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Home Sections The Daily B.R.E.A.D. May 14, 2009 - Thursday Meditation (Finding that Elusive Peace and Joy)
May 14, 2009 - Thursday Meditation (Finding that Elusive Peace and Joy) PDF Print E-mail
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Sections - The Daily B.R.E.A.D.
Written by Bobot Apit   
Wednesday, 13 May 2009 06:20
J esus reminds his disciples that only by following his commandment of love will they remain in his love and find true peace and joy: “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”



Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
 
John 15:9-17 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. (10) If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. (11) These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (12) "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (13) Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (14) You are my friends if you do what I command you. (15) No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. (16) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (17) This I command you, to love one another.



    
* Meditation by Dick Hauser, S.J.
 
 
As a priest and college theology professor  I’m frequently asked by my students why I believe in God. The students are often struggling with their own faith.  I take the question seriously.

I’ve noticed that my response to students has evolved over the years. Initially I responded by giving intellectual reasons  supporting  belief in Jesus and the existence of God. This was never that effective because we got lost in complicated intellectual debates. I soon began simplifying my response. I began sharing personal experiences of God’s presence in my life and showing how these encounters with the Lord have enriched my life, especially during times of personal need.  

Further I witnessed  to a simple truth that is the foundation of my life:  I have found true peace and joy in my life to the degree I have lived by the teachings of Jesus -- when I’ve strayed from these teachings I’ve  lost that peace and joy. The students are moved by this candor and seem to accept my witness as credible.  They are surprised to learn that my faith in Jesus enriches my life rather than restricts it. It gets their attention and gives them something to think about.

Today’s Gospel is helpful in supporting this approach.  Jesus gives us his greatest commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.”  Then Jesus reminds his disciples that only by following his commandment of love will they remain in his love and find true peace and joy: “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Matthias, the disciple chosen  to fill the vacant place left by the apostle Judas.  The Gospel reminds us that Jesus personally chooses his followers, not only the special twelve apostles like Matthias, but also all his followers: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.”

Jesus has chosen us! As we continue to celebrate the Easter Season let’s ask for the grace to rejoice with the Risen Jesus who has given us the greatest gift of our lives-- the gift of faith in Him: ”This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”


Supplementary Reading
Accept What Cannot be Changed

But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6



To accept what cannot be changed is the beginning of happiness within ourselves, happiness with those around us, and happiness in a situation we are in that we can do little or nothing about.

We can begin our journey to acceptance by making a list of daily blessings that we take for granted. Once a year in our home, everyone makes a list of blessings or assets (one for each letter of the alphabet) for which he or she is thankful. Reviewing this list and adding to it is a mental bath that washes away the negative "I wishes" and "if only’s." The result is a poised and tranquil acceptance of life as it really is.

If we find it difficult to accept ourselves as we really are, we have even more difficulty accepting others as they are. ACCEPT, ACCEPT, ACCEPT. This is the beginning of contentment with ourselves as persons—and the beginning of contentment with our mates and families as they are.



* * *

Ignite the spirit of contentment in your life by making a list of blessings or assets in your life that you are grateful for. Then accept what is.

* * *


GOD BLESS US ALL!

PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.


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Last Updated on Wednesday, 13 May 2009 20:32
 

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