Ordinary Time

Pause

Show me the way, show me the way. / Take me tonight to the river / and wash my illusions away. / Please, show me the way.

Show me the way, show me the way. / Bring me tonight to the mountain / and take my confusion away. / And show me the way.

Show me the way, show me the way. / Give me the strength and the courage / to believe that I'll get there someday. / And please show me the way.

Styx in “Show Me The Way” (1990)

Listen

I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son. When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.

John 14:12-14

Think

When Jesus walked the earth, there is no question that he made an impact on people’s lives. He healed the sick, spoke forgiveness to the sinner, welcomed the outcast and made many rethink their allegiances to both religion and empire.

Jesus tells us that those who believe in him will do not only what he did but also much more, because of the Holy Spirit who came after him to empower us for this work. It is humbling to think that we could make even a fraction of the impact that Jesus did, but he says we will.

In this time when we are socially distant from one another, there are still so many opportunities to impact the lives of others. We can provide meals or equipment for healthcare workers; we can deliver groceries or supplies to our at-risk neighbors; we can stay home if at all possible to stop the spread of the virus. These things seem mundane, but it’s exactly what Jesus would do.

Leigh Benish

Pray

Jesus, my Friend and Mentor, help me to see how I can impact the lives of others right where I am. May your love and care be shown through my actions. Amen.

Go

Through Jesus Christ, and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, God provides guidance for us each step of the way.

Go and follow this guidance, full of courage and trust, knowing that God loves you infinitely and will not lead you astray.