Called to witness

This Sunday’s Gospel offers us the remarkable recounting of the experience two disciples had on the “Road to Emmaus”.  While we may be familiar with the events of the story, what stuck me was the desire of the disciples to share their story with a stranger, even though they hadn’t realized that they only had part of the story.  It seems to me that they had been so moved by the experience of knowing Jesus during his ministry that even in their grief, they desired to speak of him, continue his legacy, spread his story.  Even though they were feeling dejected by the death of Jesus, still they wanted to proclaim the hopes they had felt. 

Through the interaction with the Risen Lord, their desire to share this message is strengthened and given the needed fortitude that had been lacking.  The power of the personal exchange with Jesus allowed them to gain the needed zeal to confront the darkness before them to share the truth of the resurrection:  So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where the found gathered together the eleven….  This action speaks to us the importance of proclaiming the truth of Jesus even to the evangelized, those who have already heard the message of Christ but may need further evidence of God’s action.

We who believe are similarly called to allow a place in our lives to encounter Jesus.  While the celebration of Mass is a regular opportunity, daily events provide moments of grace as well.  When we are asked to help another, do I see the face of Christ in the person?  While driving, or waiting on another, do I cultivate patience as I hope God is patient with me?  When emotions are injured, am I quick to forgive as I pray God forgives me?  Do I place myself in an environment of prayer each day, seeking to spend time with my friend Jesus who yearns to be close to me?  And after meeting Jesus in my daily life, do I seek to proclaim his love and presence in the world to others by my participation in the community of faith?

The disciples of the Emmaus story invite us into this relationship of discipleship that shows a willingness to witness built on a personal relationship with the Lord.  Do I make such a relationship possible by praying regularly both alone with God and with the community of faith?  Both are necessary as disciples of the Risen Lord.

Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary

For several hundred years, a devotion to the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart has been fostered among Catholics expressing the love for Jesus and Mary.  Families are encouraged to place the images of the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart in their homes as an expression of faith and a prayer for holiness in the home.  Customarily, June is the month we honor these devotions.  As we approach June this year, families are invited to consider placing the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart in their homes as an expression of their faith and love.  During the next several weeks, the bulletin will carry information about St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and how she helped foster this devotion.  Suggestions for family prayer will be offered.  You are encouraged to discuss as a family shared prayer and common acts of devotion to build family bonds to each other and to the Church.