Gospel Reading John 14:.23.29
‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my father will love him, and we shall come to him and make our home with him. Those who do not love me do not keep my words. And my word is not my own: it is the word of the one who sent me. I have said these things to you while still with you; but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all. I have said to you. Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give to you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me say I am going away and shall return. If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe.’
GUIDELINES TO HELP US TO MEDITATE ON THE PASSAGE SO AS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE GOD’S PRESENCE AND ACTIVITY IN OUR LIVES AND WORLD TODAY.
‘…. he will keep my word ‘
Lord thank you for your Word to your people this Sunday. You give it to us as real food and nourishment for our lives. Indeed, you make it the hallmark of “loving you”. We remember with gratitude those who have spoken sincere words of love to us and how these words have been a source of life for us.
Give us a great love and appreciation of your Word in the Scriptures. Help the Lectio Divina movement to develop and flourish to bring new life to all God’s people.
Lord forgive us when as a people we have undervalued the power of your word to change our lives and our world.
Lord we pray with Pope Francis that the Word of God became ” ever more fully at the heart of every church activity” Amen
“Peace I give you.”
Remember with gratitude people you have known who while in very difficult circumstances of sickness, affliction, failure, rejection, injustice or loss, have remained inwardly strong, free, dignified and peaceful and have given us inspiration and hope in coping with our own troubles.