Prayer Request
Philip and James, apostles1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Psalm 19; John 14: 6-14
“These are men whom the Lord Jesus chose in his own perfect love….Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us. Whoever has seen me, Philip has seen the Father also, alleluia!”
Whenever someone explains, “This must be the will of God,” we can ask, “Is this something Jesus wants, wills, passionately desires?” Notice the “perfect” love attributed to Jesus. What does perfect love look like? Look at Jesus. What do you see in him that makes his love perfect? He is tender, protective; he is impatient and downright angry; he both comforts the sick and needy and challenges the political and religious authorities. Is he doing God’s will? If we have seen him furious at the burdens his religious leaders lay on people’s backs, is this perfect love? Discuss with him what in your loving is beautiful (and do not argue!) and what needs some correcting. If he has to correct you (who do love him!), it will be so gentle. As Julian of Norwich writes, “Our Lord is courteous.”
Give us the gifts of courteous love, civil discourse, gentle and open listening. How much our world needs your love to flow from us. Teach us to speak the truth in love.