Why do we think and behave the way we do? Are we on autopilot or is God’s voice guiding our decisions? In today’s first reading, John is urging us to be aware of who we are and how we live our lives. We are called to have a relationship with God. Then we can follow and obey the Commandments. We are called to love and serve one another. When we say ‘Yes’ to the will of the Father, we are blessed with freedom, peace and joy. The Gospel reading reminds us that when we meet Jesus and we have a deep encounter, we are changed. Jesus comes into our lives and sees us for who we truly are, as broken and sinful people, with many flaws. We see our wounded, broken nature and we acknowledge our sins. This is how Jesus met the disciples and they would have felt like we did too, but Jesus loved and accepted them just as he loves and accepts us. In our encounters, Jesus plants the seeds to love, forgive, heal and accept ourselves and others.

PRAYER: Abba Father, may we sow seeds of love, peace, forgiveness and compassion. Amen.