The one who comes from above is above all.
The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.
But the one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard,
but no one accepts his testimony.
Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.
For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.

John 3: 31-34

Here are the complete readings for Thursday, May 1, 2025.

(“Trinitarian Harmony” by Daniel Ivevbunu)

The Trinity will always be a mystery, because this is the very nature of God. Can we have the belief that even though we do not understand God, either God’s essence or God’s actions, that we can still love God unconditionally just as we believe God loves us? The Gospel of John proclaims “God does not ration the gift of the Spirit.” The quote from Jesus in the Gospel gives me hope. God is generous and not stingy, especially with the giving of gifts, which is what we humans encounter as grace. God, in God’s mystery, is not some far off concept that has no direct connection to our here and now. Mysterious does not mean aloof. In our own human relationships, the ones that continue to grow over time, we often find to our wonder and delight, the more we get to know and love the other person, the more that there is to this person that we have yet to understand. This reality itself is a grace worth savoring.

As a follower of Jesus,
and in relationship with one another,
keep ever before you
the motto of the congregation:
Concordia res parvæ crescunt.
In harmony small things grow.
For it is only in harmony
that you will grow,
that your community will grow,
that the love of God will grow in your world,
and that the reign of God will grow to completeness.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, you give us hearts that yearn for meaning. Help us to direct our thoughts and our actions to discovering the possibilities of our vocations in life, one hour at a time. We are grateful for the people in our lives, those present only for now, and those from our past, present and future, who encourage us to follow our hearts and to trust in the path we walk with you.

Amen