Category: Today’s Devotional

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart longing for direction and meaning. Guide me as I seek to understand the purpose You have for my life. Open my eyes, ears, and heart to Your will. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:11 (NABRE)

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.”

This verse reassures us that God has a plan for each of us. Even when we feel lost or uncertain, He is guiding us toward a future filled with hope and purpose.

Reflection:

Many of us struggle with the question, “What is my purpose in life?” We may feel adrift, unsure of the path we are meant to take. But Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a specific plan for each of us. His plans are not random; they are intentional and designed for our well-being. Trusting in God’s plan requires faith, especially when we cannot see the road ahead clearly.

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NABRE)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.”

These verses encourage us to place our full trust in God, even when we do not understand the circumstances. God’s guidance is perfect, and when we acknowledge Him in all areas of our lives, He promises to lead us on the right path.

Reflection:

It is easy to fall into the trap of trying to figure everything out on our own. We may rely on our wisdom, skills, or experience to determine our purpose. However, true purpose is found not in our understanding but in our relationship with God. As we submit to His will and trust Him with our whole heart, He will direct our steps and reveal His purpose for our lives.

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:10 (NABRE)

“For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.”

God created each of us uniquely, with specific talents, passions, and abilities. We are His workmanship, and our lives are meant to reflect His glory through the good works He has planned for us.

Reflection:

Understanding your purpose begins with recognizing that you are God’s creation, made for a purpose that glorifies Him. The good works mentioned in Ephesians 2:10 are not just tasks but ways in which your life can reflect God’s love and grace to others. Embrace your unique gifts and seek ways to use them for God’s glory.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for the promise of Your plans for my life. Help me to trust in Your guidance and to walk in the purpose You have set before me. Show me the good works You have prepared for me, and give me the courage to pursue them with all my heart. May my life be a reflection of Your love and grace. Amen.

Action Steps:

1. Prayerful Reflection: Spend time each day asking God to reveal His purpose for your life. Listen for His voice in Scripture, prayer, and the counsel of wise Christians.
2. Identify Your Gifts: Consider the talents and passions God has given you. How can these be used to serve others and glorify God?
3. Step Out in Faith: Begin to take small steps in the direction you feel God is leading you. Trust that He will guide you and provide the opportunities needed to fulfill His purpose for your life.

May this devotional bring you closer to understanding the unique purpose God has for your life. Trust in His timing, and know that He is working all things together for your good.

Scripture: John 12:24-26 (WEBBE)

24 Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there my servant will also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honour him.

Reflection:

In John 12:24-26, Jesus speaks of a profound truth hidden within the simplicity of nature—a grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die in order to bear much fruit. This imagery reveals the paradox of Christian life: true life is found through surrender, and fruitfulness comes through sacrifice.

Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of this truth. His death on the cross was not the end but the beginning of abundant life for all who believe in Him. Just as the grain of wheat must die to produce a harvest, Jesus’ sacrifice opened the way for countless souls to be redeemed and brought into the kingdom of God.

This passage also challenges us personally. We are called to follow Jesus by embracing the same path of self-surrender. To love our life in this world—seeking comfort, security, and self-interest above all—leads to spiritual barrenness. But when we willingly lay down our lives, letting go of our own desires and ambitions for the sake of Christ, we discover true life that lasts eternally.

Serving Christ means walking the path He walked, a path marked by humility, obedience, and love. It may lead us through trials and challenges, but it also leads to the fullness of life in God’s presence. Jesus promises that where He is, His servant will be also. This is not only a promise of eternal life but also of His constant companionship and guidance in our daily walk.

Finally, there is the promise of honour from the Father. When we serve Christ with a heart of devotion and surrender, God Himself honours us. This honour is not of earthly fame or recognition but the deep joy and fulfillment of knowing we are beloved children of God, sharing in His work and His glory.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, teach us to surrender our lives to You fully, trusting that in losing our lives for Your sake, we will find true and eternal life. Help us to follow You faithfully, even when the path is difficult, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. May our lives bear much fruit for Your kingdom, and may we serve You with hearts that seek only to glorify Your name. Amen.

Contemplation:

Spend some time in quiet reflection, asking God to reveal any areas of your life where you may be holding on too tightly. Consider what it might look like for you to “fall to the earth” and surrender these areas to God. Trust that in letting go, God will bring about greater fruitfulness and a deeper experience of His presence.

In today’s devotional, we reflect on a powerful teaching of Jesus found in Matthew 12:46-50. These verses challenge our understanding of family and invite us to see ourselves as part of a larger, spiritual family united by faith and obedience to God’s will.

46While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

“While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'”

Redefining Family

In this passage, Jesus redefines what it means to be family. While He does not dismiss His biological family, He expands the concept to include all who follow God’s will. This teaching emphasizes that our spiritual connections, grounded in our shared commitment to God, are equally vital as our biological ties.

Spiritual Kinship

Jesus’ statement, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” is both provocative and enlightening. By pointing to His disciples and declaring them as His family, He underscores the importance of spiritual kinship. This kinship is based not on blood relations but on a common dedication to living out God’s will. In today’s devotional, we are reminded that as believers, we are united in a spiritual family that transcends traditional boundaries.

Doing God’s Will

The criterion for being part of this spiritual family is clear: “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” This call to action highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our relationship with God. In today’s devotional, we are encouraged to reflect on our own lives and consider how we are living out God’s will. Are we embodying the teachings of Christ in our daily actions? Are we fostering relationships that reflect our commitment to God?

Embracing Our Spiritual Family

In today’s devotional, we are invited to embrace our spiritual family with open hearts. The church, our fellow believers, and all who seek to do God’s will are part of this family. This understanding should inspire us to support, love, and encourage one another as we journey together in faith. It reminds us that we are never alone; we have a community of brothers and sisters who share our commitment to God.

Conclusion

As we meditate on today’s devotional, let us be grateful for the spiritual family that God has given us. Let us strive to do His will, knowing that in doing so, we strengthen our bond with Him and with each other. May we always remember that our true family is not limited by earthly ties but is boundless, inclusive of all who follow Christ. Let this truth inspire us to live faithfully and to cherish the spiritual connections we have with our fellow believers.

This reflection emphasizes the theme of spiritual family and encourages readers to embrace their role in God’s family, making it suitable for a devotional context.

You may also want to read “366 Days of Compassion: One Year Catholic Devotional”.

Reflection on today’s Bible Reading (John 20:1-2, 11-18):

1Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag’dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 11But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rab-bo’ni!” (which means Teacher). 17Jesus said to her, “Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” 18Mary Mag’dalene went and said to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

GOSPEL REFLECTION FOR TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

In today’s devotional, we encounter one of the most profound and transformative events in the Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This narrative is deeply personal and intimate, highlighting Mary Magdalene’s journey from despair to joy.

Early Morning at the Tomb

“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.'”

Mary Magdalene’s early visit to the tomb demonstrates her deep devotion to Jesus. Despite the darkness—both literal and metaphorical—she seeks Him, showing her unwavering love and commitment. Her immediate reaction to the empty tomb is one of panic and confusion, reflecting the raw and human emotions of grief. She fears that Jesus’ body has been taken, compounding her sorrow.

Encounter with the Risen Lord

“But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher).”

Mary’s sorrow is profound, but it sets the stage for a miraculous revelation. Her encounter with the angels highlights her deep despair, as even their presence does not immediately alleviate her grief. The pivotal moment occurs when Jesus Himself appears to her. Initially, she does not recognize Him, mistaking Him for the gardener. This moment of misrecognition is significant—it illustrates how grief and expectations can cloud our vision, preventing us from seeing the divine presence right before us.

The turning point is when Jesus calls her by name, “Mary.” This personal and intimate address breaks through her sorrow and confusion. It is in hearing her name that she recognizes Jesus. This moment underscores the importance of personal relationship with Christ; He knows us individually and calls us by name.

The Commission

“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”‘ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.”

Jesus’ instruction to Mary not to hold on to Him is profound. It signifies that His resurrection is not a return to the old way of life but the beginning of something new. His ascension to the Father marks a new phase in the relationship between God and humanity. Jesus commissions Mary to be the first witness of His resurrection, entrusting her with the message of His ascension. This commission is a powerful affirmation of her role and a testament to her faithfulness.

Mary’s proclamation, “I have seen the Lord,” is the first Easter message, marking the transition from despair to joy, from mourning to proclamation. Her encounter with the risen Christ transforms her into a witness of the resurrection, a role that all Christians are called to embrace.

Conclusion

As we reflect on today’s devotional, we are invited to consider our own encounters with the risen Lord. Like Mary, we may sometimes be overwhelmed by grief or blinded by our expectations. Yet, Jesus calls us by name, inviting us into a personal and transformative relationship with Him. We are called to recognize Him in our midst and to share the good news of His resurrection with others. May we, like Mary, move from sorrow to joy and become faithful witnesses of the risen Christ.

Today’s devotional emphasizes the personal and transformative nature of the resurrection encounter, encouraging readers to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus and to share the joy of His resurrection.

You may also want to read “366 Days of Compassion: One Year Catholic Devotional”.

“It would not be in our best interest to always remain in one happy and comfortable location.  Therefore He moves us forward.  The shepherd leaves the fold so the sheep will move on to the vitalizing mountain slopes… It could never be better to stay once He determines otherwise; if the loving hand of our Lord moves us forward, it must be best.” – Streams in the Desert

There comes a time in our life when we become complacent.  We don’t want anymore changes.  We care not anymore for challenges that would try our strength.  We just want to live a quiet and simple life away from all the noise and clutter of the world.

God knows however when we do need rest and when we have to move on and grow.  He knows that we have but a limited time on earth and He wants to make full use of each moment that we have to reap for us eternal rewards.

Is God calling you now to move on and follow the Shepherd who wants the best for you?

“Is it always necessary to leave?”

“It’s always necessary to know when a stage of one’s life has ended.  If you stubbornly cling to it after the need has passed, you lose the joy and meaning of the rest.  And you risk being shaken to your senses by God.”  – Paulo Coelho, The Fifth Mountain