September 14, 2016

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Jn 3: 13-17

No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

 

Finding God

A number of years ago Fr. Gildo Dominici was working with Jesuit Refugee Service in Galang, Indonesia. His reflection reminds us of the call to know the Risen Christ in refugees and those who work with and for them:

“Working in a refugee camp is often hard and physically tiring. . . But it is also a wonderful human and spiritual experience. I am rediscovering humanity here in Galang. Greed and selfishness exist but the positive aspects of human nature are in much greater evidence. Here human solidarity is a reality and not just nice words.

“And here I find God. The refugees are my greatest benefactors because they reveal Christ and give him to me. They help me make the Gospel flesh of my flesh. They give me the opportunity to spend my health, my time and all my energies for Christ in them. I am the happiest of men to be here.”

—Christian Fuchs serves as Communications Director for Jesuit Refugee Service/USA.

 

 

 

Prayer

Holy God, stand with persons and families who are displaced and far from home. Give them your strength and hope. Be present today in that part of me which feels “displaced” and “far from home.” May I walk with you all my days until at last I come home to you. —The Jesuit prayer team

 
Please share the Good Word with your friends!