Follow Jesus

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved,
the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper
and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?”
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”
Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?
You follow me.”
So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,
just “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?”

It is this disciple who testifies to these things
and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.
There are also many other things that Jesus did,
but if these were to be described individually,
I do not think the whole world would contain the books
that would be written.
John 21:20-25 (NAB)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father there are many things your son has done that we will never know of because they were so many. You allowed what is important to be kept safe. Is it this then that we are to understand about our fellow disciples that it is Jesus' concern over them not ours. Yet all too often we are concerned about their business without truly loving them as Jesus loves them and cares for them. May we leave all our concerns of others in your Son's capable hands because he knows their hearts more than we do. May our love for God and others be our only concern.Doesn't this remind us of how we too can concern ourselves of what is none of our business. Like when we hear people wanting to know the business of others in our environment at home, work, even at Church. Asking about others often does not include their wellbeing but rather a means of causing harm, such as gossip. We should be more concerned about who we follow such as Jesus rather than what the evil one tempts us to follow.

A Beautiful Prayer

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:
“Holy Father, keep them in your name
that you have given me,
so that they may be one just as we are one.
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me,
and I guarded them, and none of them was lost
except the son of destruction,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you.
I speak this in the world
so that they may share my joy completely.
I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”
John 17:11b-19 (NAB)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father we have read so many accounts on behalf of your love for us. Today we have a prayer of deep love for us and for you. A prayer of consecration by your Son. It is the beauty of Jesus' protection in this prayer against the evil one that speaks just as loudly. Who in this world has not been touched by Jesus' prayers and deliverance from sin in their need to repent. How often do we call out Jesus' name when we feel out of control with our lives. Not at peace. Jesus brings us peace, he frees us from evil, he restores truth in our lives. Many have stopped believing in this truth and began believing in the world. Does that truth reveal the depths of how much we rely on the world rather than Jesus when we no longer use the sacrament of penance. It is there where we find freedom from sin and evil, it is there where we begin our journey back to Jesus and to you dear Father. Let our hearts open to the love of God and his son Jesus, let us be cleaned of sin and find the consecration that belongs to our hearts.

A Huge Question

The disciples said to Jesus,
“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
John 16:29-33 (NAB)

Prayer Reflection

The disciples said to Jesus,“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God.”Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Imagine how much we ask this very thing each day of Jesus. We question whether or not he is from God, we question the truth of his words, we even question his miracles. Yet in all this time he has truly conquered the world with his love for us. And on the flip side of this we also had the same growth in evil as well. All because Jesus came to vanquish sin. To end the many questions that arise from the doubts that sin causes. Most of time when we go to Mass we hear his word, but how often we truly leave him alone when we are there. Are we focused upon him or are we focused on other matters. Or have we let routine close our hearts. Like when we are on a job we have done for the umpteenth time and say to ourselves how we could do it with our eyes closed. The routine in work has lost its zest. But as we work we fail to try to keep it alive and interesting. Same with faith, in a sense we go to Mass, our thought should be on the anticipation of the banquet feast and dinning along with Jesus. The anticipation of being in his presence when the word is read and the meal prepared. A splendid moment where we keep him alive in our day and he is no longer alone, left outside of our hearts.

Birthing A Thought

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived;
but when she has given birth to a child,
she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy
that a child has been born into the world.
So you also are now in anguish.
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
On that day you will not question me about anything.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”
John 16:20-23 (NAB)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father we have the technology today that makes childbirthing easier for the mother, without the pain. Imagining all those who have gone before us, have birthed their child naturally. Jesus tells us about the joy a mother has when a child is born. He gave us a normal procedure in the life of a human being when they undergo a change such as the example he gave. Woman most of all can relate to it. How much they endure until the time they birth the child, the elation, not just for the fact that they are now relieved of anguish, pain and suffering, but they now can see the life that was within them. In a sense when we sin we lose part of the holiness that belongs to us, the part where we have Jesus within. As we too grow in faith and at times when we fail, we experience the pain a mother feels when her child is in distress. But as we reconcile our hearts to a loving God and let Jesus be part of our lives we see the beauty and joy of having him part of us as a mother does when the child in the womb is sleeping peacefully. For men it must be hard to imagine this, but as we have read Jesus words, it wasn't hard for him to know this truth. The joy of having him in our lives is a blessing, even he speaks to mens hearts and reveals his presence to them as if they too are about to give birth. When he is truly part of our hearts no one can take him away and I mean no one. Throughout the many years it has been tried with the Saints and Martyrs and look how they have survived.

Forever and Always

The Ascension of the Lord

The eleven disciples went to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.
When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.
Then Jesus approached and said to them,
“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20 (NAB)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father even after these many years we can say that Jesus is still with us as are you. We receive him in the Eucharist where the truth speaks loudly of his presence. Even remarkable is the fact that we have done as he asks and baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Praise God we listened and did what was commanded of us. At least in this regard we have done good. But the part of knowing that he truly is with us for always, always touches the deepest part our lives. We have grown since the time of the disciples in more ways than one. Our faith had become a central means to the belief in what Jesus suffered for us. It is the belief that he is present with us at our Masses, in our Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, in the Tabernacles but most especially in those we meet each day. He will be with us until the end of time, just like when we declare that vow to those we love in our letters, Forever and Always he will always be. That is the beauty of the Divine.

Peace

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.
I will no longer speak much with you,
for the ruler of the world is coming.
He has no power over me,
but the world must know that I love the Father
and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”
John 14:27-31a

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you," the very words Jesus spoke tells us it is only through him that we will find peace in our hearts. It is not what this world has to offer but what Jesus can only give. We all struggle in our lives to some extent, but where is it that we find true peace. I know where it is for me and that is placing my trust and love in Jesus, a place where I will always find his presence in the Eucharist. The peace that can only come from him. The truth of these words that Jesus spoke in how we feel many times unfulfilled by what the world offers, only shows how honest these words of Jesus are. Ever notice how peaceful we become when we are united to him. Our troubles seem small and insignificant in those moments. That's when we have been given his peace as he had said. Dearest Father it is right to say then that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life after all.

Making A Claim

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem.
It was winter.
And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him,
“How long are you going to keep us in suspense?
If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me.
But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
John 10:22-30 (NAB)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father no matter how much we strive to have you as part of us, we all try hard to be the ones who can claim to be your sheep whether we are lost or not. Oh God, how easy it is for us to follow the voice of the world and so hard to hear the voice of your Son. But your Son knows his sheep and they know him. How do we know this? Easily, by the love we have for Him and you . How wanting to follow your Word is foremost in our lives. It is loving you first and our neighbor as ourselves that prove we believe. The devil can try very hard to shake those who follow you loose from your heart, but he will not succeed when they are steadfast and loyal and believe in all that you stand for, love in the first degree. Love conquers and in that regard know that Jesus and you are one. I can make claim to this truth, how about you?

Decisions, Decisions

These things he said, teaching in the synagogue, in Capharnaum. Many therefore of his disciples, hearing it, said: This saying is hard, and who can hear it? But Jesus, knowing in himself, that his disciples murmured at this, said to them: Doth this scandalize you? If then you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I have spoken to you, are spirit and life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning, who they were that did not believe, and who he was, that would betray him. And he said: Therefore did I say to you, that no man can come to me, unless it be given him by my Father.

After this many of his disciples went back; and walked no more with him. Then Jesus said to the twelve: Will you also go away? And Simon Peter answered him: Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we have believed and have known, that thou art the Christ, the Son of God.
John 6:60-70 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father there are so many choices to make in our day, often it's the choice of where to dine and what to eat can often frustrate others. We make so many decisions throughout our day from the moment we wake up until it's time to go to bed. Jesus spoke the truth to many people in that time. Should he stand right before us in the flesh and speak these words to us too, would some of us walk away in disbelief at what he just said. Or would we believe in the truth of what he proclaimed and stand by his side. It's not like a decision we would make on where we are going or what we would have for dinner but a decision that speaks of life. When we make all our decisions is Jesus part of them where we choose to love him and trust in him. Or do we happen to decide that today is the day we give Jesus a little bit of our time and then tomorrow it's back to the routine we live. What's your decision going to be this day? Following Jesus and believing in him or going the other way, the way of the world. Remember, the decision to choose eternal life has greater rewards, where the other does not. Choose well then.

All About God

No man can come to me, except the Father, who hath sent me, draw him; and I will raise him up in the last day. It is written in the prophets:

And they shall all be taught of God.

Every one that hath heard of the Father, and hath learned, cometh to me. Not that any man hath seen the Father; but he who is of God, he hath seen the Father. Amen, amen I say unto you: He that believeth in me, hath everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the desert, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven; that if any man eat of it, he may not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven.
John 6:44-51 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father there is that one sentence that Jesus quoted: "And they shall all be taught of God." And Jesus did exactly that! He taught them that you are love. He did a good job too, since we are learning this ourselves from what has been passed down from Him and the apostles. That you are all about love, not vengeance, not hatred, but purely love. You sent us your Son to correct a few misconceptions about you. But we have come to see the sacrifice you gave us in giving up the life of your Son Jesus for our sake. To help us come to understand the depths of love you have for us. You sent us the true bread from heaven, the living bread of life in the flesh of your Son Jesus. We truly have been taught of you.

Food For Thought

The next day, the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea, saw that there was no other ship there but one, and that Jesus had not entered into the ship with his disciples, but that his disciples were gone away alone. But other ships came in from Tiberias; nigh unto the place where they had eaten the bread, the Lord giving thanks. When therefore the multitude saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they took shipping, and came to Capharnaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him: Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them, and said: Amen, amen I say to you, you seek me, not because you have seen miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto life everlasting, which the Son of man will give you. For him hath God, the Father, sealed. They said therefore unto him: What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? Jesus answered, and said to them: This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he hath sent.
John 6:22-29 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Reflection

Dear Father we have to wonder if we are exactly like these people who had just finished eating from the miraculous multiplication of loaves and fishes. These people went in search of him and knew by what they saw how Divine Jesus really was. In Jesus' question though, he wants to know if they are seeking him because of these miracles, or is it because they have been fed and their stomachs are the reason they search for him. Ever notice how in the food industry, such as restaurants, food stores, many things are upsized or down sized to pay a higher price. Or how there is more emphasis on fast food meals. More or less heat it up and off you go. Food is important in order to allow the body to function, but we have grown in proportion to the products that are pre-made. Even our bodies reflect the chemicals that we ingest. Jesus provided them with a fast food take out, and it seems that they want more of this so they don't have the work that is entailed to make a meal. We've gotten like this haven't we? Jesus questions us too, do we seek him only for the fact that he provides us with miracles or do we seek Him so we will be part of Him because we believe in Him and you dear Father. I believe in Jesus, because he is who he is and not for what he can give. The son of God who came to unite us with him.

Believe

But he rising early the first day of the week, appeared first to Mary Magdalen, out of whom he had cast seven devils. She went and told them that had been with him, who were mourning and weeping. And they hearing that he was alive, and had been seen by her, did not believe. And after that he appeared in another shape to two of them walking, as they were going into the country. And they going told it to the rest: neither did they believe them. At length he appeared to the eleven as they were at table: and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him after he was risen again. And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:9-15 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father we read of two accounts of people witnessing Jesus resurrection and telling the disciples. And they had a hard time believing these people. Yet once Jesus stood in their presence he rebuked them, and it's no wonder why either. The people who witnessed seeing Jesus saw him and no one believed them. It happens even today, in our time also. Would we be believed if we saw Jesus standing in our midst and would it take him to stand there among those who didn't believe those who saw him. We would most certainly earn that rebuke then for our lack of faith in the risen Jesus. Do we witness his presence in our lives and spread the gospel message to all the world, to love God first and love our neighbor. Simple really. And to think Jesus challenges us to do something great for the kingdom of God.

Has He Captured You Yet?

After this, Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. And he shewed himself after this manner. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas, who is called Didymus, and Nathanael, who was of Cana of Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter saith to them: I go a fishing. They say to him: We also come with thee. And they went forth, and entered into the ship: and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was come, Jesus stood on the shore: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus therefore said to them: Children, have you any meat? They answered him: No.

He saith to them: Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find. They cast therefore; and now they were not able to draw it, for the multitude of fishes. That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved, said to Peter: It is the Lord. Simon Peter, when he heard that it was the Lord, girt his coat about him, (for he was naked,) and cast himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the ship, (for they were not far from the land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

As soon then as they came to land, they saw hot coals lying, and a fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith to them: Bring hither of the fishes which you have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, one hundred and fifty-three. And although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus saith to them: Come, and dine. And none of them who were at meat, durst ask him: Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. And Jesus cometh and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish in like manner. This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to his disciples, after he was risen from the dead.
John 21:1-14 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father, Jesus not only appeared a third time but gave them a large catch of fish as an added benefit. What an investment that was! Wouldn't we say then that Jesus had caught their attention as well. Doesn't Jesus do that with us? Capture our attention with the many ways he gives of himself. Like the breaking of the bread, peace be with you and now the fish and bread. And look at what he says to the apostles, "Come, and dine." The invitation to be with him at the Eucharistic banquet. How often have we gone to that very banquet without thinking how truly present he is there with us. Just like when we dine at home, it's a routine, isn't it? But when we go to Mass and partake, that is no ordinary banquet to dine at. I wonder how many times he has to appear in this manner for us to realize the truth and the truth of His Word.

The Meeting

But Mary stood at the sepulchre without, weeping. Now as she was weeping, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And she saw two angels in white, sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been laid.
They say to her: Woman, why weepest thou? She saith to them: Because they have taken away my Lord; and I know not where they have laid him. When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing; and she knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith to her: Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, thinking it was the gardener, saith to him: Sir, if thou hast taken him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith to her: Mary. She turning, saith to him: Rabboni (which is to say, Master). Jesus saith to her: Do not touch me, for I am not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brethren, and say to them: I ascend to my Father and to your Father, to my God and your God. Mary Magdalen cometh, and telleth the disciples: I have seen the Lord, and these things he said to me.
John 20:11-18 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father I think we all know how Mary Magdalen feels about loosing Jesus. He saved her from sin and followed him. Going from one life to one of holiness was a big change. Her mourning for your Son was great, and Jesus when he revealed his presence to her, brought her joy. Just as it would for all of us. But she was holding onto Jesus in a way that wasn't allowing her to live life and at that time wasn't letting Jesus ascend to you. What do we do for those in our life that holds them from attaining your heavenly glory. Is our love for those who pass on so great as to hold them back from you. But even more is their inability to let go of the earthly love in order to attain your heavenly love. We are all touched by you and Jesus in our lives in numerous ways, and yes some of us cling so tightly for fear of loosing you. But we also have a very beautiful gift for all time, is your loving presence in the Eucharist and we need not fear of ever loosing you again. But to go out and proclaim your Risen presence.

Jesus Is Laid In the Tomb

The Fourteenth Station of the Cross

Reflection: Jesus is laid in the tomb. It all seems so final now. You are no longer among us as a mere mortal in the flesh, blood, skin and bones. You are placed in a tomb as a final resting place to the life of witnessing for your Father's love for us. Many die and are placed away from us as you have been. Only thing different, you will be back to conquer the hardened hearts of the people. So many of us die, but many die in sin and will not find eternal rest. Why do we hold onto so much of this world when it is you that truly gives us life. You gave us your body and blood in this sacrifice and we have so many opportunities to be united to you, and partake of the banquet you left us to imitate. You are the Lamb that was sacrificed and by your blood you have washed us clean. We hope that in this day we will truly see how deeply you love us and how much you want us with you.

Prayer: Please say an Our Father and Glory Be

Jesus Is Taken Down From the Cross

The Thirteenth Station of the Cross

Reflection: Jesus is taken down from the Cross. So much has happened this day and now they are removing your body from the wooden cross. A place that brought shame and suffering to you dear Jesus. Now you are being placed in the arms of your mother, who stood at the foot of the very cross they took you from. She stood by you throughout your whole ordeal and suffered with you. When they lanced your side she too felt the pain as well as the nails that went through your skin. Her anguish and love for you is immortalized for all time and eternity as your perpetual witness. She would go to the ends of the world to cease the suffering you endured. O Jesus, our beloved, who for all time has taken our suffering and sin and died to redeem us. And all we do to repay this act of love and forgiveness is to continue as if you didn't exist. What a pity for us then.

Prayer: Please say an Our Father and Glory Be

Jesus Dies On the Cross

The Twelfth Station of the Cross

Reflection: Jesus dies on the cross. We see you up on the wooden cross we have made to crucify you. Yet while you were there you forgave us for committing this cruel act. How many have gone to their death and done this to those who punished them, probably not many as we know of. You teach us the art of forgiveness. Let us now take a moment of silence to honor the hour of death Jesus died out of love for us. This was truly an act of love for his Father and for all of us. He would do it again in order for us to understand the depths of love he has in his heart. How can we not be moved by this knowledge and find in our hearts the ability to love others as you love us. Not only that but to love God first as you love him.

Prayer: Please say an Our Father and Glory Be

Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments

The Tenth Station of the Cross

Reflection: Jesus is stripped of his garments. You have reached the place where your life is now about to end. In their hands you are stripped of your garments. The humiliation of being exposed without any protection of clothing must have been difficult. Yet in our day as well as then, people had worn clothing to expose themselves for the pleasure of others. To flaunt what they had without realizing the time you were stripped naked for all present to witness a degrading moment for you. Your helplessness as they took away your dignity. Do we dress modestly to cover ourselves in dignity and respect. One has to read of moments in prisoners of war lives to understand how degrading being stripped of their clothes is for them. Or people stolen from their families and sold into slavery. Yet we take for granted this wonderful aspect of clothing our bodies out of respect for ourselves and for God. May we truly understand what you underwent in this suffering.

Prayer: Please say an Our Father and Glory Be

Jesus Falls For the Third Time

The Ninth Station of the Cross

Reflection: Jesus falls for the third time. Our sins, betrayals, rejections and unbelief have taken their toll on you Jesus. You have fallen a third time under the weight of so much. What can we do to take the burden from you so will not fall again on account of us. What are we willing to suffer with you. How worn out you are by carrying the weight of our sins on your shoulders. You truly do make our burdens light. We only have to see how you fall a third time to realize you take our burdens to heart. Now that we have this moment to see how much you truly suffer for us and take upon yourself, then let us also share in this sacrifice with you. May we turn to each other and be an imitation of you. Let us bring to others the light that shines in the darkness of their day.

Prayer: Please say an Our Father and Glory Be

Jesus Meets With the Women of Jerusalem

The Eigth Station of the Cross

Reflection: Jesus meets with the women of Jerusalem. The sorrow and weeping these women are undergoing as Jesus glances at them. In a moment where he pauses briefly to catch his breath, he speaks to them. Weep not! They love him and cry for him, it's not hard to do. Don't we cry for those who suffer terminal illness and are about to come to their end. We weep for many things but seldom do we weep out of love for your suffering as these women did. They knew how much of a loss it was going to be when your physical presence would be gone. Do we weep knowing that each day we sin we are loosing you that much faster. Except we also must remember that even though you traveled this road for our sakes, it doesn't give us carte blanche to do what we want without understanding the depth you went to redeem us. Let us also weep for you this day Jesus, knowing that you are near to us as you were with these women of Jerusalem.

Prayer: Please say an Our Father and Glory Be

Jesus Falls For the Second Time

The Seventh Station of the Cross

Reflection: Jesus falls for the second time. Jesus even though you have Simon to help you carry this wooden cross, you have sufferd so very much. We would not be able to withstand what you have undergone. Many of us flee our crosses and go in search of an easier route to avoid falling. The weight of our sins truly drags you down, yet you took our burdens and made them your own. How many begin in one faith but go off in search of one that fits their lifestyle. Particularly one that doesn't have a cross to carry. When we fall under our sins we flee rather than seek to reconcile with you. When we see others fall from the weight of their burdens, do we help them up and do as you do. Continue on the journey set before us, pulling ourselves up with faith in you as you do when you place yourself in God's loving hands as well.

Prayer: Please say an Our Father and Glory Be