Week of Peace - Friday

Luke 7:18-23.

John the Baptist and Jesus
John's disciples informed him about all these things. John called two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord. They were to ask him, "Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for someone else?" When they reached Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you. He asks, ‘Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for someone else?'" Right then, Jesus healed many of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he gave sight to a number of blind people. Then he replied to John's disciples, "Go, report to John what you have seen and heard. Those who were blind are able to see. Those who were crippled now walk. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. And good news is preached to the poor. Happy is anyone who doesn't stumble along the way because of me."

Even John who baptized Jesus wondered, Are you the one? It isn't surprising, then, that we too may wonder whether God is really present in the world. After all, there is plenty of evidence - poverty, pain, violence, disaster and death - to lead us to doubt the existence of a loving God. How can we find God in the darkness?

Reflection Questions for Friday, Week Two
Take time for quiet reflection.  Respond to the questions below by writing in your journal or quietly reflecting.

• John's question, "Are you the one?" remains our question.  When have you asked this question?  How has Jesus answered you?
• Do you believe--in the depth of your soul--that God is always present?  If not, what keeps you from believing? Is so, what give you assurance?

Prayer for Friday, Week Two
God, we don't believe you have forgotten us or are hiding.  Your actions may be a mystery to us, but we believe your promise never to abandon us.  Give us courage and wisdom to overcome anger with love, and evil with good.  Amen.