Forget Me Not

Reflect, today, on this powerful summary of the Gospel: "God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." Read it slowly, line by line, and try to place yourself in Nicodemus’ shoes. Imagine listening to Jesus speak these words directly to you. Let them sink into your heart. As Nicodemus did, try to understand Jesus more clearly and receive His words with faith. If you do, you too will share in the eternal life and glory He promises.

Reflect, today, on the ways you might need a “holy push” in your own life. Are there pressures from friends, family, co-workers, or society that make it harder for you to follow Jesus openly? Think about the courage it took for Nicodemus, Saint Paul, and Gamaliel to go against the flow. Let their examples inspire you. Be open to the ways Jesus might be challenging you today, not to shame you, but to strengthen you and draw you closer to Him.

Reflect, today, on Saint Nicodemus. He let the spark of faith grow in his heart. He listened to Jesus, faced pressure from those around him, and in time, openly declared his faith. While this cost him honor and status in the world, it won him everlasting honor in Heaven. Think about the courage he showed in choosing truth over comfort. Let his example inspire you to be brave, to let your faith grow, and to live in the light of Christ. May his story help you choose eternal glory over earthly approval.

Reflect today, on the limitless and mysterious mercy of God. Divine Mercy is especially meant for those who struggle with sin. Jesus said, “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy” (Diary #723). Mercy is the loving and compassionate heart of God. So run to Him, trust Him, and open your soul to receive the ocean of grace He wants to give you on this holy day.

Reflect, today, on the gravest of your past sins. If you haven’t yet brought them to the Lord in confession, do so as soon as possible. If you have, then ask for the grace to see your soul through God’s eyes. He does not see your past with anger or disgust. Instead, He sees the depth of your conversion, your sorrow, and your love, and to Him, that is something holy and beautiful. Ponder the beauty of a heart that has been humbled and renewed. In doing so, you will begin to see yourself as He sees you.

Reflect, today, on the subtle and mysterious ways our Lord comes to you. It’s easy to overlook Him, since His presence in our lives is often gentle and hidden. Imagine if the disciples had ignored Jesus' invitation to “Cast the net over the right side of the boat.” If they had dismissed it, they might have missed the moment of recognition. So, consider: How does Jesus speak to you? Are you listening? Do you respond? Are you attuned to those quiet invitations that reveal His nearness? Let yourself be drawn into that same holy awe, watching for the presence of the Lord around you and within you.

Reflect, today, on this beautiful resurrection appearance. Ask yourself honestly whether you have allowed Jesus to open your mind and speak His truth to you, just as He did with His disciples. Have you truly taken in what He has revealed? And if so, are you willing to be a witness to others, to let your life, your words, and your actions testify to His death and Resurrection? Jesus still wants to appear to people today, and He chooses to do so through you.

Reflect, today, on how these disciples came to recognize Jesus only after they listened to His Word and shared in the breaking of the Bread. Their story is also your story. You need the same grace they received, to walk with Jesus, to hear His voice in Scripture, and to meet Him in the Eucharist. Allow yourself to be taught by Him. Let your heart burn with love and faith as He reveals Himself to you more fully. This is the path to deeper belief and transformation.

Reflect, today, on Jesus’ words to Mary: “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.” Now that Jesus has ascended, He invites you to cling to Him in a deeper way, not with your hands, but with your heart and soul. He desires to live in you, to transform you, and to share His life with you forever. Just as Mary Magdalene now enjoys perfect union with Him in Heaven, you are also called to that same union. So hold fast to Him with all your heart, and never let go.

Reflect, today, on the chief priests and elders and their hardened hearts. Consider how they tried to cover up the truth instead of embracing it. Make the decision not to fall into that same trap. But if you find yourself struggling with pride, ask God for the grace to become humble. Only through humility can the power of Jesus’ Resurrection free you from the weight of sin.