The Holy Gospel according to John 6:37-40
Jesus said to the crowds:
“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me.
And this is the will of the one who sent me,
that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it on the last day.
For this is the will of my Father,
that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him
may have eternal life,
and I shall raise him on the last day.”
Reflection: Sometimes we worry that someone will forget us or leave us behind. Jesus tells us that we can come to him because he will always welcome us. We can talk to him when we feel afraid, sad, or alone. He loves us and wants us to be close to him.
Imagine a child having a hard day at school. At recess, no one asks her to play, and she feels forgotten. Then a friend comes over and says, “Come sit with me. I’m glad you’re here.” Her troubles do not all disappear, but she knows she is not alone. That small act of kindness helps us understand Jesus’ welcome. When we feel left out, we can tell him how we feel. And when we notice someone sitting alone, we can share his love by inviting that person to join us.
When I go to dinner with my wife Connie and I see an elderly person sitting alone, I so much want to invite them to eat with us. Jesus came to do what God the Father asked him to do: care for the people the Father gives him. Think of a loving shepherd who watches over every sheep. Each one matters to him. We matter to Jesus, too. We can trust his love, even when things are hard.
Jesus promises eternal life to those who believe in him. Eternal life means life with God that never ends. This promise fills us with hope and reminds us that we can grow closer to him each day. We can share his love by welcoming a new classmate, helping a neighbor, or thanking someone who cares for us. Imagine how a simple smile or a kind word can brighten someone’s day. Each act of kindness is a chance to share the joy of God’s love. With Jesus, we can look forward with confidence, knowing that he welcomes us and helps us live with love today.
Action of the Day: Seek out someone that you can reach out to and embrace them with a smile. The say, “Come sit with me. I’m glad you’re here.”
Audio Reflection:
