Today's Thoughts...

Today’s 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. In fact, we might say Pope Francis expresses the theme of all our readings today. Two of disciples had been on the road to Emmaus and encountered Jesus so as the Gospel opens today, they had returned to share their joy with the others when 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, 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!