reflecting with the readings for Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30
“What Would Jesus Do?” We have seen the wristbands, banners, and bumper stickers. “W.W.J.D?” has become a fairly common shorthand reminde or an instant reflection on our daily actions and our moral choices. How should we speak when feeling anger or joy or confusion? What should we do for people in need when we encounter them? How should we act in bad traffic when we use our turn signals but others don’t? The answer to those questions might be “What would Jesus do?” But at some point, that can become an unhelpful cliché that loses its impact.
In contrast, here are some guiding points for reflecting today:
- Take time with some of the readings for Monday and Tuesday (April 29 and 30) in the Catholic lectionary. When reading in the Acts of the Apostles, reflect on what is happening with the early Church as it organizes and grows; pay attention to how even Paul heals a person in need. Do you experience how, long after the resurrection, Jesus is active and working in the world and in others?
- How do you respond to Jesus’ words in these lines from John 14?
“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.”
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
What promise is Jesus making about hope and joy?
- Reflect on the ways that God is active in our lives every day, all the time. Perhaps you notice new ways that you can “find God in all things,” as Ignatius encouraged.
- Prayerfully ask the questions “How is Jesus acting in this moment?” or “What does God desire today?” or “What is the Holy Spirit showing us right now?”
Maybe reflecting this way, we can turn our attention more from “What would Jesus do?” to “What IS Jesus doing?” We can imagine more than questioning our past actions or our future choices by the “W.W.J.D.?” standard. Perhaps we can instead examine our Easter experience of joy and hear how God is still speaking in the here-and-now and wonder “W.I.J.D.?