustrate to that oftentimes it is the one who was cast aside, the one who has been forgotten who will have the most favor with Him in heaven. We should take comfort in this, especially if you are one of those people who always is left out, who is ignored, who isn't accepted by society. You may have to suffer for a time here on Earth, but be assured that you will be the favored one in heaven. Trust in Jesus. Place all your hurts and brokeness at His feet. Allow Him to hold you up. Let him fill the emptiness. You are loved and wanted by Jesus. And that's really all that matters.

Show kindness to all. Sometimes it takes just takes one word to make someone's day better. As I always remind you... be a nice human. 

Listen to Father Bill's take on today's readings. Then take some time to reflect on it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tjV0KOzMn0