“Let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4: 7

There is a beautiful hymn – “The Wideness of God’s Mercy” – that was composed by Frederick W. Faber in 1854. We sang the hymn at mass this past weekend. I will share a few verses with you here:

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea; There’s a kindness in His justice, which is more than liberty.

There is no place where earth’s sorrows are more felt than up in Heaven; There is no place where earth’s failings have such kindly judgment given.

There is welcome for the sinner; and more graces for the good; There is mercy with the Savior; There is healing in His blood.

Always know how much He loves you.

In a July blog post, I wrote that we are here on earth to seek Jesus. This search matters because it is only through relationship with Jesus that we are able to find and live out our true purpose in life.

As we seek to know Jesus, we begin to understand how deeply Jesus desires to know us – both our minds and our hearts. At some point, He asks each of us to answer this question:

“”But what about you?’, He asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’” Matthew 16: 15

Jesus poses this question to His disciples in the region of Caesarea Philippi, shortly before the Passover and His subsequent Crucifixion. Simon Peter immediately replies: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16: 16

Why is Jesus asking this question of His disciples? These men have walked away from their lives to follow Him. Doesn’t this outward behavior confirm that they believe Jesus is the Christ? Have the disciples not already professed their faith in Him? Yes, and yes!

But Jesus wants to go deeper with His disciples – and with us. He is keenly aware that while some people may honor Him with their lips and by following the Commandments, their hearts remain far from Jesus. (Matthew 15: 8-9)

Consequently, Jesus wants to know what each one of us believes about Him, deeply and privately within our minds and our hearts. Hence His very personal question, “Who do you say I am?”

Jesus was completely human – religious and non-religious scholars agree that He physically existed on earth. But Jesus also claimed to be the Divine Love of God made flesh:

“’I and the Father are one.’” (John 10: 30)

And Jesus proclaimed to be the resurrection:

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11: 25-26

It is His Divinity that Jesus asks each one of us to contemplate. Do I believe He is the Son of God?

As the venerable C. S. Lewis observes, Jesus intends for each one of us to answer this question with decisiveness:

“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God; or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that door open to us. He did not intend to.”¹

If you are unable to decisively answer Jesus’ question today, let this be the moment that you resolve to find your answer.

Jesus tells us that our eternal destiny hinges on how we answer His question:

“But He [Jesus] continued, ‘You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.’” John 8: 23-24

Stay near to Jesus and make time to answer His question. This will change your life in unexpected and profound ways.

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may draw ever nearer to Jesus. Breathe into us, O Faithful Holy Spirit, a full comprehension of who Jesus is, and enable us to receive the precious gift of eternal life that Jesus offers to each one of us.

¹ C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (California: HarperCollins San Francisco, a Division of HarperCollins Publishing, 2001), 52.

Given this week’s Feast of the Assumption of Mary, the Mother of God, into Heaven, Mary remains on my heart in a special way.

In particular, I have been thinking about when the archangel, Gabriel, first appears to Mary. When Gabriel arrives on the scene, Mary is a faithful and chaste young woman, living a quiet life, and betrothed to a man named Joseph. Gabriel’s news changes the course of Mary’s life, and of all humankind:

“And the angel [Gabriel] said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of his father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His Kingdom there will be no end.’

“And Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I have no husband?’

“And the angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God’ … And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1: 30-35, 38

Mary’s faith and bravery in this moment are staggering. For starters, Gabriel is a powerful archangel – a heavenly messenger from God who makes appearances in both the Old and New Testaments. Archangels are supernatural spirits and forces who help to bridge the gaps that exist between the realities of earth and heaven. When they show up, their first words are usually, “Do not be afraid!” Mary remains with Gabriel and listens to what he has to say.

The Bible tells us that Mary was betrothed (or espoused) to a man named Joseph, but the marriage had not been consummated. (Luke 1: 27) In a culture that did not take kindly to espoused women becoming pregnant by someone other than their spouse, Mary’s decision to say “yes” to God’s plan places her in mortal danger.

As quickly as Gabriel arrives to speak with Mary, he leaves her side. Mary is now alone with the knowledge that she will conceive, through the Holy Spirit, and give birth to the Son of God.

Mary’s faith and bravery are stunning. Her love for God and for humankind is equally stunning, as she humbly agrees to fulfill this ancient prophecy of Isaiah:

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel, [or God with us].” Isaiah 7: 14

For most of us, God does not send angels or archangels to reveal His plans. And yet we know that God has distinct plans for each of us and for humanity overall:

“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.” Psalm 33: 11

Spending time alone with Jesus each day helps us to understand the plans God has for us. The decision is ours then to trust in the Lord’s plans, and to work with Him in ways big and small, to create goodness in the world.

Thank you Mary, most Blessed and Admirable Mother, for bringing Jesus into the world.

Please pray for us, O most faithful and holy Mother of God, that we too may say yes to the plans God places on our hearts. Glorious Queen of Heaven and Immaculate Queen of the Angels, fill us with your love and grace and courage, so that we too might joyfully live out the dreams of goodness that God has for our lives. In your Son Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today, Catholics around the world celebrate the joyous Assumption of Mary, Mother of God, into Heaven.

At the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken up (assumed) into heaven, body and soul. Pope Pius XII, in defining the Assumption, explains that, “Just as the glorious resurrection of Christ was an essential part and final sign of this victory [over sin and death by Calvary], so that struggle [Calvary] which was common to the Blessed Virgin and her Son, had to be closed by the glorification of her virginal body. [As a result, just as Jesus is now King of the Universe, Mary is Queen of the Universe.] … And her kingdom is as vast as that of her Son and God, since nothing is excluded from her dominion.” (Pope Pius XII, Radio Message to Fatima, “Bendito Seia,” May 13, 1946)

Dearest Mother, we love you. As we contemplate your assumption, body and soul, into Heaven, please strengthen and renew in all of us the desire to be made worthy of the promises of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Enlighten the uncertainties of our minds with your wisdom. Strengthen the weaknesses of our hearts with your power. And fill us with greater faith, hope and love. Amen.

“The Lord watches over you … the Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121: 5, 7-8

Yes! Remember that always – that out of darkness I am leading you to light. Out of unrest to rest, out of disorder to order. Out of faults and failure to perfection. So trust Me wholly. Fear nothing. Hope ever. Look ever up to Me and I will be your sure aid. I and My Father are One … and you are Mine.¹

From God Calling, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.

For all of us, the closer we stay to Jesus each day, the more our trust in His Love for us grows. Spending even 10 minutes with Jesus each morning can dramatically change the course of our days. When trouble arrives, turning to Jesus for support enables Him to show us the way through the problem and back to peace.

When our sinful natures get us into trouble, it can be hard to turn back to Jesus. It’s natural to feel unworthy of His Love. So often, when we peel away the layers of what threatens to keep us from Jesus, we find this sense of unworthiness at the core of our separation.

The truth is we are unworthy of His Love, even when we are not sinning. God is so Pure and so Good. In the Old Testament’s Book of Exodus, which Moses wrote as a lasting memorial of God’s goodness, Moses sings these words to God:

“Who among the gods is like You, O Lord? Who is like You – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15: 11

Moses loved God so much. He understood that God is so Holy that we cannot be in His Presence, if we are not holy too. God’s Holiness is so complete and so powerful that we simply could not withstand its force, if we were to enter into His Presence in our sinfulness, for sin cannot co-exist with God. Remember the stunning scene where Moses encounters God in the burning bush:

“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight – why the bus does not burn up.’ When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’ ‘Do not come any closer,’ God said. ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’ Then He said, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.” Exodus 3: 1-6

It is humbling to observe Moses, the very keeper of God’s Ten Commandments, tremble in fear and shame, in the presence of God. Moses was aware of his own sinfulness, but he refused to let his weaknesses separate him from God, and the plans that God had for his life. We know from the Old Testament stories that Moses was faithful to and stayed close to God until the end.

How can we remain faithful to God? How can we keep turning back to Him, even when we do not feel worthy of His Love?

It is Jesus who opens the door for us to one day stand in God’s presence. God sent Jesus to earth, in human form, to plainly show us how to live good and holy lives. As Jesus dies for our sins and is resurrected by God, He offers us a path to strive for holiness and to experience fully the Love that God has for each one of us.

Jesus offers us God’s Love freely, loving us as the Father has loved Him. Throughout His time on earth, Jesus shows us over and again that life with God is not out of reach for us if we remain in Jesus’ Love. (John 15: 9)

How do we remain in Jesus’ Love? By following God’s Commands – and in particular, Jesus’ command to love one another as Jesus loves us, and as we love ourselves. Jesus comes into the world to help us to understand the Ten Commandments on an even deeper and more personal level. Take for example Jesus’ teaching on adultery:

“’You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’” Matthew 5: 27-28

Or Jesus’ teaching on murder:

“’You have heard it said to the people long ago, “Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with is brother will be subject to judgment.’” Matthew 5: 21-22

Jesus is warning us about the dangers of solely following the legalistic and public parameters of the Ten Commandments. He is asking us to also live out God’s Commands in our hearts. Jesus shows us that tending to our hearts and our thoughts enables us to truly love one another. He shows us the power of our hearts to influence behaviors that enable good things to happen for those around us.

It is easy to become burdened with sinfulness. But Jesus also confirms that it is completely in our power to overcome our sinful natures. The Gospel of John recounts a story of a woman caught in adultery. Jesus forgives her and says the following:

“’Go now and leave your life of sin.’” John 1: 11

Jesus says the same thing to all of us:

“’Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’” Matthew 11: 28-30

In the midst of a noisy, chaotic, and sometimes frightening world, Jesus’ promise may seem too good to be true. And yet here He is, the Son of God, still calling each one of us closer to Him, despite our imperfect lives. In asking us to take up His yoke, Jesus is asking for our permission to let Him guide our days, for He knows the good plans the Father has for us. (Jeremiah 29: 11) He is promising that our burdens will be light if we live in His Love.

Jesus is also promising that He is capable of giving us everything we need to lead great lives – and to make the lives of those around us more beautiful.

Are Jesus’ promises too good to be true?

The way I see it, there is only one way to find out.

If you are already living your life with Jesus, go deeper into relationship with Him.

If you are living life on your own, ask Jesus to walk with you, and see where He leads you.

For Jesus says, “’Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.’” Matthew 7: 7-8

Some days are just easier than others to follow Jesus. If we’re honest with ourselves, we all know this is true! Some days are filled with sunshine and simple joys that make it easy to love one another and to be good.

Other days are more trying. We struggle against others as we attempt to respond gracefully in less-than-ideal situations. We struggle against ourselves – and even against Jesus – as we face temptations and trials big and small.

All of us will face challenges. There are so many things happening around us that are completely out of our control. Jesus plainly acknowledges this:   

“’In this world you will have trouble.’” John 16: 33

When difficulties arise, I try to place my trust fully in Jesus. St. Paul reminds us that God will never give us more than we can handle:

“God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted [and tested] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted [and tested], He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10: 13

When trouble arrives, turning to Jesus for support enables Him to show us the way through the problem and back to peace. I cherish these words from St. Peter:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you [alone] … for the God of all grace … after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 4: 12, 1 Peter 5: 10

Jesus loves us so much. In fact, He loves us more than we can ever imagine.

Because God loves us so much, we are capable of love in stronger and deeper ways each day. Through love and in love, we are capable of overcoming the greatest difficulties and temptations.

Thank you for loving us, Jesus.

Jesus said, “’I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” John 16: 33

As we choose to draw closer to God, it is common to experience some trepidation about how things will change for us.  

Early in my own walk with God, after receiving a message from Him on a highway of all places, I recorded these words in my journal:

“I think what makes me nervous about all of this is not being sure of the path I will walk, and who will walk with me. Help me to believe, and to not be afraid. And thank you for the angels You have already placed in my path.”

Jesus plainly tells us that to follow Him, we must be willing to place Him above all else in our lives:

“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them He said, ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.’” Luke 14: 25-27

These words recorded by St. Luke are so powerful. Educated as a physician in the Greek city of Antioch, which is part of modern-day Turkey, St. Luke is acknowledged by literature and archeology scholars alike as one of the top historians of his time. While some traditions espouse that Luke was a direct disciple of Jesus, others teach that Luke became a believer after the ascension of Jesus into heaven. However all agree that the precision and diligence of St. Luke in recording the history of Jesus is second to none, which makes this passage even more powerful.

Place yourself there in the scene that Luke describes:

The crowd is large and everyone is excited to be with Jesus. He proclaims to be the Son of God, as prophesied in the ancient texts of the Old Testament. With great authority and passion, Jesus teaches about the way to eternal life with God. When asked which of God’s commandments are the greatest, Jesus replies, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart; and love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22: 34-40)

You are there in the crowd, talking with the others – Yes, we can do this. We can love God and love one another. This doesn’t seem too difficult. We’ve got this! Let’s follow Jesus!

But then Jesus turns around and walks up to you, having overhead your conversation. He calls you by name and looks you squarely in the eyes, and says – You cannot be my disciple unless you are willing to love Me more than every other person – and every other thing – in your life. So if your spouse or your parents or your friends ask you not to follow Me, you must be willing to disobey them. And if I ask you to sell all the treasures you cherish and donate that money to the poor, you must be willing to do that. Do you understand what I am asking you to do? I want you to put Me first in your life. Do you still want to follow Me?  

His words are emotionally charged because Jesus is trying to make a point – If you want to share in the Kingdom of Heaven, then Jesus must come first. Period.

Sensing your hesitation, Jesus’ eyes never leave yours. You cannot find your words and your mind is racing – What?! Wait a minute … What about my family? My job? What about what I want? I thought we just had to love God and each other. What?!

You step back from Jesus and say to Him – Let me think about this a little more.

Jesus looks away for a moment and turns back to you, His eyes filled with emotion. He says quietly – Always know how much I love you. He then disappears into the crowd.

After all these years of loving Him, I can still find myself standing back there in the crowd, hesitant to acknowledge what He is placing on my heart. The noise of the crowd can be deafening. But I call for Him and above the noise, I hear Jesus’ voice:

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41: 10) I am faithful and will not allow you to be tested beyond your strength. (1 Corinthians 10: 13) Keep your faith in Me and you will be able to love and to do the things that I am doing. In fact, you will do even greater things than these. (John 14: 12) My grace is sufficient for you; understand that My power is made perfect in your weakness. (2 Corinthians 12: 9) So lay all your anxieties on Me because I care for you. (1 Peter 5: 7) Believe that whatever you ask of Me in prayer, it will be yours. (Mark 11: 24) Never, ever forget who you are. I have called you by name, and you are Mine.” (Isaiah 43: 1)

Following Jesus changes things for all of us, in ways big and small, every day of our lives. If we allow them to, these changes open our hearts and minds, enabling us to experience a fullness of life and love like nothing we have ever imagined.

Jesus loves us so much.

Pray for us, St. Luke, that we may always believe and trust in His Love.

“Having loved those who were His own in the world, He loved them [and continues to love with His Perfect Love] to the end [for all eternity]. John 13: 1

Love explained all for me, all was resolved by love, so this love I adore wherever it may be.

I am open space for a placid tide where no wave roars, clutching at rainbow branches. Now a soothing wave uncovers light in the deep and breathes light onto unsilvered leaves.

In such silence I hide, a leaf released from the wind, no longer anxious for the days that fall. They must all fall, I know.

St. John Paul II, The Place Within¹

¹St. John Paul II, “Shores of Silence,” in The Place Within: The Poetry of Pope John Paul II, Translated by Jerzy Peterkiewicz (New York: Random House, 1982), p. 6.