Reflections of a beloved son

“Do you love me?” Jesus asks Peter this question three times. Each time He gives Peter a command and mission. Jesus was restoring Peter to his place and reminding him of the great task that He has entrusted to him – to be the shepherd of His flock here on earth. For every time Peter denied Him, Jesus gave him the opportunity to reconcile. Afterwards Jesus described to Peter the nature of discipleship – we will sometimes be led to where we rather not go. Then Jesus extends to Peter the invitation, “Follow me.” When we fall short, Jesus asks us, “Do you love me” not to make us feel guilty, but to remind us of how much He loves us. He only seeks to forgive, reconcile, restore, and invite.  Today, Jesus invites us to relationship with Him. He asks us, “Do you love me?” He meets us where we are and walks with us as we journey along. He sees our wounds, pains, brokenness, and says to us “I love you. Just as I show you my wounds so you can show me yours. Our wounds are not something to ...

Though it may sometimes feel this way, we are not alone in this world or in our struggles. It is a common temptation to feel that no one else in this world understands what we may be going through, but there is always someone who does. By sharing our own experiences with one another, others may suddenly see that flicker of light in the darkness. Our experiences may bring someone from despair to hope. Never underestimate the power of one's witness and testimony. When we speak from the heart, it is Christ who speaks and works through us. Heart speaks to heart.

We are called to mission. But before that we first must know who sends us on mission. And to know this person we must have an encounter. The Christian life is a life of encounters - encounter with God and encounters with one another. It is our encounter with God that moves us to encounters with others. Through these rich encounters we cannot but be moved to conversion. And this conversion ultimately propels us into mission - a mission that is journeyed together with Christ by our side as well as Christ as our guide.

While on the road to Emmaus, the two disciples were walking, debating all that had been taking place about Jesus.  A man approached them and they explained to him all that had took place.  The man, who is really Jesus, was unrecognizable to the disciples.  This was so maybe because they did not see with the eyes of faith.  They were perhaps discussing whether the things that had happened could possibly be true and if so, what it all meant.  Jesus said to them, " Oh, how foolish you are!  How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke ." Their hearts were not moved to believe - yet.   After saying this, Jesus began to explain all that the prophets had prophesied about Him.  In the midst of our unbelief and slow of heart, Jesus accompanies us and teaches us. As they approached Emmaus, they asked Jesus to stay with them.  Jesus agreed and followed them to their home.  "Stay with us."  The disciples asked, and Jesus wil...