Freedom in Humility / La Libertad en la Humildad

When looking up the definition of humility, I came across two different responses.  It was first defined as a modest or low view of one’s own importance; humbleness. The second definition states, freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble. Whenever I think of this topic, I think of a good friend of mine. We met in college and throughout our friendship, I began to realize that Stephen’s definition of humility followed the first definition. Whenever someone would affirm him or acknowledge his gifts, he would hang his head low and say “No, no, no. I’m not (fill in the blank)”. He was nervous that if he received these compliments and praises that he would not be “humble”. As a good friend, I called him out. He began to work on it throughout the year and as he did, he began to change. By the end of the year, there was a new sense of joy, peace, and humble confidence in him. He finally understood that humility doesn’t mean ducking your head low and rejecting or denying your own goodness. If one is truly humble, there is a sense of freedom. A freedom from the sins of pride and arrogance. When others would complement or affirm something he said or did, he then responded with “Praise God! Thank you.”

In today’s Gospel we hear the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee thanked God for not making him like everyone else and recalls all the holy things he did. The tax collector only focuses on himself, beats his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ We are told at the end of the Gospel that the tax collector was justified, not the Pharisee. The Pharisee was comparing himself with others and that is not true humility. True humility is looking into the inmost depth of your own heart, not focusing or comparing the tasks of everyone else. Jesus said, “for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

I hope that as you continue to do God’s will in your life, you recognize that He is the source of all glory and remember that whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.


Al buscar la definición de la humildad, encontré dos respuestas diferentes. Primero se definió como una visión modesta o baja de la propia importancia. La segunda definición establece, libertad de orgullo o arrogancia: la cualidad o estado de ser humilde. Cada vez que pienso en este tema, pienso en un amigo cercano. Nos conocimos en la universidad y a lo largo de nuestra amistad, comencé a darme cuenta de que la definición de humildad para él era la primera. Cada vez que alguien lo afirmaba o reconocía sus dones, bajaba la cabeza y decía “No, no, no. Yo no soy (esto o el otro)”. Se ponía nervioso de que si recibía estos elogios no sería “humilde”. Como buen amigo, le llamé la atención. Empezó a trabajarlo durante todo el año y mientras lo hacía, empezó a cambiar. Al final del año, había una nueva sensación de gozo, paz y humilde confianza en él. Finalmente entendió que la humildad no significa agachar la cabeza y rechazar o negar tu propia bondad. Si uno es verdaderamente humilde, hay una sensación de libertad. Una libertad de los pecados del orgullo y la arrogancia. Después de un tiempo, cuando le felicitaban o afirmaban algo que dijo o hizo, empezó a responder “¡Alabado sea Dios! Gracias.”

En el Evangelio de hoy escuchamos la parábola del fariseo y el recaudador de impuestos. El fariseo agradeció a Dios por no haberlo hecho como los demás y recuerda todas las cosas santas que había hecho. El recaudador de impuestos sólo se enfoca en sí mismo, se golpea el pecho y ora: ‘Dios mío, apiádate de mí, que soy un pecador’. Se nos dice al final del Evangelio que el recaudador de impuestos fue justificado, no el fariseo. El fariseo se comparaba con los demás y eso no es verdadera humildad. La verdadera humildad es mirar en lo más profundo de tu propio corazón, sin enfocar o comparar las obras de los demás. Jesús dijo: “Porque todo el que se enaltece será humillado y el que se humilla será enaltecido”.

Espero que a medida que continúes haciendo la voluntad de Dios en tu vida, reconozcas que Él es la fuente de toda gloria y recuerdes que el que se enaltece será humillado, y el que se humilla será enaltecido.

This reflection was re-posted from Diocesan Archives. Author: Briana David

Feature Image Credit: Ben White, unsplash.com/photos/1urNubNAQbI

Divine Healing / La Sanación Divina

I recently got the chance to meet an incredible Healing Ministry that is doing the Lord’s work in my diocese. If you are unfamiliar with prayer teams like this, the focus is on the Holy Spirit, and they simply pray with you and for your intentions, spiritual or physical. Having gone to the Franciscan University of Steubenville, I am pretty comfortable with charismatic prayer and was truly blessed by my experience with this prayer team. Lately, I’ve become more interested in the topic of God’s healing.

This week I hosted a FORMED series at my parish on the Eucharist, Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist. After watching the first episode, I invited everyone to share their thoughts and reflections. A man prophetically shared on the reality of God’s power. The fact that God transcends time and science at every consecration of the Eucharist is similar to an explosion that just happens throughout the world at different times every single day. We went on from these words to thinking about God’s bigness and smallness. These questions were meant to be wrestled with and that’s we did.

In today’s Responsorial Psalm, I was reminded of this great might. “Making known to men your might and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom. Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.”

In the Gospel today we hear that we will be sent out like lambs among wolves. I’m sure each of us can understand that analogy in our world today. But what struck me is that Jesus didn’t tell us to grab some armor for protection, but instead calls us to bring peace. “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’” There is no need for armor because God is with us in all things and because of that there should always be a sense of peace coming from faithful Christians.

The last mission he gives to the disciples is to “cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’” He gave the power to His disciples to physically heal the sick and proclaim the truth that the Kingdom of God is at hand. In all seriousness, do we believe that God can heal us today? Do we believe that the Kingdom of God is at hand right now in this very moment? I do and I hope you do too. Today, may we wrestle with the reality that God can do what you think is impossible. Whether He does it or not, He can. May you experience the healing that you desire, if it be His will. Amen.


Recientemente tuve la oportunidad de conocer un Ministerio de Sanación increíble que está haciendo la obra del Señor en mi diócesis. Si no estás familiarizado con equipos de oración como este, el enfoque está en el Espíritu Santo, y simplemente oran con las personas y por sus intenciones, espirituales o físicas. Habiendo ido a la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville, me siento bastante cómodo con la oración carismática y fui verdaderamente bendecida por mi experiencia con este equipo de oración. Últimamente, me he interesado más en el tema de la sanidad de Dios.

Esta semana anfitrioné una serie de FORMED en mi parroquia sobre la Eucaristía, Presencia: El Misterio de la Eucaristía. Después de ver el primer episodio, invité a todos a compartir sus pensamientos y reflexiones. Un hombre compartió proféticamente sobre la realidad del poder de Dios. El hecho de que Dios trascienda el tiempo y la ciencia en cada consagración de la Eucaristía es similar a una explosión que ocurre en todo el mundo en diferentes momentos todos los días. Pasamos de estas palabras a pensar en la grandeza y a la vez la pequeñez de Dios. Estas preguntas eran para discutir y eso es lo que hicimos.

En el Salmo Responsorial de hoy, me acordé de este gran poder. “Que muestren a los hombres tus proezas, el esplendor y la gloria de tu reino. Tu reino, Señor, es para siempre y tu imperio, por todas las generaciones”.

En el Evangelio de hoy escuchamos la realidad de que vamos a estar enviados como corderos entre lobos. Estoy seguro de que cada uno de nosotros puede entender esa analogía en nuestro mundo actual. Pero lo que me llamó la atención es que Jesús no nos dijo que tomáramos una armadura para protegernos, sino que nos llama a traer paz. “Cuando entren en una casa digan: ‘Que la paz reine en esta casa’”. No hay necesidad de armadura porque Dios está con nosotros en todas las cosas y por eso siempre debe haber una sensación de paz proveniente de los cristianos fieles.

La última misión que les da a los discípulos es “Curen a los enfermos que haya y díganles: ‘Ya se acerca a ustedes el Reino de Dios’”. Él dio el poder a sus discípulos para sanar físicamente a los enfermos y proclamar la verdad que el Reino de Dios está cerca. Con toda seriedad, ¿creemos que Dios puede sanarnos hoy? ¿Creemos que el Reino de Dios está cerca ahora mismo en este mismo momento? Yo sí y espero que tú también. Hoy, que peleamos con la realidad de que Dios puede hacer lo que crees que es imposible. Ya sea que Él lo haga o no, Él puede hacerlo. Que experimentes la curación que deseas, si es Su voluntad. Amén.

This reflection was re-posted from Diocesan Archives. Author: Briana David

Feature Image Credit: Fuu J, unsplash.com/photos/r2nJPbEYuSQ

Finding True Joy / Encontrando la Alegría Verdadera

Today’s Gospel reading poses a very specific question, “Are you honest or dishonest?” We’re informed by Scripture that one who is trustworthy in small matters is also trustworthy in great ones, but one who is dishonest in small matters is also dishonest in great ones.

The Scripture refers to the topic of wealth and the belongings of others. How do we, as Catholics, handle money? Are we trustworthy or dishonest with our own money or the money of others? In all topics, I hope, we are striving to be honest and true in our words and actions.

This Gospel ends with the fact that we cannot serve two masters. “He will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.” This is crucial! Our hearts cannot be divided; there is no place for a split between serving God and idolizing other things, whether that’s wealth, jealousy, or dishonesty.

Let us reflect today and check in on our hearts to make sure that we serve one Master, Jesus Christ, who was rich and became poor so that by his poverty, you might become rich. Serving this Master with all honesty in our words and actions is the true place of joy, the richness of grace, and the Kingdom of God. Let’s have our eyes on what truly matters, let us serve Him in small and great matters with trustworthy and honest hearts.


La lectura del Evangelio de hoy plantea una pregunta muy específica: “¿Eres honesto o deshonesto?” Las Escrituras nos informan que el que es fiel en las cosas pequeñas también lo es en las grandes, pero el que es deshonesto en las cosas pequeñas también es deshonesto en las grandes.

La Escritura se refiere al tema de las riquezas y los bienes de los demás. ¿Cómo nosotros, como católicos, manejamos el dinero? ¿Somos dignos de confianza o deshonestos con nuestro propio dinero o con el dinero de los demás? Espero que en todos los temas nos esforzamos por ser honestos y verdaderos en nuestras palabras y acciones.

Este Evangelio termina con el hecho de que no podemos servir a dos señores. “Odiará a uno y amará al otro, o se apegará al primero y despreciará al segundo. En resumen, no pueden ustedes servir a Dios y al dinero”. ¡Esto es crucial! Nuestros corazones no pueden dividirse; no hay lugar para una división entre servir a Dios e idolatrar otras cosas, ya sea la riqueza, los celos o la deshonestidad.

Reflexionemos hoy y revisemos nuestros corazones para asegurarnos de que servimos a un Maestro, Jesucristo, quien fue rico y se hizo pobre para que con su pobreza ustedes pudieran hacerse ricos. Servir a este Maestro con toda honestidad en nuestras palabras y acciones es el verdadero lugar de la alegría, la riqueza de la gracia y el Reino de Dios. Pongamos los ojos en lo que verdaderamente importa, sirvámosle en lo pequeño y en lo grande con corazones honestos y dignos de confianza.

Feature Image Credit: Benjamin Klaver, unsplash.com/photos/9F1O4NwMay4

This reflection was reposted from Diocesan archives. Author: Briana David

Feature Image Credit: FOYN, unsplash.com/photos/e7gsQWTnMwQ

Do You Trust Me? / ¿Confías en Mí?

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your Cross you have redeemed the world.

Some time ago, my Pastor was sharing how he studied Greek in his undergrad seminarian years. He loved it because it allowed him to read and understand Scripture in a deeper way. One single detail that he shared has left me pondering this Gospel in a different way today. He shared that the word “believe” in the Greek language, can actually be closer to the word “trust” in English. He shared that throughout the Gospels, when Jesus asks, “Do you believe in me?” a closer translation might be that Jesus is asking, “Do you trust me?”

In our First Reading today, I feel for the Israelites as they moan and groan throughout their journey. They’re tired and starting to doubt, asking the question “why?”. In this moment of despair, it’s obvious they were losing trust in God. They did not trust in where they were being led and were full of complaints… If we’re honest, we’ve all been there. We’ve all hit the human points where we ask God why and our “patience is worn out by the journey”, just like theirs was.

God punishes them for their sins, but his anger does not last. He offers them the bronze serpent, mounted on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at it, he lived. The Responsorial Psalm states that God is merciful, forgave their sin, and did not destroy them. He often turns back his anger and does not let his wrath be roused. Do not forget the works of the Lord!

Jesus states in the Gospel today that “just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” Yes, Jesus is the Incarnation, God made Man. Our human condition is lifted up because of this. We, as human beings, are loved so radically that God gave up His only Son, so that “everyone who believes in him might not perish, but might have eternal life.” This is stated two times in today’s Gospel message. I would like you to change the word to trust… So that everyone who trusts in Him might have eternal life. The Israelites were losing their trust in the trenches of the journey. The loss of trust is the start of sin. 

May we not only believe, but trust deeper in our Lord. In the ways that seem unclear and challenging. In the parched and hungry moments of our journey, may we entrust our entire lives to Him and to His will. What does trusting the Lord look like for you? Where can you grow in trusting Him? Personally, this is where the Lord is calling me to grow and I hope in some way He is calling you to a deeper trust too.


Te adoramos, oh Cristo, y te bendecimos, que por tu santa Cruz has redimido al mundo.

Hace tiempo, mi pastor estaba compartiendo cómo estudió griego en sus años como estudiante universitario. Le encantaba porque le permitía leer y comprender las Escrituras de una manera más profunda. Un solo detalle que compartió me ha dejado reflexionando sobre este Evangelio de una manera diferente. Compartió que la palabra “creer” en el idioma griego, en realidad puede estar más cerca de la palabra “confiar”. Compartió eso a lo largo de los Evangelios, cuando Jesús pregunta: “¿Crees en mí?” una traducción más cercana podría ser que Jesús está preguntando: “¿Confías en mí?”

En nuestra Primera Lectura de hoy, siento pena por los israelitas mientras gimen y se quejan a lo largo de su viaje. Están cansados ​​y comienzan a dudar, haciendo la pregunta “¿por qué?”. En este momento de desesperación, es obvio que estaban perdiendo la confianza en Dios. No confiaban dónde los estaba llevando y estaban llenos de quejas. Si somos honestos, todos hemos pasado por eso. Todos hemos llegado a tal punto que le preguntamos a Dios por qué y nos impacientamos igual que ellos.

Dios los castiga por sus pecados, pero su ira no dura. Les ofrece la serpiente de bronce, montada en un asta, y cuando cualquiera que había sido mordido por una serpiente la miraba, vivía. El Salmo Responsorial afirma que Dios es misericordioso, perdonó sus pecados y no los destruyó. A menudo aparta su ira y no deja que su ira se despierte. ¡No olvides las obras del Señor!

Jesús afirma en el Evangelio de hoy que “Así como Moisés levantó la serpiente en el desierto, así tiene que ser levantado el Hijo del hombre, para que todo el que crea en él tenga vida eterna.” Sí, Jesús es la Encarnación, Dios hecho Hombre. Nuestra condición humana se eleva por esto. Nosotros, como seres humanos, somos amados tan radicalmente que Dios entregó a su Hijo único, para que “para que todo el que crea en él no perezca, sino que tenga vida eterna.” Esto se afirma dos veces en el mensaje del Evangelio de hoy. Quisiera que cambiaras la palabra por confiar… Para que todo aquel que confíe en El tenga vida eterna. Los israelitas estaban perdiendo su confianza en las trincheras del viaje. La pérdida de confianza es el comienzo del pecado.

Que no solo creamos, sino que confiemos más profundamente en nuestro Señor. En las formas que parecen poco claras y desafiantes. En los momentos de sed y hambre en nuestro camino, que confiemos toda nuestra vida a Él y a Su voluntad. ¿Cómo es confiar en el Señor para ti? ¿Dónde puedes crecer en la confianza en Él? Personalmente, aquí es donde el Señor me está llamando a crecer y espero que de alguna manera te esté llamando a ti también a una confianza más profunda.

Feature Image Credit: Aaron Burden, unsplash.com/photos/5c5VcFshOds

This reflection was reposted from Diocesan archives. Author: Briana David

Feature Image Credit: FOYN, unsplash.com/photos/e7gsQWTnMwQ

What God Has Joined, Man Must Not Separate

“Because of the hardness of your hearts…” In today’s Gospel reading, we hear Jesus say this as a response to the Pharisees who tested him, questioning if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife and asking why Moses allowed it.  Jesus gives us a clear teaching on the covenant of marriage.  He points us back to Genesis in God’s creation of Adam and Eve and quotes the intimacy of the one-flesh union (Gen 2:24) He goes on to tell us, “What God has joined together, man must not separate.” In this passage, we find the beauty and sacredness of the sacrament of matrimony. Jesus reinforces that this is a covenant that is not meant to be broken. At the end of the Gospel, Jesus goes on to talk about those who cannot accept this word and those who were not meant to be married. “Some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.” This points to those who have been called to the vocations of Religious Life and Priesthood. They have said no to marriage and have said yes to living out the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. They too make a covenant with their vows, which should not be broken.

Today is the feast day of St. Maximilian Kolbe, an extraordinary saint who lived out his vocation courageously. He was a Polish Franciscan friar, who had a strong devotion to Our Lady and is the founder of the Militia of the Immaculata.  He was arrested for hiding Jews in his monastery during the time of the World War II invasion of Germany. He ended up at Auschwitz and volunteered to take the place of a man who was going to experience death by starvation. St. Maximilian Kolbe is a martyr who lived out his vows for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, the reality that all priests and nuns do! They have said yes to a union with God here on earth. May we be as courageous as St. Maximilian Kolbe in whatever our vocation is, and be willing to sacrifice out of love for God and others.

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Briana is the Pastoral Minister at St. Mark Church in Cleveland, OH. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH and is excited to use these skills to serve the Church.

He Answers All Our Needs

When was the last time you felt like you were on your own? Where it felt as though it was all up to you? Perhaps you felt discouraged or alone facing a certain challenge. I for one have a habit of worrying that makes trusting God a constant choice I have to choose again and again. I have to give up the reins and remember that He answers all my needs.

This is the beauty of the Scripture readings today. We are reminded that Jesus takes care of our every need and we face absolutely nothing alone. In the First Reading, we hear God’s invitation to those who are thirsty to come to the water and drink without cost. He asks us, “Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy?” For He alone satisfies our heart’s desires and offers it to us without cost. We don’t need to do anything to deserve this gift. He freely gives it to us.

The Responsorial Psalm reiterates the truth that “The hand of the Lord feeds us, He answers all our needs.” In the Second Reading, we are asked “What will separate us from the love of Christ?” As we read on, we find that nothing can separate us because “we conquer overwhelmingly through Him who loved us”. We are never alone, He is on our side and always with us. We can do all things through Him. Our Gospel Reading ties all these readings together with Jesus’ miracle of the five loaves and two fish, feeding five thousand people. The disciples wanted Jesus to dismiss the crowd so that they could go into town and buy their own meals, but Jesus had other plans. He provided for the needs of those before Him, He didn’t let a single one of them go without eating. “They all ate and were satisfied.”

Let us remember in times we feel alone or struggle to trust, that He invites us to come and drink. That nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, He is always on our side. Let us remember that “The hand of the Lord feeds us, He answers all our needs.” When we go to Him and open our hearts to His love, we will be like the crowd that day, satisfied.

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Briana is the Pastoral Minister at St. Mark Church in Cleveland, OH. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, and is excited to use these skills to serve the Church.

The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand

Today we hear Jesus tell His Apostles their mission. In this Gospel, He urges them to proclaim that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand, to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons. They do not do this on their own powers but through Christ. He is commissioning His apostles, our first priests to continue His work on earth. As we are all called to be His disciples, we too can take much of this mission to heart. He advised them to wish peace to every house they enter. If it is not a worthy house or if the house or town does not listen to their words, He says to “shake the dust from your feet”. 

A few reflection questions to consider from Jesus’ words today; are you proclaiming that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand? Are you a man or woman of peace? Do you wish peace to all those you encounter in and outside of your family or your communities? How can you grow in bringing Christ’s peace to those who are not at peace? When someone is not open or responsive to your evangelization, do you shake the dust from your feet? Do you still wish them peace and continue the mission of proclaiming the Good News? 

May we all shake the dust from our feet and find strength and peace in Christ as we continue to be His missionary disciples.

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Briana is the Pastoral Minister at St. Mark Church in Cleveland, OH. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH and is excited to use these skills to serve the Church.

Peace and Justice

Today we celebrate Independence Day, the remembrance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, making some people upon this land free.

While keeping this in mind as I reflected upon the readings for today’s Mass, the Responsorial Psalm weighed heavily on my heart. It states, “The Lord speaks of peace to his people”. God proclaims peace to us and close is his salvation for all who fear Him. “Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth and justice shall look down from heaven. The Lord will give his benefits, our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps.”

This 4th of July, I ask you to reflect on God’s Word, the peace and justice He proclaims to us. May we ask Him to always guide our words and actions as we strive to build a better future for everyone in our country.  May we work towards peace and justice for all God’s children. May we trust that the Lord Himself will give us His grace, guidance, and salvation as we strive to follow in His footsteps. May God bless you and may God bless America.

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Briana is the Pastoral Minister at St. Mark Church in Cleveland, OH. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH and is excited to use these skills to serve the Church.

The Litany of June

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to be salt of the earth and light of the world. He points out that when someone lights a lamp, they do not put it under a basket or in a place that conceals the light, but on the lampstand where it can give light to the whole house. We must be and use our light in this way. We must shine our light before others and be of good deeds. This is what glorifies our Heavenly Father. This is what He is calling us to. 

Today, there are many opportunities to shine our light. In our broken world, how are you doing this? Are you educating yourself on why black lives matter? Are you showing charity to your neighbors who may be different from you? Or are you trying to ignore the current matter since it may not affect you? Are you shining your light or placing it under the basket, hiding it away? There are many different ways to shrine our light, to be salt of the earth today specifically in our actions and words as Christians. What good deeds have you done to glorify our Heavenly Father? What good deeds do you feel called to do at this time? The first step to this is prayer. Ask Him to show you and guide you.  I have been truly struck by this Litany of June written by Catholic poet, Clare McCallan. This prayer may be the first step as we strive to be salt of the earth and a light to the world.

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Briana is the Pastoral Minister at St. Mark Church in Cleveland, OH. She is also a district manager at Arbonne. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH and is excited to use these skills to serve the Church. “My soul has been refined and I can raise my head like a flower after a storm.” -St. Therese

Comfort in His Word

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is sharing with his disciples that if they know Him, then they know the Father. Philip goes on to say, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” I’m glad that Philip said this, for it is why Jesus expands on the fact that He and the Father are one. He shares that the very words He speaks are not on His own, but with the Father, who dwells within Him. Jesus goes on to say that whoever believes in Him will do even greater works since He is going to the Father. He said that whatever you ask in His name, He will do so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. He said, “If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

What does this good news mean for you and me today? As I’m sure you know, there is much suffering, fear, and unknown going on in this pandemic. Personally, the unknown aspect can really get to me. I’m someone who loves having a plan or an idea of what the future can or should look like. I constantly have to remind myself that God is in control as I loosen my grasp on these plans or ideas of life, especially during this year of 2020. When I reflected on this Gospel passage and how it is good news today, I found that Jesus is comforting us in His word. He expands upon the reality that He is completely united to the Father and anything we ask in His name, He will do it. Does that mean He will give me anything I ask for? I’m not too sure about that, but I know He gives us what we need. So today, what do you need? Comfort, strength, courage? Ask for a particular need or grace in His name. We can trust that His Word is true. He is faithful to His promises, and He always comes through for us.

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Briana is the Pastoral Minister at St. Mark Church in Cleveland, OH. She is also a district manager at Arbonne. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH and is excited to use these skills to serve the Church. “My soul has been refined and I can raise my head like a flower after a storm.” -St. Therese

Proclaiming the Goodness of God

“It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” In the First Reading, this was Peter and John’s response to scribes who told them never to speak of Jesus again. In the Gospel Reading, we are told of Jesus’ first appearance to Mary Magdalene, the woman whom he had driven out seven demons. She automatically went to tell everyone what she had seen and heard. Then we hear of Jesus appearing to two of his companions in the country, who also went out to tell others. Later, we hear of the Eleven were at table when he appeared to them. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” 

The question for today, is it impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard? This command to go out and proclaim the good news is not just for those in Scripture, but it is a call to each of us today.  We too are called to share the Gospel, the good news to all people! What shall we say? I believe we’re called to share how Jesus has been good to us. During this pandemic, through whatever season you’re in, times or trial or celebration, we are called to share the goodness of the Lord. This morning I listened to this song by Bethel called Goodness of God. I want to encourage you to give it a listen and reflect on all the ways Jesus has been good to you throughout your life. May it be impossible for us not to speak of His goodness, that is what we have seen and heard in our own lives. May we have the courage and grace of the Spirit to go out and proclaim this good news to every creature. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3t6CdeiN1M

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Briana is the Pastoral Minister at St. Mark Church in Cleveland, OH. She is also a district manager at Arbonne. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH and is excited to use these skills to serve the Church. “My soul has been refined and I can raise my head like a flower after a storm.” -St. Therese

Surely it is not I, Lord?

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve.
And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?”

As we read today’s Gospel, we find the beginning story of Judas’ betrayal. He seeks out the chief priests and says to them, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?”. Thirty pieces of silver are his reward. The story goes on to the Twelve celebrating the Passover with Jesus. He tells them that one of them will betray him and the eleven answer, “Surely it is not I, Lord?”. Judas answers, “Surely, it is not I, Rabbi?”

Yes, Judas betrayed Jesus. Yes, he lied to Him, too, at the Last Supper. But what does this have to do with us? Well, I think all of us know the story of Judas Iscariot. We know it and shake our heads as we hear how he chose the love of money over loving Christ. We know how his story ends, and it breaks our hearts. I believe Jesus calls us to ask, when have we responded, “Surely it is not I, Lord?”. Have there been times in your life where you have chosen the silver? This is definitely unique to each individual person, but where have you betrayed the Lord? Where have you said no to His love or to the prompting of His Spirit? I know for myself, I can look at Judas and feel much sorrow for him. He loved the silver more than he loved the Lord. I can also look into my own heart and reflect on my own sins and mistakes throughout my life and pinpoint all the times that I, too, loved something more than I loved the Lord. In this Holy Week, may we turn our hearts with true repentance back to Jesus. May we love Him more than anything or anyone in our lives. We know the story, and we know that Judas could have written a different ending to his story if he had repented. May we do what Judas did not, may we run back to the Father and be embraced by His love and mercy. I pray that we all embrace the cross and resurrection in a new way this Easter, that we may receive the love and mercy He longs to give us. Amen.

Contact the author


Briana is the Pastoral Minister at St. Mark Church in Cleveland, OH. She is also a district manager at Arbonne. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH and is excited to use these skills to serve the Church. “My soul has been refined and I can raise my head like a flower after a storm.” -St. Therese