DAILY READING John 4:46-54 REFLECTION   Certain Belief By Elaine Pierce The man took Jesus at his word and departed (John 4:50). As I read and re-read this passage, those words stopped me in my tracks. This royal official (John doesn't tell us his name) begs Jesus to heal his son. Jesus says " You may go. Your son will live." So he does what Jesus says, and on the way home his servants meet him with the amazing news that his boy is better. The result? He and all his household believed (v....

DAILY READING John 2:1-11 REFLECTION   Do Whatever He Says By Elaine Pierce Our youngest son got married about 8 years ago. My husband and I hosted the rehearsal dinner, and we had an open bar as part of the festivities. After dinner was over, my soon-to-be-daughter-in-law pointed out that some of the guests were perhaps taking advantage of the 'free' drinks, and she encouraged me to close the bar before things got out of hand. I took her advice, and the party concluded on a happy (mostly...

DAILY READING Matthew 16:24-28 REFLECTION   What do I have to Lose? By Elaine Pierce What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? (Matthew 16:26) The devil tempted Jesus - at least 5 times - in the desert. He offered the sun, the moon, the stars - the universe - and all Jesus had to do was perform a miracle of Satan's choosing (tell the stones to become bread; throw himself down from the highest point of the temple; bow down and worship Satan: see Matthew...