May 11, 2023 Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter-A

Acts of the Apostles 15:7-21

Psalm 96

John 15:9-11

“…we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus…”  Acts 15:11

Lord, the message is clear but not easy. I am saved not by what I do for you but by what you did for me. The grace you won for me on the cross is sufficient for my salvation. For that I am eternally grateful because I could not have saved myself. Accepting your grace is the choice I have made. Being your follower, however, is not a passive thing. Living a grace-filled life is not like lying under a sunlamp soaking up eternal life. Your grace, if properly received, changes me. It moves me to be a person who loves and is loved. I believe, Lord, that love is your greatest commandment. My response to the grace of salvation is to love like you do. Your love is at work in me and making me a new person. There are still struggles and trials on the road.  Again, thank you dear Jesus, for the grace to love as you do.  May I today, follow wherever your love leads me.  Amen.