Br. Ed has done many different ministries in the Order over the years, and is now an emeritus pastoral associate at Blessed Sacrament Church in Madison, Wisconsin.
Jesus tells us, "if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you." We feed our faith and our souls by regularly and devoutly partaking in the Eucharist.
Philip explained the Good News of Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, who then immediately demanded to be baptized. This is a day to reflect on the great gift of Baptism that has been offered to all of us.
In today's Gospel we get a hint that Caiaphas wants to kill Jesus in order to maintain his political power. Today our politicians sometimes try to protect their vested interest rather than working for the common good.
Jesus' enemies want to stone him because he is preaching a vision of Judaism that is different than their own. Can we look upon what is new with eyes of love that try to understand rather than with condemnation?
Jesus tells his followers whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant. This is looking at the world the way God sees it, the right way up, unlike when we have allowed our own vision to be skewed, thinking servanthood is low.
Jesus admonished the Pharisees to be more humble. Humility is seeing ourselves as God sees us, not more or less, which allows us to become purified of our bad qualities because we also see the good.