Doing it the hard way

Mass Readings: April 22

First:	Acts 14:19-28
Resp:	Psalm 145:10-13,21
Gospel:	John 14:27-31

John 14:31 He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up, let us go.

He has no power over me, but the world must know....   How often are we willing to say that?  If you don't have to suffer, you shouldn't, right?  Why not take advantage of all the option we have available?

Well, because nobody will be able to tell us apart from the rest.  And how can we convince anybody that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life if after knowing him we are no different than those who do not know him?

Yes, we should suffer a little and we should be different than the rest.  That way people will see and may inquire as to what faith we have that strengthens us.  Then we truly have an opportunity to share.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to not always look for the easy way out, but to always look for the way that pleases you and bears witness to your great love.  Help me by strengthening me when I am weak and tempted to give in to the flesh.  Help me to always remember that our real life begins when we leave this world.

Amen