Tag: Faith

The Good Newsletter

Issue #1 – Welcome to a New Beginning

Welcome to The Good News Newsletter!

Thank you for joining us for the very first issue of The Good News Newsletter.

In a world where headlines often focus on conflict, division, and discouragement, we believe there is still plenty of good news worth sharing. Every day, ordinary people perform acts of kindness, communities come together to help one another, and God continues to work quietly in the hearts of His people.

This newsletter was created to shine a light on that good news.

Our goal is simple: to provide a weekly dose of hope, faith, encouragement, and inspiration.

Whether you are facing challenges, celebrating blessings, or simply looking for a positive perspective, we hope these messages help strengthen your faith and brighten your day.

A MESSAGE OF HOPE

Life is not always easy.

We all experience setbacks, disappointments, health concerns, financial struggles, and moments of uncertainty. Yet throughout history, people of faith have discovered that difficult seasons often become the very moments that shape us into stronger, wiser, and more compassionate individuals.

As Scripture reminds us:

“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God.” – Romans 8:28

God does not promise a life free from difficulties. He promises that He will walk with us through them.

No matter what you may be facing today, remember that your story is still being written. The chapter you are living now is not the end of the book.

GOOD NEWS IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Every day there are people making a difference.

Volunteers serve meals to the hungry.

Neighbors help neighbors.

Churches provide support for families in need.

Small businesses create opportunities and jobs.

Healthcare workers care for the sick.

Teachers inspire future generations.

These acts may never make national headlines, but they are changing lives one person at a time.

Good news is happening all around us if we take the time to look for it.

FAITH CORNER

One of the greatest truths of Christianity is that God loves each of us personally.

The Feast of Corpus Christi reminds us that Christ continues to give Himself completely to His people.

Christianity is not simply a set of beliefs or rules. At its heart, it is a love story—a loving God reaching out to His children and inviting them into a deeper relationship with Him.

When life becomes difficult, remember that you are never alone.

God knows your struggles, your hopes, your fears, and your dreams.

And He walks beside you every step of the journey.

THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE

Perform one unexpected act of kindness this week.

Call someone who may be lonely.

Send an encouraging message.

Offer a prayer for someone in need.

Help a neighbor.

Volunteer your time.

You may never know how much that small act means to another person.

Kindness has a way of multiplying far beyond what we can see.

LOOKING AHEAD

Future editions of The Good News Newsletter will include:

• Inspiring faith-based articles

• Stories of hope and perseverance

• Community highlights

• Encouraging reflections

• Practical ways to strengthen faith and serve others

• Special resources and recommendations

We are excited to share this journey with you.

FINAL THOUGHT

Never underestimate the power of hope.

A kind word can change a day.

A prayer can change a life.

A faithful heart can change a community.

Together we can help spread the Good News—one person, one family, and one community at a time.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Rick Herring

The Good News Newsletter

“Creating Opportunities, Strengthening Communities, Changing Lives.”

P.S. If you enjoy this newsletter, please share it with a friend and invite them to subscribe. Together we can spread a little more hope in the world.

June 20, 2026
God is the Potter. We are the Clay

Living with Passion Through God’s Transforming Love

Throughout Sacred Scripture, God often compares Himself to a potter and His people to clay. The image is both beautiful and humbling. A lump of clay cannot shape itself. It cannot determine its final form. It must place itself completely in the hands of the potter.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us:

“Yet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand.”

God is continually shaping each one of us into the person He created us to be. Every joy, every challenge, every success, every disappointment, and every trial has a purpose in His loving plan.

The Blessing Hidden in Suffering

The world teaches us to avoid suffering at all costs. Yet Christianity reveals a deeper truth.

Suffering, when united with Jesus Christ, becomes a blessing.

This does not mean we should seek pain or enjoy hardship. Rather, it means that God can use every difficulty to strengthen our faith, purify our hearts, build our character, and draw us closer to Him.

Just as a potter presses, molds, and reshapes clay, God sometimes allows difficulties to form virtues within us that could not be developed any other way.

Patience is formed through waiting.

Courage is formed through fear.

Compassion is formed through suffering.

Faith is strengthened through trials.

What appears to be a burden today may become the very means by which God prepares us for His greater purpose tomorrow.

Participating in the Passion of Christ

One of the greatest mysteries of our faith is that Jesus allows us to participate in His Passion.

Our Lord suffered for the salvation of the world. Through His Cross, He redeemed humanity and opened the gates of Heaven.

When we unite our suffering to His, our pain is no longer wasted. It becomes prayer.

A lonely day can become a prayer.

An illness can become a prayer.

Financial struggles can become a prayer.

The loss of a loved one can become a prayer.

Every cross we carry can be joined to the Cross of Christ for the salvation of souls.

What a remarkable gift! God allows us to cooperate in His work of redemption.

Offer It Up

Many Catholics were taught a simple but powerful spiritual practice:

Offer it up.

When suffering comes, instead of asking only, “Why is this happening?” we can ask, “Lord, for whom shall I offer this?”

Offer your suffering to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Offer it for those who are struggling.

Offer it for family members who have drifted from God.

Offer it for the Church.

Offer it for the conversion of sinners.

Offer it for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

No suffering united to Christ is ever wasted.

Every sacrifice offered in love becomes part of God’s work in the world.

Don’t Just Live — Live with Passion

Too many people merely exist.

They wake up, go through the motions, and wait for tomorrow.

God calls us to something far greater.

He calls us to live with passion.

To love deeply.

To serve generously.

To forgive completely.

To trust courageously.

To allow His grace to flow through us into the lives of others.

Every person was created for a unique purpose. God did not create anyone by accident. He has given each of us gifts, talents, opportunities, and even crosses that can be transformed into blessings.

When we surrender ourselves to the Divine Potter, we become vessels of His love, mercy, and grace.

A Prayer

Sacred Heart of Jesus,

I place my life in Your hands.

Shape me as the potter shapes the clay.

Help me accept both joys and sufferings as gifts that draw me closer to You.

Teach me to offer my struggles for Your Sacred Heart and for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

Let Your love live within me and work through me.

May I become the person You created me to be.

Amen.

Final Thought

God is still working on each of us.

The wheel is still turning.

The Potter’s hands are still shaping the clay.

Trust Him.

Offer your sufferings to Him.

Live with passion.

Allow God to work through you so that your life becomes a masterpiece of His grace.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

If this reflection touched your heart, please share it with someone who may be carrying a heavy cross today. Together, let us trust the Divine Potter and allow Him to shape us into saints.

Rick Herring
“Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I belong to Him.”

Thank you for reading this blog. Please like, subscribe, comment and share with others.

June 14, 2026
Jesus Christ Is My Lord and I Belong to Him
Walking in Faith, Protection, and Victory

In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and confusion, believers in Jesus Christ have a powerful source of peace and strength. When we declare, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and I belong to Him,” we are making more than a statement. We are proclaiming our identity, our protection, and our faith in the King of Kings.

To belong to Jesus means we are no longer alone. We are loved, forgiven, guided, and protected by the Savior who gave His life for us. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we have been redeemed and brought into the family of God.

The Bible reminds us in Romans 10:9 that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved. Salvation is not earned by human effort. It is a gift purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Covered by the Blood of Jesus

The blood of Jesus is powerful. It cleanses us from sin, breaks chains of bondage, and gives believers spiritual protection. When we pray and declare that “The blood of Jesus completely covers me and my family,” we are placing our trust in God’s promises.

Throughout Scripture, the blood represented covenant, protection, and deliverance. Just as the Israelites were protected during Passover, believers today trust in the finished work of Christ for spiritual covering and peace.

No matter what challenges arise, God remains faithful. He watches over His children and walks with them through every storm, every battle, and every difficult season.

Fear Has No Power Over Us

Fear is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons, but faith in Christ destroys fear. The Word of God tells us in 1 John 4:4:

“Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

This powerful truth reminds believers that God’s Spirit lives within them. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to strengthen, comfort, and guide us every day.

Because of this, we do not have to live in fear. We can face life with confidence, courage, and hope. Jesus is greater than sickness, greater than anxiety, greater than darkness, and greater than every obstacle we face.

A Daily Declaration of Faith

Every day is an opportunity to boldly declare:
- Jesus Christ is my Lord.
- I belong to Him.
- The blood of Jesus covers me and my family.
- I will not fear.
- Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.
When we speak God’s promises over our lives, we strengthen our faith and remind ourselves of His truth.

Today, choose faith over fear. Choose hope over despair. Choose to walk in the confidence that Jesus Christ is Lord, Savior, Protector, and King forever.
May 25, 2026
Go Make a Difference in the World
Let the Light of God Shine Through You

In a world filled with noise, confusion, and struggle, there is still one force powerful enough to change hearts, restore hope, and transform lives — the love of God working through His people.

God did not create us to simply exist. He created us to shine. Every smile, every encouraging word, every act of kindness, and every prayer can become a reflection of His presence in the world.

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we begin to see others differently. We become more patient, more compassionate, more forgiving, and more willing to serve. The Holy Spirit guides us to become light in dark places, life where there is discouragement, and love where there is pain.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14

God Dwells Within Us

One of the greatest truths in the Christian faith is that God desires to dwell within us. Through faith, prayer, and surrender, our hearts become a place where His Spirit lives and moves.

Sometimes people search everywhere for peace, purpose, and joy, not realizing that God is already calling them from within. When we open our hearts to Him, He renews our minds, strengthens our spirits, and teaches us how to love others more deeply.

Our souls become a living testimony of God’s grace.

We are not meant to walk alone. God’s Spirit gives us courage when we are afraid, wisdom when we are uncertain, and hope when life feels difficult.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

Respond to God’s Creative Work in Your Life

God is continually working within each of us. He plants dreams, purpose, creativity, and compassion into our hearts. The question is not whether God is calling us — the question is whether we are willing to respond.

You do not have to be famous to make a difference.
You do not need wealth or status to change someone’s life.

A simple act of love can become a miracle for someone else.
- Encourage someone who feels discouraged
- Pray for someone in need
- Help a neighbor
- Share God’s love with kindness and humility
- Be a voice of peace in a divided world
These small acts become seeds of hope that God can multiply beyond what we can imagine.

Be Light, Life, and Love

The world needs more than opinions and arguments. It needs people who carry the Spirit of God with gentleness, truth, and compassion.

Today is a new opportunity to make a difference.

Let your life reflect God’s glory.
Let your words bring healing.
Let your actions reveal His love.

And wherever you go, may others see the light of Christ shining through you.

Final Prayer

Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Help us become vessels of Your love, peace, and truth. Give us the grace and faith to believe that You truly dwell within us. May our hearts become a reflection of heaven, and may our lives inspire others to seek You. Teach us to respond to Your creative work within us and to boldly make a difference in the world through Your love. Amen.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
May 17, 2026
Is God the CEO of your Business
Running a business is more than making profits, building teams, or reaching goals. For many entrepreneurs and leaders, business is also a spiritual assignment. The question every business owner should ask is this: Who is really leading the company? Is it driven only by human wisdom and ambition, or is God the true CEO?

God Gave Us Authority — But the Power Belongs to Him

From the beginning, God gave mankind authority over the earth, the animals, and the plants. He entrusted humanity with stewardship and responsibility. Yet while we have authority, the ultimate power still belongs to God.

Many business owners work tirelessly trying to carry every burden alone. They make decisions based only on trends, emotions, or financial pressure. But true success comes when we surrender our business plans to God and recognize Him as the Senior Partner.

A successful business is not built merely on strategy — it is built on obedience, wisdom, integrity, and faith.

God as the Senior Partner

When we invite God to be the CEO of our business, we acknowledge that He leads and we follow. We stop asking God to bless our plans and begin asking Him to reveal His plans.

Jesus demonstrated this perfectly during His ministry on earth. He continually submitted Himself to the Father’s will. Jesus said He only did what the Father showed Him to do. His ministry was powerful because it operated in complete partnership with God.

Jesus Christ showed us that surrender is not weakness — it is the pathway to divine power and direction.

What Happens When God Leads Your Business?

When God becomes the CEO of your business:
- Decisions are guided by wisdom instead of fear.
- Integrity becomes more important than shortcuts.
- Employees and customers are treated with love and respect.
- Peace replaces constant anxiety.
- Purpose becomes greater than profits alone.
This does not mean there will never be challenges. Every business faces obstacles. But when God is leading, you are no longer carrying the vision alone. You are operating under divine guidance and authority.

Surrender Brings Strength

Many people want God to be their helper, but not their leader. Yet partnership with God requires surrender. A CEO has the final authority. If God is truly the CEO of your business, then His values, His timing, and His direction must come first.

That may mean walking away from dishonest opportunities, treating people fairly even when it costs more, or waiting patiently for God’s timing instead of forcing open doors.

Real faith in business is trusting that God’s way produces lasting success.

Final Thoughts

Your business can become more than a source of income — it can become a ministry, a testimony, and a tool for God’s purpose. When you surrender your plans and allow God to lead as the CEO, you position your business for spiritual and practical success.

The world teaches self-reliance, but God teaches partnership.

The authority may be in our hands, but the power still belongs to Him.

Please bring God into your business as the CEO. The Senior and desiding partner for every decision. Every indeaver. Make your business, your life a ministry to bring people closer to God.

Rick
thmjmj@gmail.com
May 14, 2026
You Cannot Do a Kindness Too Soon
Why Small Acts of Compassion Matter More Than Ever

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
— entity[“people”,”Ralph Waldo Emerson”,”American essayist and philosopher”]

In a world moving faster than ever, kindness is often treated as something optional — something we will get around to later when we have more time, more money, or fewer worries. Yet Ralph Waldo Emerson’s timeless words remind us of a truth many people discover too late: opportunities to help others do not last forever.

A kind word left unspoken. A phone call never made. A helping hand delayed until tomorrow. Life changes quickly, and the chance to bless another person can disappear in an instant.

Today, kindness is not merely a pleasant virtue. It is a necessity.

The Quiet Power of Simple Kindness

Many people imagine kindness as grand gestures or dramatic acts of charity. In reality, the most powerful acts are usually the smallest.

A smile to a lonely neighbor.

Listening patiently to someone who feels forgotten.

Paying for a stranger’s coffee.

Helping a struggling small business survive one more week.

Checking on an elderly friend.

Praying for someone carrying hidden pain.

These moments rarely make headlines, yet they often change lives forever.

Kindness has a ripple effect. One act of compassion inspires another. A person who receives mercy is more likely to show mercy. Communities grow stronger when people choose generosity over indifference.

In small towns across America, neighbors helping neighbors still keeps communities alive. Rural hospitals survive because caring people refuse to give up. Families overcome hardship because someone stepped in at the right moment.

Often, the difference between despair and hope is simply knowing that somebody cares.

Why Waiting Can Cost More Than We Realize

Modern culture teaches people to postpone what matters most.

“We’ll visit later.”

“We’ll donate when finances improve.”

“We’ll reconnect someday.”

But tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Every person carries unseen battles. Some struggle with loneliness. Others face illness, grief, financial hardship, addiction, or fear. Many smile outwardly while quietly losing hope.

A timely act of kindness may arrive at the exact moment someone is deciding whether life is worth continuing.

History is filled with stories of lives transformed by one compassionate moment:
- A teacher who encouraged a discouraged child.
- A stranger who offered food to a hungry family.
- A nurse who stayed a few extra minutes beside a frightened patient.
- A pastor who answered a late-night phone call.
- A veteran who mentored a troubled teenager.
The people involved may never fully know the impact they made.

That is the mystery of kindness: small actions often produce eternal results.

Kindness Is Not Weakness

Some people confuse kindness with softness or naivety. In truth, genuine kindness requires courage.

It takes strength to remain compassionate in a cynical world.

It takes humility to serve others without seeking recognition.

It takes wisdom to see the humanity in people society overlooks.

And it takes faith to keep loving when life becomes difficult.

Kindness is not passive. It is active goodness.

It feeds the hungry.

It comforts the grieving.

It protects the vulnerable.

It rebuilds communities.

It restores dignity.

Throughout history, societies have survived hardship because ordinary people chose compassion over selfishness.

In times of economic uncertainty, social division, and growing loneliness, kindness may be one of the most revolutionary things a person can practice.

Faith, Humanity, and the Call to Love One Another

Across many spiritual traditions, kindness is viewed as sacred.

In Christianity, believers are reminded to love their neighbors, care for the poor, and treat others as they themselves would wish to be treated.

Kindness reflects the belief that every person possesses inherent dignity and worth.

Even brief encounters matter. The cashier at the grocery store. The exhausted waitress. The veteran standing quietly alone. The struggling single parent. The resident in a nursing facility who rarely receives visitors.

Each person carries a story.

Each person matters.

Sometimes the greatest ministry in life is simply showing up for another human being.

A visit.

A prayer.

A meal.

A conversation.

A moment of compassion.

These things may appear small on earth, but they echo far beyond what we can see.

Five Ways to Practice Immediate Kindness Today

1. Reach Out to Someone You Have Been Thinking About

Do not wait for the perfect time. Send the text. Make the call. Visit the person. Your outreach may mean more than you realize.

2. Support a Local Small Business

Many family-owned businesses are struggling quietly. A purchase, positive review, or recommendation can help sustain livelihoods and preserve communities.

3. Encourage Someone Publicly

People remember encouragement for years. Speak life into someone who feels invisible.

4. Volunteer Where the Need Is Greatest

Homeless shelters, rural ministries, food banks, hospitals, and veteran organizations constantly need caring people willing to serve.

5. Practice Daily Compassion

Hold the door. Listen without interrupting. Offer patience instead of irritation. Small habits of kindness shape both individuals and nations.

Final Thoughts

Ralph Waldo Emerson understood something deeply human: opportunities to love others are temporary.

No one reaches the end of life wishing they had shown less compassion.

The world does not simply need more technology, wealth, or influence. It needs more people willing to act with kindness before the moment passes.

A gentle word.

A helping hand.

A compassionate heart.

These simple acts can change lives, strengthen communities, and restore hope in places where darkness has settled.

So do not wait.

Offer the kindness today.

Because you never know how soon it may be too late.

Click Here to learn how to spread the Kindness Virus https://kindnessvirus.com/video/?ref=6HD 0IFGMirus

Rick
thmjmj@gmail.com
May 9, 2026
Lead Me in the Way You Desire
Trusting God When We Do Not Understand

There is a prayer so simple, so humble, and so powerful that it can change a life:

“Lord, if this is not Your will, take it from me. Lead me in the way You desire.”

Those words are not words of defeat. They are words of surrender. They are words of trust.

In a world that teaches us to cling, control, and chase our own plans, this prayer invites us to open our hands and let God lead.

When Our Plans Are Not God’s Plans

We often pray for what we want:
- A door to open
- A relationship to work
- A dream to come true
- A burden to be lifted
Yet sometimes God whispers, “I have something better.”

Scripture reminds us:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord…
— Book of Jeremiah 29:11

And in Book of Proverbs we are told:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Faith is not always knowing where the road leads.

Faith is trusting the One who leads.

The Courage of “Take It From Me”

Sometimes we hold onto things God wants us to release:
- Worry
- Pride
- Old wounds
- Fear
- Even dreams that are not His will
To pray “take it from me” is brave.

It echoes the prayer of Jesus of Nazareth in Gethsemane:

“Not my will, but Yours be done.”

That is not weakness.

That is holiness.

God Leads Through Closed Doors Too

Some of God’s greatest mercies come disguised as unanswered prayers.

A closed door may be protection.

A delay may be preparation.

A “no” may be guidance.

Many times we understand only later that what we asked God to remove… He removed out of love.

And what He asked us to surrender… He replaced with grace.

Following the Way He Desires

When we ask God to lead us, He often guides in gentle ways:
- Through prayer
- Through Scripture
- Through silence
- Through wise friends
- Through unexpected opportunities
- Through peace in the heart
Often His leading is not dramatic.

It is daily.

One faithful step at a time.

As Book of Psalms says:

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet…”

Notice—a lamp, not a floodlight.

Enough light for the next step.

That is usually how God leads.

A Prayer for Today

You may want to pray this slowly:

Lord,
If this is not Your will, take it from me.
Remove what keeps me from You.
Close doors I should not walk through.
Open the ones You desire.
Lead me in Your way,
Shape me by Your wisdom,
And help me trust even when I do not understand.
Not my will, Lord—
Yours be done.
Amen.

Final Thought

Surrender is not losing your way.

It is finding God’s way.

And there is no safer place than being led by Him.

When life feels uncertain, pray simply:

“Lord, if this is not Your will, take it from me. Lead me in the way You desire.”

That prayer can change everything.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share it with others.

Rick Herring
April 27, 2026
The More We Become Like Christ, the Happier We Are
Why Christlike Living Brings Happiness

In a world constantly chasing happiness through success, possessions, and fleeting pleasures, many find themselves still searching—still unsatisfied. Yet, the message at the heart of Christianity offers a radically different path: true and lasting joy is found in becoming more like Jesus Christ.

This idea may sound simple, even familiar. But its depth is life-changing. The more our thoughts, actions, and hearts align with Christ, the more we experience a profound, unshakable happiness that the world cannot give—or take away.

What Does It Mean to Become Like Christ?

Becoming like Christ doesn’t mean perfection—it means transformation. It is a daily process of growing in qualities that Jesus embodied:
- Love – showing genuine care for others, even when it’s difficult
- Compassion – reaching out to those in need
- Humility – putting others before ourselves
- Forgiveness – letting go of bitterness and extending grace
- Faith – trusting God even when life is uncertain
These traits are not just moral ideals; they are the building blocks of a joyful life.

Why Christlike Living Brings Happiness

1. It Aligns Us with Our True Purpose

We are created with a spiritual purpose. When we live in harmony with Christ’s teachings, we step into that purpose—and purpose brings deep satisfaction.

2. It Frees Us from Destructive Emotions

Anger, envy, pride, and resentment weigh heavily on the soul. Christlike attributes—especially forgiveness and humility—release us from these burdens, making room for peace.

3. It Strengthens Relationships

Love and compassion transform how we interact with others. As we become more Christlike, our relationships become healthier, deeper, and more meaningful.

4. It Brings Inner Peace

Even in trials, those who follow Christ often experience a quiet confidence and calm. This peace is not dependent on circumstances—it is rooted in faith.

The Journey, Not Perfection

It’s important to remember: becoming like Christ is a journey, not a destination achieved overnight. There will be setbacks, doubts, and struggles. But every small step—every act of kindness, every moment of patience—moves us closer.

God does not expect perfection; He invites progress.

How to Grow Closer to Christ Daily

Here are simple, practical ways to grow:
- Pray daily – Speak honestly with God and listen in stillness
- Study scripture – Learn from Christ’s words and example
- Serve others – Look for opportunities to help, even in small ways
- Reflect regularly – Ask yourself how you can improve and grow
- Practice gratitude – Recognize blessings and cultivate joy
These habits gradually shape the heart and bring us closer to Christ’s character.

A Joy That Lasts

Happiness that depends on circumstances is temporary. But the joy that comes from becoming more like Christ is enduring. It grows deeper over time, rooted in love, faith, and eternal perspective.

As we strive to follow His example, we don’t just become better people—we become happier people.happiness,

And in that transformation, we discover a truth both simple and profound:

The closer we come to Christ, the closer we come to true joy.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 9, 2026
Holy Thursday: The Last Supper
The First Priest are Ordained and Commissioned

Introduction

Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, marks one of the most profound moments in the Christian calendar. Observed during Holy Week, it commemorates the Last Supper—Jesus Christ’s final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. This sacred event is not only a historical remembrance but a living tradition that continues to shape Christian faith, worship, and understanding of love and service.

The Setting of the Last Supper

The Last Supper took place in Jerusalem on the night before Jesus was arrested. Gathered with His twelve disciples, Jesus shared a Passover meal that would take on new and eternal meaning. What seemed like a traditional observance quickly became a defining moment in Christian theology.

During this meal, Jesus spoke openly about His impending suffering and betrayal. Yet, instead of fear or despair, He demonstrated humility, compassion, and divine purpose.

The Institution of the Eucharist

One of the most significant acts of the Last Supper was the institution of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “This is my body.” He then took a cup of wine and said, “This is my blood of the covenant.”

This moment established a central sacrament in Christian life. Through the Eucharist, believers remember Christ’s sacrifice and participate in a spiritual union with Him. It is a ritual of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal that continues in churches around the world.

A Lesson in Humility: Washing of the Feet

Another powerful act during the Last Supper was Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. In a culture where this task was reserved for servants, Jesus reversed expectations by serving others in the most humble way.

This act symbolized love in action—selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It also established a model for Christian living: leadership through service. Many churches reenact this ritual on Holy Thursday as a reminder of humility and compassion.

Betrayal and Love Intertwined

During the meal, Jesus revealed that one of His disciples would betray Him. Despite knowing this, He continued to share bread and fellowship with all present, including Judas. This moment reflects the depth of divine love—offered even in the face of betrayal.

The Last Supper, therefore, is not only about sacred rituals but also about forgiveness, grace, and the complexity of human relationships.

The Commandment of Love

The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment.” On this night, Jesus gave a new commandment:

“Love one another as I have loved you.”

This teaching lies at the heart of Holy Thursday. It calls believers to embody Christ’s love through kindness, sacrifice, and unity.

Holy Thursday Today

Today, Holy Thursday is observed with solemn church services that often include:
- The celebration of the Eucharist
- The washing of feet ceremony
- The stripping of the altar, symbolizing Jesus’ abandonment
The atmosphere is reflective and reverent, preparing believers for the sorrow of Good Friday and the hope of Easter Sunday.

Conclusion

Holy Thursday invites us into the intimate and transformative moments of the Last Supper. It is a day that speaks of love expressed through service, sacrifice shared through communion, and faith grounded in humility.

As we remember this sacred evening, we are called not only to reflect—but to live out its message: to love deeply, serve willingly, and walk faithfully in the path set by Christ.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 2, 2026
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
The Fruit of the Mystery is Patience

Introduction

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary invites us into one of the most physically and spiritually intense moments of Christ’s Passion: Jesus carrying His cross to Calvary. This scene is not only a historical event but a deeply personal call to every believer—to walk with Christ in suffering, humility, and perseverance.

The Biblical Scene

After being scourged and crowned with thorns, Jesus is forced to carry the heavy wooden cross through the streets of Jerusalem toward Golgotha. Weak from pain and loss of blood, He stumbles under its weight. The soldiers compel Simon of Cyrene to help Him carry the cross, while the crowd watches—some mocking, others mourning.

This journey, known as the Via Dolorosa, represents not only Christ’s physical suffering but also His unwavering obedience to the Father’s will.

Spiritual Meaning

The Carrying of the Cross reveals several profound truths:

1. The Weight of Sin

The cross symbolizes the burden of humanity’s sins—past, present, and future—that Jesus willingly carries.

2. Human Weakness and Divine Strength

Jesus falls multiple times, reminding us that even in weakness, grace sustains us.

3. Shared Suffering

Simon of Cyrene’s involvement teaches that we are called to help one another carry life’s burdens.

A Reflection for Our Lives

Each of us has a cross to carry—whether it be illness, loss, struggle, or daily hardship. This mystery challenges us to ask:
- Do I accept my cross with faith and trust?
- Do I help others carry their burdens?
- Can I find meaning in suffering by uniting it with Christ?
Jesus does not carry the cross alone—and neither should we.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, as You carried Your cross to Calvary, You embraced the weight of my sins and the suffering of the world. Teach me to carry my own cross with patience and love. Help me to support others in their struggles, just as Simon helped You. Grant me the strength to follow You faithfully, even when the road is difficult. Amen.

Conclusion

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery is a powerful meditation on endurance, compassion, and sacrificial love. In contemplating Christ’s journey to Calvary, we are invited not only to witness His suffering but to transform our own lives through it.

May we walk beside Him—not only in sorrow, but in hope—knowing that the cross always leads to resurrection.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 2, 2026