April 2024
Reflections of God's Goodness
He is Risen! Alleluia.
Jesus’ death and resurrection changed our lives! And it changed the world! Jesus died and rose again to be with us always – He promised!
“…And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
What does it mean if someone says – “I am here for you, I will listen to you, and I will help you in any way I can, because I love you?” All of us want to be known and we yearn for the presence of those we love. That’s how God feels about us.
“Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you,
I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
We live in a culture that values achievement and production. God is not looking for us to be working for Him every minute. He is not interested in what we achieve. He would rather we walk with Him, talk with Him, love Him. God pursues us. He wants to dwell among us and to be with us.
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.”
God’s presence with us means we are never alone. No matter how hard our life is, or how frightening, or how confusing. God is right there.
“God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken and mountains quake to the depths of the sea,…”
Yes, friends - This is the Good News of Easter. Jesus’ resurrection is our assurance of His presence
with us always. May you experience His presence with you more deeply this Easter season and forever!
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people* and God himself will always be with them [as their God]. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.” The one who sat on the throne* said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then he said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.”
Read the previous reflections:
Jesus’ death and resurrection changed our lives! And it changed the world! Jesus died and rose again to be with us always – He promised! “…And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
If you have not yet tried reading the daily readings during Lent, I encourage you to begin or end your day filling your mind with God’s word. As I suggested last month, this is one way to help keep you grounded in who Jesus is and what he does. You can have the gospel sent to your email or you can read it online at usccb.org
Lent begins on February 14th! It is also Valentine’s Day! A perfect way for us to remember God’s wonderful love for us and our need to repent and return to Him with new energy and commitment
What will this new year bring? Should I make resolutions even though experience reminds me that they are seldom successful. Maybe this year we can be brave enough to ask God what He wants for us in the New year!