The Beloved Disciple: Dedicated to Prayer

 

 After returning from your mission, Jesus asks, "How did it go?"

  Smiling, you reply, "Better than I thought it would be. I felt you with me. "

  Jesus returns your smile.  "I'll always be with you."

  "What would you like me to do next?"

  "Well, I often find it helpful to spend time with the Father and unwind.  Time alone in prayer can work wonders for you."

  You shift your weight and say, "To be honest, I'm kind of spent. I was hoping to just relax a little bit. I don't know if I have anything left to give mentally."

  Jesus surprises you with a little laugh. Prayer doesn't have to be mentally challenging.  It just needs to be honest.  See that hill over there? Grab a blanket, let the sun warm you, and just invite the Father to come near.  Don't prepare any special words, just sit with the Father and let Him fill you up with His goodness."

  "Jesus, if I lie down under the sun, I'm probably going to fall asleep."

  "The Father understands your strengths and weaknesses. Let Him give you what you need.  If a good nap is the answer, then allow His peace to fill you.  You don't always have to do the work; God delights in giving you what you need spiritually and physically. Open your heart to the Father and then follow His lead. He has so many good things in store for you."

  As you consider Jesus' words, a small smile appears on your face. "I don't know why I always see prayer as a chore?  Maybe I have done enough talking lately. Listening and enjoying the Father's love sounds wonderful right now. Climbing that hill sounds like a fantastic idea."  As you begin to walk away, you pause for a moment and look back at Jesus.  "I make that mistake a lot, don't I?"

  Jesus smiles and asks, "Which one?"

  "You know, when I think I have to do all the work instead of relying on God and trusting His ways."

  Jesus laughs a little and says, "Well, you aren't the only one.  It's surprising how many people have difficulty with that! I'm doing my best to help people see that! Go enjoy your time!"

 "I will!"

-Susan

 

The Beloved Disciple-Mission Bound

 

  Jesus has asked you to go out and preach. The idea feels a little scary and uncomfortable.  It's not because you lack faith;  it's just because you're outside your comfort zone.  Jesus watches you nervously pace and wrestle with the idea. What will you even say to others?  Where do you start? Should you start with Jesus is the promised Messiah?  Should you start with Jesus is the Son of God?  You look over at Jesus and notice His smile.

  "You've got this," Jesus says.  "I have it on very good authority that you were made for this!  The Father has given you everything you need."

  You nod, desperately wanting to believe it is true.   

  "Faith is meant to be shared. The Father wants the Kingdom to be filled with believers." There are so many who still need to hear the good news." Jesus again smiles at you before He turns His attention to another disciple. 

  You began packing your bag.  Once again, the "where to begin" idea came up. Maybe you should start with the incredible miracles Jesus performed. Or that Jesus has the power to heal you and forgive your sins.  Who wouldn't want their sins forgiven?   As you begin walking, Jesus gives you a wave, and a sense of optimism washes over you. Where to begin?  Maybe you should just share how Jesus has transformed your life? How has Jesus changed your life?  You think back to the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well.  She had no special training.  She simply shared her personal experience with Jesus, and people were drawn to her story. An entire town came to believe because of her testimony. 

  Sharing Jesus with others should be sincere and come from your heart. You remember Jesus' words, "The Father has given you all that you need." 

  As you keep walking, you realize you're overthinking it. It just needs to be a casual conversation with people.  It's not a debate. Just let people know that having Jesus in your life changes everything for the better! As you keep walking, it feels like Jesus is walking right beside you.  You lift your eyes and heart toward heaven and whisper, "I knew you wouldn't make me do this alone. You'll be there with me with every word I speak."

-Susan

The Beloved Disciple:: Follow Him

 

 Shortly after breakfast, Jesus approaches you and says, "I'm planning on hiking to the top of the mountain today.  I'd like you to come along.  Are you up for it?"

  You smile and reply, "Of course. Isn't everyone?"

   "I haven't asked everyone. I was hoping just a few of us could spend the day together.  Peter and James have already agreed to come too."

  The sun was already feeling warm as you walked towards the mountain.  Jesus was in a good mood. He shared a few amusing stories about his days as a carpenter.  Each of you, in turn, shared your own funny stories.  The storytelling and laughter made the time pass quickly. As you keep climbing the mountain, Jesus pauses for a moment, looks at you, and asks, "Which of my teachings are you finding most difficult?"  You take a deep breath in and honestly consider His question.  Spend a few minutes talking to Jesus about this.

  At the end of your conversation, Jesus announces it's time to rest. Hours have passed, and you are all exhausted.  It feels good to lie on the ground. You close your eyes for a minute, recalling the conversation you just had with Jesus, and unintentionally drift into a peaceful nap.  That is, until you feel a strong slap across your arm.

  "Get up, get up, get up!" Peter's voice has a strange sense of urgency and excitement.

  Although you are now awake, what you see before you resembles a dream.  What is happening? Clearly, that is Jesus talking with two men, but you have never seen men look like that. It is Jesus who captivates you the most. His appearance is mesmerizing. Light wasn't shining on Him; it was emanating from Him. Words completely fail you as you try to understand what is happening.  Suddenly, Peter begins talking about making tents.  What is he talking about?  We didn't bring any supplies, and are those men actually real?

  Your thoughts, however, vanished as the most unusual cloud hovered over you. That's when you heard God's voice speak directly to you. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him."

  Instinctively, you fall to the ground. You perceived the holiness and goodness of God, and at the same time, your total unworthiness to be in His Presence. You had been with Jesus for so long, witnessing so many miracles, yet this was a pivotal moment that changed you forever.  God is real! God is speaking directly to you! He exists not just in scripture, but truly and powerfully alive in your life!  His voice silenced any questions about who Jesus is.  Jesus is the Son of God!  His words and teachings must be followed!  You are a disciple of the Son of God! You must strive to be more faithful than ever before!

-Susan

The Beloved Disciple: Follow Me

 

(The Beloved Disciple is a Lenten series of imaginative prayer and meditation based on the life of St. John the Apostle. In his gospel, John refers to himself as the beloved disciple.  This name highlights John's close relationship with Jesus and also encourages us to see ourselves as Jesus's beloved disciple. The series invites you to put yourself in John's shoes and answer the call, "follow me.")

  Until that moment, I was floating through life.  Most days started and ended the same way.  Work was a major part of my life. I was familiar with the scriptures. I was eagerly waiting for the Messiah's coming. I did my best to keep the Commandments. I considered myself a good person. I thought that was all that was expected of me. I was wrong. God wanted so much more from me, as He does with each of us.

  It was nearing the end of just another boring day at work.  It was a day that felt like a waste of my time because very little had happened so far. Mentally, I had already checked out. I was just going through the motions when I saw Him climb into Peter and Andrew's boat. I nudged my brother James, "What's the new preacher doing in Simon's boat?"  I have to admit I was very curious. What was Jesus telling them? Then the excited screams for help and the miraculous catch of fish changed everything.

  James and I responded to this cry for help, not realizing it was an invitation. Jesus saw our attempt to help a friend in need, and as we tugged on the heavy nets of fish, Jesus was tugging at our hearts. He looked at each of us in a way no one has. Jesus looked at me, and really saw me. Then He said, "Come, follow me."

  Jesus did not seem like a stranger, but someone who knew me well. I can't explain it, but my head and heart were filled with unspoken words.  These were words my heart longed to hear.  God himself was calling me closer.  He was calling me to something more through this man named Jesus.  Does God want something more from me? I suddenly realized that just being good and following the Commandments wasn't enough. Jesus knew God's heart. How? Could  God ever reveal His heart to me? A nobody. I heard Jesus' words echo through my thoughts. "Follow Me." I was certain that Jesus knew God and that He could show me the way. I had only a moment to decide if Jesus had a better plan for my life than I did. 

  This was the day I stopped floating through life. I dropped the familiar nets that caught what I needed to survive. I decisively and firmly planted my feet on the ground, followed the footsteps of Jesus, and became a beloved disciple.  My journey can be yours, too.  Close your eyes and listen to the call He has planted in your heart.  "Follow Me." I responded, "Yes!  What will you say?"

-Susan

Ash Wednesday

 

  Today, we begin another season of Lent!  Are you ready?  So many times I hear people singing the Lenten blues, "I don't know what to give up?" And although Lent is a time of fasting and self-sacrifice, it is also a time to renew and reinvigorate our relationship with Jesus.  Growing closer to Jesus should ignite a desire in our hearts.  Jesus didn't spend three years down in the dumps, wishing Good Friday would come and go so He could get on with His life.  No.  Jesus laughed, prayed, and spent time with friends. He hoped His example of love would inspire others to a deeper understanding of the Father. Jesus' sacrifice is life-giving.  We should embrace this time, praying for a deeper understanding and commitment to God.

  This Lent, I will start a series called The Beloved Disciple.  It is the name the apostle John uses to refer to himself in his gospel.  It is also a name he hoped each of us would embrace.  John's understanding of who Jesus is began in shallow waters on the Sea of Galilee and grew throughout his life.  He could call himself the beloved disciple because, by the end of his life, he knew Jesus deep in his soul.

  This Lent, let us follow John's life as he draws near to his teacher, his friend, and our God.

The Best "I Love You" On the Planet

 

  A friend asked me if I had plans for Valentine's Day. I replied, "I'm going to Mass."

  She shrugged and said, "Yeah, I'm not doing anything special either."

  She looked genuinely confused when I said, "Oh, I think I have really special plans." I thought about this later that day. When did worshiping God become just an ordinary activity? I love God, and I love the Mass! An opportunity to catch a glimpse of heaven at the altar of my home church is truly incredible! As I gaze at the large crucifix hanging on the wall, I am filled with love. I am moved not by the love in my heart, but by the love in Christ's heart. He knows all my sins and flaws, and yet He chose to die for me. Knowing I would stumble many times along the way, He still calls me to come closer.

  Jesus looks directly into my soul and says, "I want you to have the very best of Me." Like a child begging for candy, I hold my empty hands stretched out toward Him. The Lord then gives me everything--His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity!  This pure gift of love has no rivals.  Nothing even comes close. It is the best "I love you" on the planet! And in my opinion, it is the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day. I can't think of anything more special!

-Susan

God's Awesome Generosity

 

  Today, my youngest granddaughter will be baptized!  I'm so excited! She will be cleansed of all sin, become a child of God, a member of the Church, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!  What an incredible day! Could our Lord be any more generous?  Well, the answer to this is yes! This is just the beginning.  The graces my granddaughter will receive today and in the sacraments to come are incredible!

  Unfortunately, I sometimes can take God's generosity for granted. But when big events occur,  I believe it's important to reflect on God's goodness. Jesus came to usher in the Kingdom of God so that we could all benefit.  The Kingdom is more than a physical place that one can visit. Through the Church, the Kingdom extends to the ends of the earth and resides in the hearts of the baptized. Once baptized, God chooses to dwell within us through the Holy Spirit.  God's love is perfect, and He is always with us! In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we are loved beyond measure! After being showered with all His love, how could our hearts not fall in love with God too?!

  God, you are an awesome God! Thank you for loving me so much! Each day, open my eyes to your Presence, and open my heart to love you more. Let your Kingdom grow deep roots in my soul, and let your living water produce a bountiful harvest within me to share with the world.

-Susan