How could someone who had been sick for thirty-eight years forget that he had been healed earlier that day? Why would Jesus have to exhort him to remember that he had been cured? How could he be so ungrateful to Jesus and so forgetful of His love?
Each year during Holy Week and on Easter Sunday, the Church reminds us to remember that we have been set free and healed by Jesus, our Redeemer. Yet how many of us forget His amazing mercy and become absorbed in our problems by Easter Monday? Jesus indicates that our minds are the problem.
Personal tragedies, disappointments, insults, and other negative experiences can remain in our thoughts for a long time. If we focus on our problems, we can forget about the great things that Jesus has done for us. We have to consciously choose to fix our mind on Jesus rather than on our problems (see Heb 12:2). "Remembering it over and over leaves my soul downcast within me. But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: the favors of the Lord are not exhausted" (Lam 3:20-22). The Lord declares: "The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create" (Is 65:17-18).
"Be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Rm 12:2), and love the Lord "with all your mind" (Mt 22:37).
| PRAYER: | Father, I will "bring every thought into captivity to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5). |
| PROMISE: | "Come! behold the deeds of the Lord, the astounding things He has wrought on earth." –Ps 46:9 |
| PRAISE: | Though it is difficult to take her eyes off family problems, Wendy tries to immerse herself in praise and worship so that she may keep her eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College