“I call you friends.” – John 15:15 Jesus Chose Us – At the last supper Jesus said that He is the true vine and His Father is the vinedresser. To this He added the amazing declaration calling those with Him “friends” not that they chose Him but rather He chose them. And because He chose …
“You are the Sons of God” – Matt 5:9 Happiness of Jesus – In the beatitudes Jesus spoke of happiness; those that are poor in spirit, are gentle, that mourn and give comfort, do what is right, are merciful, pure in heart, and are peacemakers. Jesus said that those are the sons of God and …
“I am the vine, you are the branches.” – John 15:13 Jesus’ Thoughts – In His teaching, Jesus used the simple things of life to speak of God. The daily scenes of life are drawn into His sacred conspiracy to capture us for His Father. Whether it was the image of the grape vine and …
“You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” – Matt 5:13-14 Jesus’ Image of Us – That Jesus saw His friends and followers as the salt of the earth and the light of the world speaks of His image of them. Not only were they good and desirable unto …
The person who does the will of my Father in heaven. – Matt 7:21 Listen and Act – Jesus warned the people that it is not enough to listen to His words; it is also necessary to act upon them. The person that not only listens but also takes on the necessary service to God …
In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God. – John 1:1 The Word of God – Saint John, the beloved apostle and evangelist, uses an intimate approach to delve deeply into the nature of the divinity of Jesus that goes beyond His birth as the Son of …
“Happy are those that have not seen and yet believe.” – John 20:29 Thomas Believed – Saint Thomas asked for visible proof and it was granted by Jesus, but without the love and trust of his friends, Thomas could not have given himself completely in his unique act of total surrender to his Lord and …
“Unless I put my fingers in the holes the nails made and put my hand into His side, I refuse to believe.” – John 20:25 We Have Seen the Lord – Thomas had abandoned his friends but they remembered him in their joy. They sought out Thomas and told him the news. But Thomas could …
Eight days later the disciples were in the room and Thomas was with them. – John 20:26 Peace Be with You – For eight days Jesus did not return to the disciples nor did He seek out Thomas in his solitude. It was not until Thomas either found the desire to return to his friends …
“Be not faithless, but faithful.” – John 20:27 Rescued by Friends – Thomas had been in danger of losing his faith in Jesus, but he was rescued by his friends. They did not give up on him but persevered in bringing him back to them and to faith in Jesus. Upon seeing and hearing Jesus, …