Reflections
Trinitarian Love
John 15:26-27; 16:12-15
The Trinity is explained as the perfect exchange of love between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This divine love is the model for human love, and God invites humanity into this relationship through the Holy Spirit. The question remains: how will we respond to this divine love and invitation?
Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith, as it proves His divinity and the validity of His teachings. The historical evidence, including accounts from Roman and Jewish scholars, corroborates the events surrounding Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This evidence, coupled with the disciples’ willingness to die for their beliefs, compels a response from individuals confronted with the truth of Jesus’ resurrection.
The wedding feast in heaven.
— Mark 14:1 - 15:47
The Gospel of Mark’s account of Christ’s Passion, specifically the anointing at Bethany, is highlighted. Mary Magdalene’s anointing of Jesus with expensive nard symbolizes her gift to her bridegroom, representing God’s desire to be wedded to us through Jesus. This union, akin to a marriage feast in Heaven, is a covenant between souls, requiring a commitment to turn away from sin and seek intimacy with God.
What is Forgiveness
Forgiveness is categorized into three types: exoneration, forbearance, and release. Exoneration involves wiping the slate clean and restoring a relationship, often when the offender is sorry and takes responsibility. Forbearance requires stopping dwelling on the offense and maintaining watchfulness, while release involves letting go of negative feelings and moving past hurts, even without reconciliation.
Forgiveness is transformative, helping us love more and hate less. It is a gift to the receiver and necessary for the giver, changing us to be more like Jesus. Ultimately, forgiveness is the path to reconciliation with God and eternal life in Heaven.
Jesus washing his disciples feet
John 13:1-15
Jesus’ act of washing his disciples’ feet symbolizes his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension. This act serves as a model for Christians to live a life of service and humility, ultimately leading to glorification in heaven.
The serpent on the cross, is typology, of Jesus on the cross
— John 3:14-15
The passage reflects on John 3:14-15, comparing the bronze serpent in Exodus to Jesus on the cross. It explains that just as looking at the serpent healed the Israelites, looking at the cross with faith heals and saves us from sin. The cross represents the sum of our sins, and recognizing our contribution to Jesus’ suffering allows us to seek His forgiveness and mercy.
Complete my Joy
John 15:9-17
God invites us into the divine love of the Trinity, a love that is the model for all love. This love, exemplified in marriage, is a gift that, when fully received, creates new life. By accepting God’s love and fulfilling our purpose in His kingdom, we complete our own joy and help complete God’s.
The institution of the Holy Eucharist
Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
The Holy Eucharist, instituted by Jesus, is the seventh and final covenant with humanity. It involves a blood sacrifice (Jesus on the cross), an oath (eternal life through communion), and a shared meal (the body and blood of God). This covenant, reestablished through Mass, bonds us to God as family and seals our relationship with Him.
The Incarnation
Luke 2:41-51
The text explores the mystery of Jesus’ incarnation, highlighting His dual nature as both fully God and fully man. It emphasizes the significance of human relationships and the pursuit of perfection in achieving communion with God. The passage from Luke 2:41-51 is used to illustrate Jesus’ understanding of His divine mission and His growing comprehension of human obligations.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
Mark 3:20-35
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit involves believing the devil’s lies about God’s inability to forgive, leading to despair and rejection of God. This sin, whether from grave sin or cultural presumption, rejects the Holy Spirit and prevents reconciliation with God. Ultimately, it denies entry into heaven, as heaven requires complete love and forgiveness.
Oath Making, Oath Breaking
Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in oaths, highlighting the consequences of false oaths and the temptation to deceive. He urges people to let their words be true, as anything more is from the devil.
Solomons 2 sons and the split of the kingdom.
1st Kings, Chapter 12 and Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus compares His yoke to that of oxen, suggesting that by working together, the burden is lighter. This is connected to the story of Solomon’s sons, Rehoboam and Jeroboam, and the split of the kingdom. Jesus’ yoke represents the fulfillment of prophecy and His role as the true king of Israel, offering a lighter burden for those who follow Him.
The multiplication of the loaves and the feeding of the 5000
the super-abundant food of the eucharist
John 6:1-15
The multiplication of the loaves and feeding of the 5000 is a miracle that foreshadows the Eucharist. It symbolizes God’s abundance and love, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and prefiguring the Eucharist. The Eucharist, as the source and summit of faith, transforms our small offerings into eternal life, fulfilling God’s promises of superabundant joy and happiness.
Jesus in the eucharist is the bread from heaven that comes down to give life to the world
John 6:24-35
The Eucharist, the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus, is the bread from heaven that gives eternal life. Partaking in the Eucharist restores the covenant established through Jesus’ sacrifice, redeeming us in God’s eyes and aligning our will and nature with His. This communion with Jesus, both as the offerer and the sacrifice, is essential for our salvation and spiritual growth.
Jesus’ new church and His steward
Matthew 16:13-19
Jesus establishes His new church at Caesarea Philippi, symbolically defeating Satan and paganism. He appoints Peter as the first Pope, the perpetual steward of the kingdom, with the authority to bind and loose teachings. This role ensures unity and prevents division, as seen in the Catholic Church’s enduring presence over 2000 years.