Morning Message: May 14

Following Jesus is not always easy.  But Jesus says that those who love him and keep his word will receive courage and peace through the Holy Spirit.  Before the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the apostles chose St. Matthias to replace Judas as one of the Twelve.  We celebrate St. Matthias’ feast day today.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

Jesus said, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.  Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.  I have said these things to you while I am still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Think about this silently in your heart.  Jesus helps us to not be afraid.  Would you like to ask Jesus for courage today?

God of peace, once again we hear Jesus wish his disciples peace.  We know that peace is your gift to us.  May we bring that peace to others.  We ask this in the name of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Has your family ever moved from one city to another? Sometimes, a move to a new city can be very difficult for a family. It can be especially hard for children.

This morning I want to tell you a story about a boy named Andrew.  Andrew's dad had a new job and the family was moving to a new city.  Since it was so close to the end of the school year, it was decided that it would be better if Andrew stayed behind to finish the school year.

It was hard for Andrew to be left behind, but his father explained that they would go ahead and find a place for them to live and make sure that it was ready when it was time for him to join them.  He told Andrew that there was nothing to worry about because he would be staying with some very good friends who would look after him and make sure that he had everything he needed.

During the time that Andrew was separated from his parents, his parents called to talk to him on the phone every day.  They told him about their new home and how much he was going to like it.  It helped Andrew a lot to talk to his parents and to know that they would soon come for him and he would join them in his new home.

That is very much like what Jesus has done for us. Before Jesus returned to heaven to be with his Father, he said that he was going to heaven to prepare a place for us.  He promised that he would come again and take us to our new home in heaven.

When Jesus went to heaven, he didn't leave us alone.   He asked his Father to send the Holy Spirit to watch over us, teach us, and remind us of all that he has told us in the Bible.  Not only that, we can talk to Jesus every day in prayer.

Have a wonderful day!