The Gospel Acclamation today is from John 15:16-17. If I was ever to wonder if my life has any meaning or if God has a purpose for me, these few words should answer any doubts I might have. Jesus says … It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.
Sometimes my thought process has it backwards. With my free will, I think that I came up with the plan to pick up my cross and follow Jesus. I know the truth, that Jesus chose me and gives me sufficient grace to bear fruit in loving others like He loves me. There is my cross, to love one another. Jesus, in today’s Gospel from Luke 10:1-9, appoints 72 disciples to be sent to every town He plans to visit. He gives them explicit directions and tells them they will be sent like “lambs among wolves.”
In understanding His words, loving others will not be easy. Putting others needs before my own is not easy. Being patient with someone who is unreasonable is not easy. Caring for someone who does not like me is not easy. If I believe the words of Jesus, I am told that in my journey to bear fruit in loving others, my Heavenly Father will give me whatever I ask in Jesus’ name. Do I really believe that? I will tell you today that I do but I will also tell you that my words too often speak louder than my actions. Reading this passage, my desire to speak Christ must be accompanied by being Christ for others.
Seeking To Reflect Jesus 
“Being patient with someone who is unreasonable is not easy.”–the hardest thing for me every day, Mike. Lord, be with me. Amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lois, you are amazing to me! May God grant your prayer for all of us. Amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! Sounds simple but it sure ain’t easy!
LikeLiked by 1 person