The problem with expectation is it often leads to disappointment and confusion. This weekend I prayed with Matthew 11:2-6. It’s the Gospel where John the Baptist is in prison and sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is, in fact, the long awaited Messiah. What kind of question is that, coming from John the Baptist? Is he not the one who was preparing the way of the Lord? Indeed he is but the problem was Jesus did not fit his expectation. He expected fiery judgment but Jesus was just the opposite – meek and humble, compassionate and merciful. Praise be to God for our sakes!

How often are we disappointed if things don’t turn out the way we expect? That got me thinking about what we expect of our loved ones. Specifically, it got me thinking of the expectation we have for their spiritual lives. Thanks be to God that he made us all different and, because of that, our journeys are all different too. Why do we expect our loved ones to do what we do and journey as we do? Why do we fret if they don’t? Do we doubt that Jesus has gone and prepared a place for them just as he has for us? Are we doubting Jesus’ words that not one of His little ones will be lost?

This Scripture verse is calling us out of our heads and back into our hearts where Jesus resides. It’s calling us to trust His words and His ways. Want consolation? Listen to the meditations of this rosary and then trust that God is working in ways we don’t expect. All we have to do is stay out of the way! God bless you.

You are the CHRIST! Son of the living God! Today is the Solemnity of saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. The Gospel reading for today is Matthew 16:13-19. Jesus asks his Apostles “but who do YOU say that I am?” I was struck by what seemed to be Peter’s immediate response. I thought – no hesitation there. He was confident in his response. I got to thinking about the miracles he must have witnessed – the kindness, compassion, mercy and wisdom he was privy to as a follower of Christ. No wonder he gave that response.

Of course, I had to question myself – how confident and immediate would my response be if I were in Peter’s shoes? How confident and immediate is my response now? True, Jesus is not with me in the flesh as he was with Peter, but miracles are still occurring in my life everyday – within my family, in nature, in the lives of friends. Each day we experience the power of his kindness, compassion, mercy and wisdom. Are we aware of it all? Are we so in tune that we would answer without hesitation and complete confidence: “YOU ARE THE CHRIST, SON OF THE LIVING GOD!”

Let’s open our eyes to the miracles all around us and our ears to the still small voice of Christ calling us to action. Sometimes we get this little “nudge” from the Holy Spirit to do or say something for the greater glory of God – how swiftly do we act on it? That’s what I feel God is calling us to today – to see, hear and respond without hesitation! Like Peter, we may fail at times, maybe even more than three times, but everyday we get the opportunity to begin again! God bless you!