Jim Van Vurst, OFM

Our relationships with each other as children of God give us a closeness even deeper than blood relationships.

Those who are poor, who weep, and who are hungry, are seen by God as truly blessed. Not because they are perfect but because they are so often treated with disrespect.

The role of prophets such as John the Baptist was one that required great faith in view of their role to challenge religious and civil leaders.

Much of society emphasizes external appearance. That says nothing about who the real person is within himself. And that is ultimately what God judges.

Jesus is the Father’s perfect image of a shepherd who actually laid down his life for his sheep–every one of them whether strong or weak, good or bad.

Being a true disciple meant being willing to suffer for the truths of the gospel that Jesus was preaching. It is about giving up one’s life for belief in the person of Jesus.

It’s probably not difficult to recall times in our lives’ journeys when we were “lost and wayward.” We really needed to be found again through God’s love and care for us.