Meditation is an ideal way to pray. Using God's word (Lectio Divina) allows me to hear, listen and reflect on what the Lord wants to say to me - to one of his disciples - just like He did two thousand years ago.
The best time to reflect is at the beginning of the day and for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
Prior to going to sleep, read the Mass readings for the next day and then, in the morning, reflect on the Meditation offered on this website.
I hope these daily meditations allow you to know, love and imitate the Lord in a more meaningful way.
God bless you!


Friday, April 13, 2012

Jn 21:1-14 Revealing Christ

Jn 21:1-14 Revealing Christ


(Click here for readings)


Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.


It’s just a normal sea. It’s just a quiet evening. It’s just another day. Some Apostles went fishing. The results were the same like always: they caught nothing. By dawn, they noticed a man sitting near a fire. He called out to them. They realized it was the Lord. Jesus was in their midst. No drum roll. No fanfare. No lights, no camera, but tons of morning action.


The Lord loves to reveal himself in the most common of ways and moments. He wished to have breakfast with his friends. He prepared the fire, helped with the catch and prepared the meal.


The Lord loves to take the ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary. He loves to take human acts and transform them into Christian acts. How? With his presence. Jesus said to his disciples, “Come and eat with me….” That’s it. And it was very special.


How can I take today and make it special? What can I do today to make a difference (small or large) in someone’s life? Ask these questions. It’s important that you do before it is too late. Think of ways that you can turn someone’s mourning into morning. That’s what the Lord did. And he did it by revealing himself to others.


Christians are chosen people; called by name to reveal the Son. The world is our stage; our story is never ending. History is Acts One, Two, etc. We are the main actors regardless of whether or not we act. If we act we can make a difference. If we do not act, we make a difference. If we speak we can make a difference. If we fail to speak, we will make a difference. Our history is filled with grace and sin; success and failure. We are writing history as we live! Sitting back and doing nothing is a part played out by many. Going out and making a difference may appear to be reserved to just the powerful and the mighty. But that is not true. As in the case of Jesus Christ we know that one man can make a difference. In the case of the Apostles, we know that a few good men can make a difference. Our entry into the Universe of being (of existing) is a clear sign that I am significant. Even the photograph of a dying child in Africa makes a difference in the hearts and minds of thousands of people. And most likely, this child did not even know it.


Think Small. Most of us think that we have to do something BIG. But the Lord’s birth took place in a tiny village. He grew up in a small town. He traveled in a very small area of the world. His followers were a small band of brothers. He performed miracles one person at a time. He died only once. He died on one cross. He rose from one tomb. And till, He made a difference by making his presence felt.


“The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone” (Ps 118). This Easter I made a simple but special resolution. I will convert my human acts into Christian acts. The simple will become special. The ordinary will be extraordinary. The common will become elegant. In everything I do, I will invite Christ to reveal himself; to make his presence known. Why not? It’s not that hard and my experience in doing so has been wonderful! Therefore; when I write, Christ has to be revealed. His name, his life, his words and his actions have to be mixed in with my heart, my words and my actions. Otherwise, it is temporary at best, worthless at worst. The Lord deserves to be in my visits, in my messages, in my actions. This way, I can offer up my day and my life, all I say and all I do to the Lord. Does the Lord not provide everything for me? Of course he does. He gives everything: the stage, the people, the circumstances, the inspiration and grace. Who am I to leave him out??? He is the cornerstone.

2 comments:

  1. I look forward to the Evening of Reflection this Monday!

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  2. Fr. Alfonse I agree with you, we should try everyday to make a difference in someone's life. It is so simple to try to be nice, polite, generous with others and not to be so selfish. Every time that I don't think in my own benefit I feel blessed. God wants to be like him, I know he is with all the time, in everything I do and everything I have. Thanks God for Fr Alfonse Meditations they make my faith in you stronger.

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