April 15, Friday Lenten Weekday

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice. — Psalm 18:(see 7)

Mass readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13 / John 10:31-42 

Ancestors in the Faith  

As a cradle Catholic from two families of longtime cradle Catholics, it’s pretty easy for me to trace my religious ancestry. But a line in today’s Gospel reminded me there are others I need to thank, those who have been dead for centuries, those who aren’t biologically related to me. 

Jesus crossed back over the Jordan River and stayed there a while and “many came to him. . . . And many there began to believe in him.” It was first-century followers—the apostles and others—who led to second-, third-, fourth-, and twenty-first-century followers. Now I, now we, play a role in helping countless future generations come to Christ. How we live our Catholicism influences family, friends and others we barely know. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, be with all those who are in the R.C.I.A, those to be baptized or come into full communion with the Church this Easter.