Learning and Understanding

Good Morning, dear reader. I was struck by the simplicity of our reading in Acts today. Philip asks this gentleman if he understands what it is he is reading. This could actually be interpreted in two ways. Do you KNOW what you are reading!?! In other words, do you know the importance of what it is? Or, he could simply be asking if the man understands the words written and what they mean. As the conversation continues, the man gets the impression that what he is reading is of some importance. So he asks Philip who it is that the passage is being written about. The man wishes to be taught about the bible and about Jesus. As Philip helps the gentleman read through these passages, he is converted right there and declares that he wishes to be baptised! 

This is often how it goes when people are introduced to Jesus and to scripture. They have a thirst for knowledge and understanding that can only be found in faith. I was that way when I started learning about the bible. I love to learn. I can be like a sponge. The bible I had been using at that time had become well worn. There were page markers, bookmarks, highlights, underlines, pieces of paper, you name it. You could tell how often I used it and learned from it. That's what we all should be doing. Don't be afraid to mark up your bible. Put your own notations in it. These are all things that will help you as you read through it. 

John's Gospel continues on with the Bread of Life discourse. Jesus keeps repeating this so that everyone will understand that God is the giver of life and that those who believe in Him also believe in Jesus, which can give us eternal life. "Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from Him comes to Me" (v45). This is why we need to understand what is written in the Bible. We listen to God's word, and His teachings. We can then begin to understand the importance of Jesus Christ. 

This was my hope in starting this blog. To help myself gain a deeper understanding of my faith, to keep me close to Jesus, and to give me something positive in my life. I also hoped that maybe I could help others learn of Jesus and His words and teachings. I would gladly spend time discussing all things faith. So, dear reader, if you ever have any questions or just wish to talk about something, feel free to leave a comment, or even email me. You can also reach out to me via social media. I don't have dedicated social media accounts for Everyday Faith because so far I have zero followers on my blog. But I will leave a link to my Twitter account that I use for this. And always remember, dear reader... be a nice human.😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://youtu.be/-dqe5JOibco

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lruthanne67

Email: ljwhitworth67@gmail.com

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Good Morning, dear reader. As I read through the passage in Acts, I realised that what was transpiring, with people selling their things, giving equally to all is what we now know as Socialism. It is a topic that most people are afraid of as it is equated with Communism. That is because the practice was taken up by governments as a way to inhibit free enterprise and to oppress people not favored by the institution. However, as we see it in the Bible, it was a way that all people would thrive and receive help from one another. It was a way for the poorest of the poor to have things they normally wouldn't be able to have. Perhaps, if the idea had not become corrupted, it would be a way for all people to have an even share of things, a chance to "do unto others". This was the lesson that Jesus was always teaching. To show kindness and mercy to all. Just think of how much better life would be if we all helped each other out. 

John's Gospel returns us to the story of Nicodemus. Jesus is trying to explain to Nicodemus how the Holy Spirit can work in our lives even though we can't see it. Jesus equates this to the wind. We can hear and see the wind blowing as it moves the trees, but we can't actually SEE wind. It is the same with the Holy Spirit. We can feel its presence, we can see the effects, but we can't actually SEE the Holy Spirit. Nicodemus is having a difficult time in understanding this. Jesus looks at Nicodemus incredulously. Nicodemus is supposed to be the ruler of the Jewish people yet he does not understand this concept. What Jesus is trying to say is that you believe in things you cannot see, yet you fail to believe in what the Holy Spirit can do within your life. It is only through salvation that one may go to heaven. It is only through salvation that leads us to believe in the awesome power of the Holy Spirit, through a belief in Jesus Christ. 

I have seen the Holy Spirit working through people as well as it working through myself. It is an amazing thing to see. It has the absolute power to change lives, to bring one closer to God. Just like the wind, we can't see it but we can feel its effects. Has the Holy Spirit worked in you? Have you felt its forcefulness in you? Has your life been altered in any way because of it? Take some time to reflect on those questions. You may find out that something that moved you, deepened your faith or changed your life was due to the Holy Spirit working in you and through you!! Allow yourself to feel those effects and let it help you to be a nice human! 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA9K7S9Ce9o

"Holy Spirit" by Francesca Battistelli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoZd7ZXh9yY

Renewed in the Holy Spirit

Good Morning, dear reader. We are continuing the celebration of Jesus's resurrection! Today is also the feast day of Saint Mark the Evangelist. So it is fitting that our readings echo this observance. I will try to do a separate post with some information and the video of Father Bill's reflection.

Our reading in Acts this morning restates, in a nutshell, the events that lead up to Jesus's death and resurrection. It also reminds us that everything that happened was preordained by God. At the time this takes place, the disciples were still afraid to really go public with their devotion to Jesus. They do, however, implore Jesus to protect them so that they may continue to preach and teach the Gospel of the Lord. As they are praying, the Holy Spirit ffills the space where they are. This emboldens them to continue to pray and speak the name of Jesus without fear. 

The reading in John sort of carries through with the dealings of the Holy Spirit. Since this is early on in John's Gospel, Jesus has not yet been brought to the cross. The purpose of this reading is to understand the process of being "reborn" through faith in Jesus Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit. 

Many Christians are "born again". That is, they accept that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Saviour, they believe in His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. This rebirth" process isn't something usually seen within the Catholic church, since we are baptised as infants, which then cleanses us of Original Sin. This is seen more often in the Pentecostal and Evangelical Christian faiths. As one makes a conscious decision to follow Jesus, their past is forgiven through baptism and they start over with a clean slate. 

This process is what Jesus is trying to make clear to Nicodemus. It is not a physical rebirth but a spiritual one. But, it is just as miraculous and glorious! In my opinion, I think this makes a real statement because we are making the decision on our own to be disciples of Jesus rather than more or less a process of Catholic catechism and "initiation" into the Catholic church. 

Whatever your belief, be assured that however you came by your faith, it is still an important decision because you choose to stay faithful to God each and every day. If you are a new believer..welcome to the family!! Remember, dear reader, as you walk in faith each day, be a nice human. 😇

The Nicene Creed reminds us of our beliefs and promises to God. Take a moment to recite this again and reaffirm your faith:

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

Maker of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial

of one Being with the Father.

Throught Him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

He came down from heaven and

by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the

Virgin Mary, and became man,

For our sake He was crucified 

under Pontius Pilate;

He suffered death and was buried.

On the third day He rose again in

accordance with the Scriptures;

He ascended into heaven and is

seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the

living and the dead, and His kingdom will

have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the

giver of life, who proceeds from the Father

and the Son. With the Father and the Son

He is worshiped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness

of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

Divine Mercy Sunday

Good Evening, dear reader! I hope your day has been blessed. I do apologise for the lateness of this post. We have a lot to work through, so let's get started!! 

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. Here is a little bit about how Devine Mercy Sunday came about:

"In a series of revelations to St. Maria Faustina Kowalska in the 1930s, our Lord called for a special feast day to be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. Today, we know that feast as Divine Mercy Sunday, named by Pope St. John Paul II at the canonization of St. Faustina on April 30, 2000. The Lord expressed His will with regard to this feast in His very first revelation to St. Faustina. Divine Mercy Sunday

is NOT a feast based solely on St. Faustina's revelations. Indeed, it is not primarily about St. Faustina — nor is it altogether a new feast. The Second Sunday of Easter was already a solemnity as the Octave Day of Easter. The title "Divine Mercy Sunday" does, however, highlight the meaning of the day." (1) 

In Acts, we see people from all over coming forward to be healed. People are laid in the street, awaiting the arrival of Peter. Word had spread of his healing of the disabled man and now these folks are hoping that even if a shadow of Peter falls on them, they will be healed. And this exactly what happens. But, this is not of Peter's doing. He is the vessel of Christ, granted the power through the Holy Spirit, to be able to heal all those who have come. This was truly an extraordinary day! So many of Jesus's faithful followers were blessed, converted and healed just by being near Peter. 

I will admit that when it comes to disecting the book of Revelation, I find it a bit tricky to understand. One has to know that pretty much everything written in the book cannot be taken literally. The work is entirely symbolic. According to the study guide in my Bible, verse 9 "suggests that John is on the Greek island of Patmos as a punishment for his witness to Jesus.", John is recounting a vision he had. It is this vision that brings him comfort during his punishment. It also is also seen as an encouragement to all who are opressed at this time. 

In this first vision, John is commanded to write what he sees, to the seven churches. He sees Christ in glory, whom he depicts in great imagery, John hears Jesus describing Himself in terms meant to encourage Christians by emphasising His victory over death. (2)

In John's Gospel, we once again see Jesus making an appearance to His followers. It is assumed that they were in Jerusalem at the time. The fact that they were in a locked room when Jesus appeared illustrates the fact that He was not in human form, but neither was He an apparition or a ghost. But His disciples understand that this is the risen Christ who stands before them. In verse 22, it states "He breathed on them and said to them 'Receive the Holy Spirit'" This refers to when God breathed on man and gave him life and now the disciples are given new spiritual life through Jesus Christ. 

"Thomas", this passage is how the phrase "Don't be a doubting Thomas" came to be. It literally means that unless you see something for yourself, you won't believe it. So, again, Jesus appears in a locked room, this time Thomas is present. Jesus allows Thomas to poke around Him so that he will believe that this is Jesus, that He has risen as He promised, and He was here with him now. But, you can see that Jesus is a bit put off by Thomas's doubts. He tells Thomas that the only reason he believed that Jesus was here was because he had seen Jesus, touched His wounds. If it weren't for that, Thomas would still be doubtful, 

This is the whole foundation of our faith. We do not need physical proof for us to believe. That is why it is called faith. Yes, on ocassion we may receive signs or symbols of Jesus in our lives, but we don't need those to believe in Him. We KNOW He lives. We know He is with us always. 

Let us pray for those who do not know the wonder of Jesus Christ. Pray for those whose very lives have become uprooted due to war. Pray that our world can find peace. And, remember, dear reader... be a nice human.😇 

Maundy Thursday

Good Morning, dear reader. Today is Maundy Thursday. It is the day that Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples. It would be His last meal before His crucifixion.  

Our reading in Isaiah focuses on all the good things that God has given us and done for us. He tells us to rejoice in all this! He heals those who are broken, gives justice to the unjust, and restores the land that He formed. We can rest in His embrace, knowing He will make things right again. We need to remain thankful for all of this, for without God, we would have nothing. 

In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John is writing a letter to the churches of Asia, telling them that all will see when Jesus returns, even those who persecuted Him. Jesus is refered to as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end; He is for all time. It was through His death and resurrection that we are freed from our sins. He has given us new life through the loss of His. We are to honor that sacrifice by walking as He did. To minister to others, to give comfort to those who mourn, to share His word so others may also be saved. This is a huge commitment Jesus lays before us. But we know that by putting our trust in Him, He will help us to do these things. 

This is the same request we see in Luke's Gospel. The Holy Spirit is imbued in us, to move in us so that we may be Jesus's disciples. We are to reach out to the "forgotten ones" in today's society; the poor, the lost, the homeless, the infirmed, just as Jesus did. These are the people who need Jesus's love the most. I know as I have been struggling with my own life of late that I have come to rely on Jesus more and more. It is in His love and hope of better things to come that keep me going. 

As we enter the most difficult part of this week, be mindful of how Jesus has moved in your life. Give thanks for all He has done and will continue to do. And most of all, be a nice human. 😇 

I found this video that briefly explains the meaning of Maundy Thursday: https://youtu.be/XRQ0qn7KQ8w