Disbelief

We have been considering the Resurrection for almost a full week; the disciples and companions of Jesus heard about it from Mary Magdalene, and the Emmaus duo, but as Mark tells us twice this morning (cf. Mk 16: 9-15) "they did not believe." Jesus appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, but, demonstrating his faith in them,  entrusted  them with the mission to proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
As we come to the end of the Octave of Easter, we might examine our own faith to see if it is real and deep enough to go on proclaiming the Gospel by our lives and deeds, or if we too stand to be rebuked for our disbelief.  Lord, I do believe; help my unbelief.
Bro. Rene

Wonder Time

Note:  Not sure when the deadline for posting is...Seems to have changed...Find two slices of bread today...yesterday's and today's thin one.

Are we filled with wonder as we ponder the Resurrection?  Are we willing to jump out of the boat as Peter did to greet Christ in our neighbor?
Bro. Rene

Embracing The Risen Jesus

Dedicated to a prolonged meditation on the Resurrection of Jesus, this week makes it clear how astounded the Disciples were at seeing Jesus alive, and how frequent explanations were necessary until they finally "got it."  In today's account of the appearance of Jesus to the gathered group who had just heard the tale related by the Emmaus walkers, Luke tell us that the disciples were "startled and terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost." (cf. Lk 24:37 ). He had greeted them with Peace, but still they were troubled.   Jesus reverts to "show and tell", hanging his wounded hands before them, then, eating with them and explaining how all of this had been foretold about him from the time of Moses. However, it was only at Pentecost did they really understand what had happened and who Jesus was.
If we are not "startled, terrified or troubled, maybe we don't fully comprehend the magnitude of the Resurrection.  May our reflections help us to fully understand and embrace the Risen Jesus.
Bro. Rene

Joyful Searching

Psalm 105, used as today's Responsorial Psalm, encourages us to "rejoice, look to the Lord in his strength and seek to serve him constantly." (Ps 105:3-4). It is fittingly tied in with the Emmaus story and sets the tone for our own journey.  The two disciples were dejected and disappointed by the turn of events on the previous Friday and certainly confused by the rumors that Jesus had risen from the dead. They were far from rejoicing when "the stranger" joined them, yet in listening to him and breaking bread with him, they realized how their hearts had been "burning" within them.
We have moments when senseless acts of violence, like the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 50 years ago, confuse, disappoint, and anger us, yet, if we take time to LISTEN; if we RECOGNIZE the presence of Jesus in one another and if we receive him in Holy Communion,  our hearts will again burn with joy, for we will again realize that he is Risen, he is Alive and active with us.
Bro. Rene

Recognition

We look at the Resurrection today through the eyes and ears of Mary Magdalene.  At a loss in the garden where the empty tomb of Jesus causes even more pain, she weeps and begs the "gardener" to give her some clue to where she might find the body of Jesus.  Suddenly, all is changed by a word, her name, a voice that she recognizes and addresses as Rabboni.  In that moment of recognition, she experienced the Resurrection, and, understandably, threw her arms around Jesus.
He called her by name...he calls us each by name.  He knows us and invites us over and over again to come to know him.  In so doing, we will experience the joy that Mary experienced, and throw ourselves into him and our brothers and sisters with the force of Mary's love.
Bro. Rene

The Easter Octave

We will be reading accounts of the Resurrection all week, as if it were still Easter Sunday.  The impact of the Resurrection is so extensive, so mighty, that it cannot be limited to one day.  Jesus rose bodily from the tomb, never more to die, far beyond the restoration to life of the widow of Nain's son, or his friend, Lazarus. They came back to life, but eventually died.  Not so, Jesus, and not so us who have been baptized into his death and Resurrection. The ultimate play-out of this scenario is our own bodily reunion with our souls and an eternity of life with God.  Really, all beyond our comprehension.  We join with the Apostles and disciples who struggled to accept this unique experience.  It took awhile to sink in for them, it takes a lifetime to sink in for us. That;s why this week is set aside to examine it, ponder it, and appreciate it.
Bro. Rene

He Is Risen

We will hear it, we will sing it, will say it and see it on banners, it will be all around us today and for the next 50- days.  How do we digest this great mystery?  Jesus conquered Death once and for all.  Jesus conquered sin and evil.  The victory, this extraordinary victory is won. We need to repeat it over and over, pound it into our heads and hearts, believe, believe, believe it and LIVE IT!  We have the Easter Season to ponder just what all this means and HOW our lives are changed, and MUST CONTINUE to change because of it.  Alleluia, Jesus is risen  Let us rejoice and be glad.  Let it shine from our faces,  color our words and influence our interactions with others.  This is the day the Lord has made...let everyone know it.
A Happy and Joyous Easter to all...
Bro. Rene