14 April 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

#JesusIsMyFriend NOTE: Please click the Subscribe key on YouTube and press the black notification bell to receive the daily reflections. Or, open in YouTube for easy access. View and Like. Thank you. TOPIC: HOW FAR CAN YOU GO OUT OF YOUR WAY FOR A FRIEND? First Reading: Acts 4: 1-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 118: 1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25-27a Alleluia: Psalms 118: 24 Gospel: John 21: 1-14 In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus, for the third time after His resurrection, shows Himself, this time to the seven disciples led by Peter as they were fishing by the Sea of Tiberias. At first they did not recognize Him. But when they realized that it was Jesus, Peter hurriedly jumped out of the boat to go near Him. Jesus’ act of “personal appearance” to Peter and company truly points to Jesus’ intimacy with the disciples. His genuine and lasting friendship with them shows His concern over their physical well-being, as well as ensuring that they are guided in their trade and livelihood. He knows them inside and out. And this is the friendship that Jesus offers us every day! He gave His life on the cross and offers His gift of true and meaningful friendship to all of us. Indeed, our world needs more examples of selflessness and sacrificial friendship that does not seek its own well-being, but seeks to bless others instead. This is the 1097th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings. [NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Jess Ferrer, Head of the CFC Migrants Program, as he brings us today's reflection. All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]