Christ's Triumph on the Cross defeated sin and death.  It was a triumph of love over selfishness.  This victory needs to be repeated in our own lives, in our own carrying of the Cross.  Sin and selfishness have to be defeated in us and this entails the acceptance of suffering and sacrifice; in a word the acceptance of the Cross.   Suffering is inevitable in life, but whether it is redemptive and sanctifying or futile and permanent is truly up to us. 

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Our Faith constantly encourages us to overcome our fears.  This entails standing up to them and being open to fearful situations.  Christian courage, however, is primarily based on belief in God's powerful presence and protection.  With God, "whom shall we fear?"  

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St. James describes the word of God has "having been planted in us."  This gift of God leads to the growth of His own Life in each Christian.  To foster the growth of the word in us we need to remove obstacles and create an environment in which it can flourish.  

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St. Bartholomew's first meeting with Jesus is recorded in the Gospel of St. John.  Introduced by Philip, Bartholomew is struck by Jesus's already knowing him before they ever met.  Jesus is struck in turn by Bartholomew's sincerity, "an Israelite in whom there is no guile."  Our own Christian life is a matter of meeting Jesus, finding that he already knows and loves us, and being radically sincere with him so that he can completely forgive and save us. 

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Martha invites Jesus into her home along with her sister Mary.  Jesus's interaction with them is a great source of insight for us.  "The better part" that Mary has chosen, sitting at the feet of Jesus, tells us of the importance of prayer.  Jesus's correction of Martha, however, also has to do with her inner attitude of distraction, worry, and resentment.  In this sense, Martha can choose the better part, keep working, and maintain her peace and joy. 

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Jesus wants his joy to be in us and our joy to be full.  Sharing the joy of Jesus means sharing in his victory over sin and death on the cross.  Jesus receives a crown of glory and joy in heaven for his triumph.  We too will be crowned victors if we persevere joyfully in the Spiritual Olympics of life.

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The "Bread of Life" Discourse in John Chapter 6 is a treasure trove of spiritual insights.  Faith in Jesus's person is paramount for the Christian life.  This faith is tested by the audacity of his claims for the Eucharist as well as by the trials and difficulties of our personal Christian vocation.  Jesus promises spiritual satisfaction, eternal life, and, most amazingly of all, intimate communion with him for those who receive the Bread of Life in the Eucharist. 

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Jesus takes his apostles to a lonely place to rest with them.  He offers us the same opportunity in our prayer life and when we practice trust in his constant care for us. We need to distinguish healthy rest from rest that can short-circuit our attempts to refresh ourselves. 

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Prophecy wasn't Amos' original plan for life.  God chose him to be a prophet.  St. Paul speaks of God choosing small and weak people to do great things for him.  God also chooses us for great things: holiness and mission.  Our persona, our role in life, should be more and more determined by God's vision and less by our own or by others'. 

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Prophetic figures are usually violently resisted.  This happened to Christ on the Cross.  Sometimes they are simply overlooked or ignored.   This happened to Christ in Nazareth, with those who knew him well.   Unless we are careful, our own familiarity with Christ could weaken his impact in our life.  We should pray about ways to have new and powerful encounters with Jesus. 

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