Saturday, April 20, 2024

It is the Spirit that Gives Life

'It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. 
The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life."
(John 6:63)


The gift of Jesus is the life that underpins our human life. His words lead us into a quality of life which gives meaning, hope, and love in all we do. Nobody else can give what Jesus gives - a full meaning of life, seen in the example of His life. Our faith in Jesus often involves grappling with difficult and challenging teachings. We should show a deep commitment to Jesus despite not fully understanding everything He said, recognizing His divine identity and accepting Him as our personal Lord and Savior. Let us follow Jesus all the way until the very last breath we have as mortals. To follow Him means to sacrifice here on earth. To follow Him means to live with humility and service to everyone. To be happy even with little things and to glorify the name of the Lord our savior.

60 After hearing it, many of his followers said, 'This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?' 61 Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, 'Does this disturb you? 62 What if you should see the Son of man ascend to where he was before? 63 'It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 'But there are some of you who do not believe.' For Jesus knew from the outset who did not believe and who was to betray him. 65 He went on, 'This is why I told you that no one could come to me except by the gift of the Father.' 66 After this, many of his disciples went away and accompanied him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the Twelve, 'What about you, do you want to go away too?' 68 Simon Peter answered, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life, 69 and we believe; we have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.' (John 6:60-69)

In the tapestry of life, so grand and so bright, the gift of Jesus is our guiding light. His words lead us on a journey, so true, giving meaning, hope, and love anew. No one else can give what Jesus imparts, a full meaning of life, touching all hearts. Seen in His life, an example so clear, His teachings, though challenging, we hold dear. Our faith in Jesus, a beacon in the night, Helps us grapple with teachings, so bright. Despite not understanding all He has said, we show deep commitment, by Him we are led. Recognizing His divinity, accepting His grace, we see Him as our Savior, in every place. Until our last breath, to Him we stay true, following Jesus is what we are called to do. To follow Him means to sacrifice, to give, to live with humility, in His service we live. Finding happiness in little things, in love so pure, we glorify the Lord, forever secure.

Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that the gift of Jesus is the life that underpins our human life. His words lead us into a quality of life which gives meaning, hope, and love in all we do. We recognize that nobody else can give what Jesus gives - a full meaning of life, seen in the example of His life. Our faith in Jesus often involves grappling with difficult and challenging teachings. help us to show a deep commitment to Jesus despite not fully understanding everything He said. We recognize His divine identity and accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior. Let us follow Jesus all the way until the very last breath we have as mortals. To follow Him means to sacrifice here on earth. To follow Him means to live with humility and service to everyone. Help us to be happy even with little things and to glorify the name of the Lord our savior. Guide us in our journey of faith, and help us to live according to Your will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.


God has a plan for each of us. Even when we don’t understand His plans, we should trust in His wisdom. Miracles had a transformative impact of God’s work through us on the people around us. God imparts spiritual healing and new life that to those who are helpless and dead because of sin. His mighty power can cause unbelievers to turn to Him in saving faith. These lessons encourages us to live out our faith, trust in God’s plan, experience His transforming power, and serve others in love.

31 The churches throughout Judaea, Galilee and Samaria were now left in peace, building themselves up and living in the fear of the Lord; encouraged by the Holy Spirit, they continued to grow. 32 It happened that Peter visited one place after another and eventually came to God's holy people living down in Lydda. 33 There he found a man called Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. 34 Peter said to him, 'Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you: get up and make your bed.' Aeneas got up immediately; 35 everybody who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they were converted to the Lord. 36 At Jaffa there was a disciple called Tabitha, or in Greek, Dorcas, who never tired of doing good or giving to those in need. 37 But it happened that at this time she became ill and died, and they washed her and laid her out in an upper room. 38 Lydda is not far from Jaffa, so when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to urge him, 'Come to us without delay.' 39 Peter went back with them immediately, and on his arrival they took him to the upper room, where all the widows stood round him in tears, showing him tunics and other clothes Dorcas had made when she was with them. 40 Peter sent everyone out of the room and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to the dead woman and said, 'Tabitha, stand up.' She opened her eyes, looked at Peter and sat up. 41 Peter helped her to her feet, then he called in the members of the congregation and widows and showed them she was alive. 42 The whole of Jaffa heard about it and many believed in the Lord. (Acts 9:31-42)

In the grand design of the Divine, each of us has a role, a line. Though His plans we may not comprehend, In His wisdom, we must depend. Miracles, like a radiant sunrise, transform lives right before our eyes. God's work through us, a beacon bright, guiding others through the night. To the helpless, to those steeped in sin, God imparts new life within. Spiritual healing, a gift so grand, in His presence, we understand. His mighty power, a force so great, can guide the lost to Heaven's gate. Unbelievers, in their darkest hour, are drawn to His saving power. These lessons, like a guiding star, show us who and whose we are. To live our faith, to trust His plan, to serve in love, our fellow man. Experiencing His power, so profound, in His love, we are truly found. So let us live, let us love, let us pray, and walk in His light, each and every day.

Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You have a plan for each of us. Even when we don’t understand Your plans, we trust in Your wisdom. We are in awe of the transformative impact of Your work through us on the people around us. We thank You for the miracles You perform, seen and unseen. You impart spiritual healing and new life to those who are helpless and dead because of sin. Your mighty power can cause unbelievers to turn to You in saving faith. We are humbled by Your love and mercy, and the grace You extend to all. These lessons encourage us to live out our faith, to trust in Your plan, to experience Your transforming power, and to serve others in love. Help us to remember these truths as we navigate our daily lives. May we always strive to be reflections of Your love in the world, and may our lives be a testament to Your goodness and grace. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.


God values the faithful life of His servants. We should always express our gratitude for all the benefifts that He has done towards us and acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God. It is important to keep our promises and commitments to serve God and to continue to seek His help. These lessons remind us to be grateful for God’s blessings, to commit ourselves to Him, to keep our promises, to value a life of faithfulness, and to engage in community worship.

12 What return can I make to Yahweh for his generosity to me? 13 I shall take up the cup of salvation and call on the name of Yahweh. 14 I shall fulfil my vows to Yahweh, witnessed by all his people. 15 Costly in Yahweh's sight is the death of his faithful. 16 I beg you, Yahweh! I am your servant, I am your servant and my mother was your servant; you have undone my fetters. 17 I shall offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of Yahweh. (Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17)

In the grand tapestry of life, woven so divine, God values the faithful, their lives brightly shine. Gratitude we express, for His blessings so vast, acknowledging His gifts, from the first to the last. Promises we make, commitments we uphold, serving God, seeking His help, bold as gold. Every blessing from above, a testament of His love, a call to commit to the One who reigns above. Lessons learned, in the quiet of the night, remind us to be grateful, in His holy light. To commit ourselves to Him, in every single way, to keep our promises, each and every day. Value the faithful life, a gem so rare, in the eyes of God, beyond compare. Engage in worship, with the community so dear, in the presence of God, let us draw near.

Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You value the faithful life of Your servants. We express our deepest gratitude for all the benefits You have bestowed upon us. We recognize that everything we have is a gift from You. Help us to keep our promises and commitments. Guide us to serve You and to continually seek Your help. We are reminded of Your blessings and Your boundless love. These lessons teach us to be grateful, to commit ourselves to You, to honor our promises, to value a life of faithfulness, and to engage in community worship. May we always remember these lessons in our daily lives. Help us to live according to Your will and to serve You with all our heart. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.



Pericope:

Gospel
II: The Book of Signs
THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE
John 6:60-71

First Reading
III: The Mission in Judea and Samaria
THE CHURCH AT PEACE / PETER RESTORES TABITHA TO LIFE
Acts 9:31-35 / 36-42

Responsorial Psalm
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
THANKSGIVING TO GOD WHO SAVES FROM DEATH
Psalm 116:1-19

Reflection Source:
Copilot

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