Forget Me Not

Reflect, today, on the Gospel of Saint John. As the Easter Season closes, rest in awe of the infinite works of our Lord. For eternity we will contemplate the Eternal Word made Flesh. Saint John came to know Jesus so deeply because he gave his life to pondering Him. Let us do the same, devoting ourselves to this lifelong journey of wonder and prayer.

Reflect, today, on your own attitude toward the suffering of those you love. Do you feel compelled to remove every burden, or do you also recognize the hidden grace that can emerge when suffering is joined to Christ’s Cross? Ask God for the grace to see suffering as He sees it—not as something to fear, but as something that can be transformed into love. Help your loved ones find meaning in their pain by supporting them not only with comfort but also with courage and hope in Christ.

Reflect, today, on the image of Jesus in prayer. Picture Him lifting His sacred eyes toward Heaven, full of focus, love, and respect for His Father. Consider His intense devotion. Try to imitate that attentiveness in your own way of praying, using not just your words but your whole body to honor God.

Reflect, today, on how important it is to learn the difference between God’s voice and the voice of the evil one. Ask God to help you hear Him clearly, and to help you recognize and reject every lie of the devil. Make a firm commitment to pay close attention to what stirs in your mind and heart, and let Jesus lead you with His truth and grace.

Reflect, today, on how Jesus perfectly carried out the Father’s will during His life on earth. Though He was divine, Jesus also had a fully human nature. That means He understands your struggles and weaknesses. He knows what it’s like to be human, and His life is the perfect example for you to follow. Think about how He lived each day in full obedience to the Father. Ask for the grace to do the same. When you commit yourself to following God's will in everything, you will begin to experience His glory in your own life.

Is there something in your life Jesus is asking you to surrender, even if it feels uncomfortable or costly? How might trusting Him bring true freedom?

Reflect, today, on this vital truth: Jesus wants His peace to live in your heart. He wants that peace to carry you through life. Take a moment to look within and notice the struggle between the noise of the world and the peace of Christ. Which one is stronger in your life? Is your soul more influenced by worldly distractions, or by the quiet strength of Jesus’ peace? Ask the Lord to help you find that peace again, and as you do, you’ll discover that He Himself is the source of it.

Reflect, today, on the longing you feel to be united with others. Let that longing lead you toward the invitation that comes from the Most Holy Trinity—a call to share in their divine life. Read Jesus’ prayer slowly and prayerfully, remembering that He offered it for you. Let His words become your own prayer, so that your deepest desires will begin to find their fulfillment in God.

Reflect, today, on the powerful witness of joy shown by Mary and Elizabeth. Know that you, too, are called to share in this same joy. If joy feels distant or absent in your life, think about what your mind focuses on during the day. Do you often dwell on past hurts, problems, or disappointments? If so, it’s no surprise that joy is hard to find. Instead, turn your heart toward God’s blessings. Notice the ways He is working in your life, no matter how small. When you focus on those things, you’ll begin to taste the joy that filled Mary and Elizabeth.

Reflect, today, on any form of anguish you may be going through right now for God's sake—or anything you’ve been avoiding because it seems too hard. Don’t turn away from these challenges. Instead, see them as steps toward something greater. Endure the "labor pains" of your spiritual growth and mission by focusing not just on the pain, but on the joy that will come from it.