Three decades ago, the singer–songwriter Joan Osborne caused a sensation with a hit song that asked, “What if God was one of us?” This Gospel, in the Octave of Easter, answers that question: He is one of us.
He lived like us, suffered like us. Our God bore scars. He hungered.
If we’ve forgotten so soon what happened on Good Friday, here’s a reminder: God understands our hardships and pains. And he knows what we need.
Christ’s first words in this Gospel should give us consolation and hope. The Son of God, wounded beyond our imagining, offers his first message to a world that is also wounded: “Peace be with you.”
Peace.
The God who became one of us offers that transcendent gift to the people he loves.
We don’t have to wonder if God was one of us.
He was. He is. And because of that, nothing will ever be the same.
So true, Deacon Greg. Further on she says, 'Just a stranger on a bus' . We must look around and open our eyes to see Him everywhere. Prayers for all in need this week.
More from today's readings :-) *** Peter told the people that the miracle of the lame man since birth walked was not because of their (Peter or John) power or godliness in Acts 3:11-12, "The man was holding on to Peter and John. All the people were amazed. They came running to them at the place called Solomon’s Porch. When Peter saw this, he said, “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us? It’s not as if we’ve made this man walk by our own power or godliness." *** All miracles credit goes to God and not ANY human in Acts 3:13a, " The God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has done this." *** Paul had the same experience in Acts 14:11-13, "The crowd saw what Paul had done (a lame man at birth walked). They shouted in the Lycaonian language. “The gods have come down to us in human form!” they exclaimed. They called Barnabas Zeus. Paul was the main speaker. So they called him Hermes. Just outside the city was the temple of the god Zeus. The priest of Zeus brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates. He and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas." ******* Human nature tends to worship the people God uses in miracles becasue we can see them and we bypass (sometimes, we may not bypass God but give the focus to the human instead) the God Who we cannot see is behind them all :-( Acts 14:14-15, "But the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about this. So they tore their clothes. They rushed out into the crowd. They shouted, “Friends, why are you doing this? We are only human, just like you. We are bringing you Good News. Turn away from these worthless things. Turn to the living God. He is the One Who made the heavens and the earth and the sea. He made everything in them." *** Who do I worship or give credit to that is not God Himself!?!?!?
PEACE! What peace was Jesus talking about? And what is my expectation of peace to look like? *** Peace where everyone loves one another? Peace where there is no war, death, pain, suffering, natural disasters, man-made disasters, etc? Peace where everyone makes the right choices and decisions? *** Peace is to know that everything was, is and will be fulfilled according to God's plan of long ago written in Scripture in Luke 24:44, "Jesus said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you. Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms must come true.” *** Peace is to know that bad things happened are also in God's plan of long ago written in Scripture in Luke 24:45-46, "Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written. The Messiah will suffer. He will rise from the dead on the third day!" *** Peace is to know that things will happen to fulfill God's plan of long ago and it is not what I think it is in Luke 24:47, "His followers will preach in His Name. They will tell others to turn away from their sins and be forgiven. People from every nation will hear it, beginning at Jerusalem!" ******* Peace in this world, may be! Peace in my life, may be! Peace in all people, may be! The PEACE I learn and understand from Scripture is the peace between God and I, God and you, God and others ✝️ *** John 14:27, "I leave My peace with you. I give My peace to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And do not be afraid." *** John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of Me. In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world." *** Colossians 1:20b, "He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross!" *** Romans 5:1, "We have been made right with God because of our faith. Now we have peace with Him because of our Lord Jesus Christ." *** Romans 8:6, "The thoughts of a person ruled by sin bring death. But the mind ruled by the Spirit brings life and peace." *** Ephesians 6:15, "Wear on your feet what will prepare you to tell the Good News of peace." *** Philippians 4:6-7, "Don’t worry about anything. No matter what happens, tell God about everything. Ask and pray, and give thanks to Him. Then God’s peace will watch over your hearts and your minds. He will do this because you belong to Christ Jesus. God’s peace can never be completely understood." ******* Amen! (I agree!)
Good morning LFF. God bless us Everyone now and forever more.
Thanks Deacon Greg - I just loved the line from the gospel where Jesus says, “Hey, do you guys have anything to eat? I’m hungry” It’s a reminder that he is human and not just an apparition. He is one of us and gets hungry and thirsty. Thank you for your continued prayers for those of our extended community that are suffering. Today I am lifting Rebecca who was being treated in the ER with IV antibiotics for a staff infection. May she start to show signs of recovery today. Amen.
Jane I will pray for Rebecca successful recovery, right now. I also appreciate your prayers for all the people who need them. Ken
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Amen!!! "He was. He is. And because of that, nothing will ever be the same". Thank you Deacon Kandra for this powerful reminder :)
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email
About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us
© 2024 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.
He is most definitely 'one' of us. TA TA Yehushua/Emanuel; Jesus the Messiah/Christ, that You were, are and will be with us. I am so deeply moved, and evermore completely grateful. Bless You