the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him,
for he is with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans, I am coming to you.
A little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me, because I live
and you will also live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me,
and I in you. Whoever keeps my commandments is the one who loves me. If he loves me,
he will also be loved by my Father; I too shall love him and show myself
clearly to him.”
READ: In the first reading, the Samaritans receive the Gospel from Philip, are
baptized in Jesus’ name, and receive the Holy Spirit. Peter counsels his readers
to live a righteous life, grounding their hope in Christ. John’s Gospel promises us
that Jesus will never abandon us. He will remain present to us, his Spirit working
in our lives.
REFLECT: What is the reason for your hope? Have you ever tried to explain to
someone why you believe what you believe? How does that hope affect your
daily life? These are the questions that Peter asks his readers to wrestle with.
Neither the questions nor their answers will be easy. Living according to God’s
will always requires suffering and sacrifice. Our hope in Christ – a hope that calls
us to live with him in heaven – should color every moment of our lives. It should
be the ground for every decision that we make and every action that we take.
The Spirit is among us, strengthening our hope and helping us to live in truth
and righteousness.
PRAY: Lord, strengthen me in hope so that I may long for the things of heaven.
ACT: Write down three things that give you hope and read them each day.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023