Friday, April 12
Today’s Prayer and Reflection:
The Father is in me and I am in the Father. (John 10:38)
The Jewish leaders had to admit that there was actually something good about Jesus. He was awakening sincere faith in many people and was even helping sinners repent and return to God. But now he made a statement they just couldn’t tolerate. He had already called himself the “Son of God,” which was troubling enough (John 10:36). Now he claimed he was equal to God. Picking up rocks, they closed in on him, ready to silence his blasphemy once and for all.
If we were in Jesus’ situation, we might want to look for a way out. But Jesus responded directly: “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” (John 10:32). Jesus wasn’t trying to intimidate them by reminding them of his power; he just wanted them to see that he was ministering his Father’s love to his people. He wasn’t trying to claim any glory for himself. All he wanted to do was give glory to his Father.
The same holds true for us. How could we possibly keep quiet about God, our heavenly Father? He is the One who sent Jesus to redeem us. He is the One behind all the works of mercy that the Church does around the world. He is the One behind every word of love, reconciliation, and hope that we speak. It is his own Spirit who gives us our strength. It’s only because he has touched our hearts, forgiven our sins, and filled us with his love that we can share that love with other people.
If you want to stay strong as Jesus did when faced with opposition, stay connected to the Father. Strive to put your relationship with him above everything else. That way, you’ll be able to receive his inspiration, his strength, and his grace. Then, when your faith is challenged, you can respond with the one thing that will convince any skeptical heart: the love of God. When people see your Father shining through your words and actions, they’ll be drawn to him, and they’ll come to know that he is the answer they’ve been looking for.
“Lord, help me to keep your love in the forefront of my mind.”
Reprinted with permission of The Word Among Us, 7115 Guilford Dr #100, Frederick, MD 21704, wau.org.
Today’s Announcements:
- Happy Birthday to Emma Bruffey! Celebrating a birthday this weekend are Sydney Biggs and Olivia Grammar!
- Students please bring your items for the Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home this week. There is a table set up in the foyer to place your items on.
- Adopt a duck! The Bethesda Duck Race will be held on Saturday, May 4, at Gulf Islands Waterpark. There will be someone here on Monday, April 15, to sell tickets for ducks. They are also seeking 15 volunteers to help with the duck race. If you are interested in adopting a duck or helping out please see the representative on Monday in the cafeteria.
- Student Council Representative applications are available in the front office. They are due back Monday by 3:30pm to Mrs. Buckley in room 200. There will be a campaign rules meeting Monday after school in room 200.
- National Honor Society Members, there will be a meeting on Wednesday, April 17, at 7:45. The meeting is for sophomores and juniors only. Students, you all will vote on next year’s officers during this meeting.
- Juniors, if you are a member of the National Honor Society and did not receive an email from Ms. Wilkinson, you need to let her know as soon as possible.
- In yesterday’s 2A Division Track Meet, both mens and womens teams won the first place team trophy. Many students qualified for regionals. Hunter Lorenzo set a new school record in the discus event.
- In eSports, the Fighting Irish Luck Team of Anthony Mattina, Landen Petersen, and Robert Van Horn shut out Brandon High school with a total of 25 goals. The Fighting Irish Shamrocks Team of Dale Edwardson, Christian McKee, and Connor Sutton swept Pearl River Central with a total of 12 goals. Mr. Eleuterius would like all his players to know that he is extremely proud of the performance of the past few weeks.