Daily Thoughts: “A Christian
can never be sad! Never give way to discouragement! Ours is not a joy born of
having many possessions, but from having encountered a Person: Jesus, in our
midst; it is born from knowing that with him we alone, even at difficult
moments, even when our life’s journey comes up against problems and obstacles
that seem insurmountable, and there are so many of them! And in this moment,
the enemy, the devil, comes, often disguised as an angel, and slyly speaks his
word to us. Do not listen to him! Let us follow Jesus!”
These words spoken by Pope Francis in a
homily back in March of 2013 seem to speak to our Gospel (Luke 24:35-48) today
if fact we might say it is the theme of all our readings today. The disciples who
were on the road to Emmaus return to share their joy with the other and into
their midst walks Jesus. Joy not sadness is once again the emotion of the
moment as the disciples experience another encounter with the Risen Lord. Their
encounter is not in the breaking of the bread this time it is in the physical
presence of Jesus. They find out that amid all the struggles of the last few
days, in the midst of the many insurmountable moments of the last few days that
the enemy has not won, Jesus has risen!
The readings from Acts and John’s First
Letter continue this theme of finding joy amid the struggles of life. In each
reading we are made aware that even if we struggle God’s forgiveness is always
available we just need to trust and remain faithful.
Each time we come together as a
community of faith, each time we have an encounter with the Person, Jesus, each
time we break the bread and share the cup, each time we proclaim that Jesus is
risen we are reminded that the enemy has not won. We are reminded that God is
with us, at home, on the road throughout the journey of life!
Have a great Sunday everyone!
Daily Prayer: Loving God, our
hearts are before us. We try but by ourselves we can do nothing. Grace us with
your presence and help us to do what we cannot. Admit us to the inner room of
your love. We ask, we seek, we knock. You have given us the command to ask,
help us to receive. You have challenged us to seek, enable us to find. You have
taught us how to knock, please open the door. Amen. (Adapted from a prayer by St. Anselm of Canterbury)
A Runner’s Thoughts: Simply imagine
that God is with you constantly on a run. It matters little how you conceive
God. Take whatever conception of God you have, and allow that image of God to
accompany you on the trial. (Adapted from
- Running The Spiritual Path by Roger Joslin)
Daily Blessing: Sunday blessing
to all! I hope your Sunday has started off well and that you are enjoying the
gifts of sun, warmth and colors. It is a beautiful day here in Central
Pennsylvania!
Our Gospel today is a wonderful reminder
that we have to be aware of the presence of God in our lives. I know that I
don’t always recognize Jesus and at times I let the struggles and problems of
life become too big.
So today I will pray that God blesses us
with strength, courage and joy when Jesus enters our live, invites us to recall
the story and opens our hearts to his word and presence. May God bless us with
the joyfulness of life and not allow us to be burdened by the struggles of
life. May we encounter God in the breaking of the bread, the sharing of the
cup, the gathering of family and friends and within the gift of our own life
today! Have a blessed and holy Sunday everyone! Peace in Christ’s Passion and
Joy in the Risen Lord….Fr. Paul
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