News & Views (Page 22)

Today we are reminded that our belief in Jesus is our salvation. Paul and Silas’ jailor asked a remarkable question, “What must I do to be saved”. Can you imagine what an incredible witness to faith Paul and Silas must have been to bring a Roman soldier to ask that question? What did the jailor witness? He was a witness to the power of prayer and the freedom that our belief in Jesus brings to us. Today, I invite you…

Today Jesus comes to open our hearts. If we stop for a moment does that mean my heart is closed? Am I willing and ready to allow him to come in? Lydia allows Jesus to do just that. And with her active participation, she is able to listen “eagerly” to the word of Jesus through Paul, become baptized, and become a faithful follower of Jesus. Eagerly. Do I have a strong desire to be active in my relationship with Jesus.…

I’m often taken aback by the simplest, smallest of words – such as the word “IF”. Little regrets we often have… IF only I did this, IF only I did that. What IF this happens or doesn’t happen. Jesus speaks clearly today – “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”. Seems more like a statement of fact from Him. Just love me. From that love flows other great gifts – our desire to keep his commandments and our…

Today we are reminded that Jesus is united with us in all things. In joy – these things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be fullIn goodness – be merciful, just as your Father is mercifulIn faithfulness – I am with you alwaysIn sadness – Jesus weptIn hatred – and there they crucified himIn love – So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love one another, just…

Today we are reminded that I have been chosen by God. Oh my! What has God chosen me for? To love unconditionally? Perhaps pray the Act of Love: O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbour as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have inured me and I ask pardon for all whom I…

Today we are called to love one another. We cannot truly love another without first knowing love. What a beautiful gift we have to know that God has loved us into being and that He is with us always. We are challenged to look within from the rising of the sun until it’s setting and pull from that love so that it can be shared with everyone we come in contact with. Today, perhaps, as you journey through your day,…

Today we are reminded of the True Vine. I love Spring. The earth shouts in joy and nature renews itself with an explosion of brilliant colour and the song of birds. The vineyards of our beautiful Okanagan Region are bursting with new life and soon we’ll be enjoying the fruits of the labour. Peaches and cherries and grapes and apples and so much more radiate the abundance of God’s great earth. Their freshness will renew our spirits. Jesus reminds us…

Today we are called to persevere through persecution. What does it mean to be persecuted? Well, certainly in the early church it meant beatings, crucifixion, starvation, and death by stoning. Are you being persecuted today? Well, I know that I’m not being beaten, hung on a cross, starving or dying by being repeatedly struck by rocks. However, I also know that my Holy Church is being persecuted, as am I as a child of God. My moral beliefs and rights…

Today we are reminded that the Holy Spirit will teach us. So, what is it that I am to learn? More about being a “good” Catholic? More about the theological teachings of our faith? Perhaps, more about how to allow the Holy Spirit to act within my everyday activities, so I can move from being a Sunday Catholic to being an everyday Catholic. The Holy Spirit is active – in you! Our challenge is to allow him to move us.…