The Ascension of the Lord /Seventh Sunday of Easter_A_051726

 This weekend’s Liturgy is quite unique. Most dioceses in the U.S. have transferred the Feast of the Ascension to this coming weekend, May 16 -17. Other dioceses, mostly in Northeast, will celebrate the Liturgy for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, having celebrated Ascension Thursday several days ago. To accommodate readers in both areas, I have prepared a reflection on the readings for each of these liturgies beginning with the Ascension of the Lord followed by one for the Seventh Sunday of Easter.

 

 

Photo Credit: www.123rf.com/photo_31942799_ascension-of-christ

Deacon Tom Writes

Go, Make Disciples

 

The Ascension of the Lord, Year A

 

Today St. Matthew shares his account of the parting of Jesus Christ from his disciples. Matthew tells us that “…when they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Yet, Jesus empowers them to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…. Then he departed leaving his hand-picked understudies to spread the Good News throughout the world. What an awesome task! Insightful too is that the Jesus promises to remain with them until the end of the ages. So, in reality, Jesus is saying that he will be with them every step of the way as they follow his command to spread the Good News to all peoples. Looking back over these 2000 years since, while not without its dark moments, the church Christ had entrusted to Peter has been very successful in following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Peter et al, the first messengers, did “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature”. This Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent, and the Apostles received, was the guiding Principle leading the church through its formative days and continues to do so today.

 

This effort to spread the Gospel message to all the nations was also intended, I believe, to bring about the “unity” Christ prayed for at the Last Supper... “Father, that they may be one, as you are one in me and I in you”. As St. Paul says elsewhere in his letter to the Ephesians, “There is one body and one spirit”.  EPH 4:4

 

As I reflect upon these readings for Ascension Thursday considering the state of the world around us, I ask “What chance do we have today of being .... “Of one body and one spirit” as Christ intended us to be? It seems that every aspect of our lives is a source of division...  one’s race, religion, ethnicity, culture, national origin, political affiliation, social class, etc., each serves as a distinction that more than ever is a source of friction or even conflict with others. How could we ever expect to “be of one mind” on anything let alone agree on the teaching of Jesus? What do you think would happen if a corporate CEO presented his executives, with a Business Plan he wanted them to implement, and they failed to achieve it. It wouldn’t be good for the management team is my experience.

 

Yet, when it comes to the practice of our faith, it is not just the leadership that fails. It is we the community of believers that has a large share in failing to achieve what Christ has asked his disciples. Why is that? Well, Christ’s teachings are quite clear. We are to love one another, forgive one another, not judge one another; we are to count all peoples as our neighbor; we are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, bury the dead, counsel the ignorant. We are not to judge others, or gossip... “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up”. EPH 4:29. Yes, we know the teaching of Jesus. The difficulty is that we are not following them the way he taught them. We have decided who our neighbor is; we have made the decision who is worthy of our charity; we have used our speech to tear down and revile those who disagree with us. We have cast aside the teachings of Christ and are acting in accord with our lesser nature by choosing to Christ’s call to be one in him. The consequences of our choice, I believe, is visible in the disorder and chaos we see around us.

           

If we are to be faithful to Jesus’ call to unity, we must decide to choose to follow his teaching and see the world as he sees it: a world redeemed by his death and renewed by his resurrection; we need to do our part to build up the kingdom for which Jesus laid the foundation; we must persevere in doing what is right and listen to the Voice of Truth. If we are to be disciples worthy of the name “Christian” we must do as Christ taught us by putting aside all that divides us through our “dying to self”, through our “picking up our cross” and by our “following him”, choosing to be one with all our brothers and sisters in his Mystical Body.

 

Enjoy the Day!

Deacon Tom

 

 

 

 

 

Image Credit: www.123rf.com/photo_38788883_joy-written-in-the-sand

 

Deacon Tom Writes,

Sharing In Christ’s Joy

 

Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year A

 

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us what eternal life is: it is to know the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. As we know from elsewhere in Sacred Scripture, Jesus wants to share His joy with us “Completely.” The joy that He wants to share with us has its source in the words the Father gave Him and he, in turn, has… “given to them.”  But living those words, Jesus tells us, puts us at odds with the world, “I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world.” Jesus leaves little doubt about where our loyalties lie for His disciples.

 

It is natural for us to want to have as much joy in this life as we can get. How we find that “joy” is the essence of our spiritual journey. How often we confuse happiness with joy! Happiness depends upon our circumstances and the events that happen to us. I am happy when something good happens to me such as making a new friend, winning the lottery, or getting that new car or job, just as I may be sad when I have a reversal of good fortune. Happiness doesn’t last. We always need something else each tomorrow to renew our happiness. If we don’t find that special something new to enthrall us, very often we end up down in the dumps. Here in America, it seems that happiness is available for a price. At least that’s what Madison Avenue would have us believe. Isn’t that the message that advertisers are selling…You will be happy if you drive this kind of car, or if you wear this suit or go on this vacation…if you buy this or that?

 

Joy is something else completely. It is an interior state of being. Being joyful has nothing to do with my circumstances or what is happening in my life. Joy has REAL staying power. As a matter of fact, one can be full of joy while experiencing extreme hardships in life. The Perfect Joy of St. Francis was in serving God completely by renouncing all but the necessities of life. Most of us wouldn’t find the joy in that! I have encounter people with true joy in soup kitchens, lying in a hospice bed, mourning the loss of a loved one…The Anawim, God’s lowly, disenfranchised, poor, humble people who had nothing of this world’s treasures or comforts seemed to have found the secret to the perfect joy Christ intends for his disciples. Their joy rests completely in the awareness that God loves them.

 

Today we are invited to share Christ’s joy completely by listening to the “Word” and letting it take root in our hearts, elevating our love and service to one another. Let us grow deeper in our relationship with Christ so we can choose to live in that complete joy that only He can give and which lasts forever over the happiness of the world that never satisfies and always leaves us wanting for more.

 

Enjoy the Day!

Deacon Tom

 

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com where you will find contemporary conversations with several Paulist Deacon Affiliates and their guests exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold of our church… those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it. 

 

OTHER RESOURCE

 

Recommended Reading: The Human Condition: Contemplation and Transformation. One of the founders of the Centering Prayer movement, Thomas Keating offers a reflection on contemplative prayer, the human search for happiness and our need to explore the inner world. The spiritual search for God, he says, is also the search for us.

 

Recommended YouTube Video: Living in the Presence of God Fr. Thomas Keating discusses the title topic and the practice of Centering Prayer.

 

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter_A_ - Our Reason To Be Hopeful_051026

 

Deacon Tom Writes

“Our Reason To Be Hopeful”

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A

 

Hope is such a resuscitating virtue. We cling to hope to keep our hearts beating in troubling times as if it were a life preserver and we were adrift in a stormy sea. Hope is what keeps people of faith going when their world is falling apart, when death steals a loved one or when relationships with someone you love grows cold. You see it in the faces and hear it in the voices of people who have lost everything when nature goes awry and devastates some locality as happens occasionally with those so called “Atmospheric Rivers” that have plagued California recently or those tornados that have devastated cities throughout the south. Grieved as they are, they inevitably talk about rebuilding not just their homes but also their lives. Hope is what gives them the courage to face a new day.

 

Hope fuels our dreams also. We hope to get into the college of our choice; we hope to get that perfect job or that promotion. We hope that one day we will meet the love of our life; we hope that a bad situation will be favorably resolved. We hope others will change their ways, their attitudes… or better yet, that we will change ours! No matter what we hope for, we are not likely to give up hope without a fight.

 

In today’s scripture, Peter advises us, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” Peter wants us to pay close attention to those things in which we place our hope…. and to be able to tell others why we hope in them. Key to Peter’s advice, however, is that the focal point for Christian hope is Christ. He is the fulfillment of all our hopes. Peter wants us to put our hope in noble things, “...treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.” (Mt 6:20)

 

Yes, we hope for that new job, good things for our children, a good resolution to an illness or bad relationship…but our Christian hope seeks the ultimate goodness that comes from having Christ…. “As Lord in our hearts” (1 Pt 3:15) as Peter says so well. With Christ as Lord of our hearts, our hope will turn to treasures, relationships, and loves that will last forever and provide us ample opportunity to share the reason for our hope with everyone.

 

Lastly, Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, grandmothers, and those blessed to be great grandmothers who are shining examples of self-sacrifice, love and humility to their families and friends. God Bless them with much joy and happiness

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com where you will find contemporary conversations with several Paulist Deacon Affiliates and their guests exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold of our church… those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it. 

 

OTHER RESOURCE

 

Recommended Reading: Beginning to Pray by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom of Sourozh was a prominent writer and broadcaster on prayer and the Christian life, as well as the founder and leader of the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Sourozh. His classic book on prayer leads us into a deeper experience of the one we seek.

 

Recommended YouTube Video:  Beginning to Pray - Listen in to hear the wisdom of Bishop Bloom in this discussion on the book, “Beginning to Pray” and how we can have a richer prayer life that draws us closer to God.

 

 

Fifth Sunday of Easter_A - All is Well_050326

 

 

Deacon Tom Writes,

“All Is Well”

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year A

 

The first lesson we hear in today’s readings gives us profound insight into a distinguishing characteristic of the calling we have received. The Apostles find themselves in a crisis. The material needs of some of the members of the fledging community are being ignored. It just so happens (doesn’t it always seem to be the case!) the needs being overlooked are those of a minority group composed of Greek widows. At that time, you may recall, widows were outcasts; they had no standing in the community and were left on their own to fend for themselves and their children. They were reduced to beggars, dependent upon the good-will and generosity of others. This was a horrible situation, of course. We read today that this did not sit well with the Apostles and the community! They knew they had to respond in a way that was consistent with the teachings Jesus had left them. Their logical solution...get some help. And thus, we read that after some discernment, the Apostles chose the first six deacons upon whom they imposed the laying on of hands. The word deacon is derived from the Greek word diakonos, which literally means “through the dust” and is often translated as “servant” or “waiter.” This ministry arose out of need to provide for both the spiritual and material needs of the community. Overcoming our worries about our temporal needs provides much comfort for our anxious and troubled hearts. A concern that is as old as time itself!

 

In the gospel, Jesus aims at soothing a much deeper worry that troubles our hearts that comes with the death of a loved one. I find this particular passage we hear today utterly amazing. This is part of the “Last Discourse” of Jesus we find in Chapter 14 of John’s gospel. Take some time to read it and reflect on it with this thought in mind: Jesus knows he is about to die. His own words to his disciples that he was going to Jerusalem where he would, “suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised” (LK 9:22) were coming to fruition soon. Yet, with this unimaginable, overwhelming burden plaguing his own spirit, Jesus comforts his disciples. He tells them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” These are powerful words from a man who is facing his own death whose concern is not about his own bleak situation, but about the well- being of his followers. Jesus’ hope is that his words put our troubled hearts at rest. We do not have to worry or be concerned about what will happen to him...or us when we face the most significant worry of our lives... what lies in store when we die.

 

There is no taking away the heartache we experience when someone we love dies. These words today are a comfort to east this grief by teaching us that God’s plan is to bring us home. Home, such a comforting word, symbolizes where we are all headed when this earthly life is over. In our recent Holy Thursday – Good Friday experience Jesus teaches us to follow His example. From his washing the feet of his disciples as a humble act of service to his placing his trust in and surrender to the Divine Will of His Father, to his death upon the Cross, Jesus, the consummate teacher, gives us the best example possible on how to live life to the fullest, as we read last Sunday. In his last gathering with his friends, he teaches us how we are to approach death: by placing our trust in God and living each day with the certainty that we are all on a journey and our final destination is our heavenly home.

 

So, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” All Is Well! Even during these crises-filled days. If we look, there are people literally following Jesus’ example: healing the sick, caring for the well being of others, being compassionate and sympathetic to those who have been affected by war, natural disaster, community tragedies and mass killings. We continue to pray for those who are working in so many ways to help us all through these tragedies and ask God to bless the work of their hands and guide us in ways that we can help.

 

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com where you will find contemporary conversations with several Paulist Deacon Affiliates and their guests exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold of our church… those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it.

 

OTHER RESOURCE

 

Recommended Reading: The Gospel of John - In this addition to the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, two well-respected New Testament scholars interpret the Gospel of John in its historical and literary setting as well as in light of the Church's doctrinal, liturgical, and spiritual tradition. They unpack the wisdom of the Fourth Gospel for the intellectual and spiritual transformation of its readers and connect the Gospel with a range of witnesses throughout the whole history of Catholicism.

 

Recommended YouTube Video:  Praying with the English Mystics From the visionary optimism of Julian of Norwich, to the contemplative guidance of The Cloud of Unknowing and the encouraging words of Evelyn Underhill, England has been home to a rich lineage of spiritual teachers. These great mystics have shared their timeless wisdom through a treasury of poetic and inspirational writings that continue to point us to a joyful and prayerful spiritual life. Our time together will include three conferences where we will explore the life and teachings of the English mystics, with an eye to applying their wisdom to our daily life. We’ll explore their practical instruction for meditation, and contemplation, and reflect together on how their down-to-earth methods of prayer can transform our spiritual practice today.

Fourth Sunday of Easter_A - Abundant Life_042626

  

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Abundant life”

 

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A

 

The reason that Jesus came into this world, he tells us, is that we might have “abundant life.” That’s interesting, for who doesn’t want to get the most out of life or have the greatest experiences during this lifetime? We all do! The trouble is that we all have a different idea about what such a life would look like and how we would go about pursuing it. But be aware! There is a cataclysmic difference of opinion between what we would consider living an “abundant life” and the “abundant life” Jesus had in mind when he spoke these words.

 

We are living in the most prosperous country ever to have existed. We are living during the most unprecedented expansion of technological knowledge that gives instant access to information to anyone anywhere on our planet or traveling in space above it. We have diagnostic capabilities that are simply amazing, increasing both the quality and duration of our lives. We have countless forms of entertainment; we have access to products made around the world. Just key in a couple of digits, swipe your credit card, and products from around the world will be at your door tomorrow. We have all sorts of toys and gadgets that compete for our time. We have so much food that we throw a quarter of it away! We want for nothing…. Except…. this may not be the “abundant life” that Jesus came to give us.

 

The “abundant life” Jesus came to share with us has to do with satisfying the deepest desires of our hearts: our need to love and be loved; our need to be respected as people who are created in the image and likeness of God. We have within us the need for “human flourishing” which means that we will never achieve true happiness unless we strive to become all God created us to be. Because we have this need to be all that God calls us to be, we possess an intrinsic dignity and worth that must be always respected. “Abundant life,” in Jesus’ eyes, envisions a just and peaceful world where we all can achieve the highest and most dignified status possible by the proper use of the gifts and talents God has given us and who one day will ask us to render an account of what we have done with those gifts and talents.

 

Reading today’s gospel suggests that we need to be doing more in pursuit of the “abundantly life” to which each of us has been called. In order to achieve this richer existence, we should strive to rid ourselves of some of our worldly concerns such as our need to be in control of outcomes and others and place our trust in God’s divine plan; we need to overcome our selfish tendencies and resist our prideful attitudes; we need to develop a spirit of generosity and compassion. To grow firmly in the “abundant life” Jesus intended for us means that we need to better prepare ourselves to serve others and to find in them the face of Jesus who calls us to, “deny ourselves, pick up our crosses daily and follow him.” In doing so we become more fully engaged in that “abundant life” to which we have been called. In doing God’s work, we find life to the fullest.

 

As I reflect on today’s gospel about the “Good Shepherd,” I think of the many health care workers, first responders, rescue personnel and medical staff who put there lives on the line moment by moment as ‘shepherds’ watching over the flock of those who are in critical need and face personal crises.  But caregiving is not an activity we can leave for others. Being Good Shepherds is not just something left up to pastors and deacons. These are ways we demonstrate our love for the Lord and give witness that we are his disciples. The message in today’s gospel: service dedicated to the well being of others is a path that leads to the abundant life that Jesus calls all his followers to travel. At this critical time for our world, we pray that we may all find this pathway. God bless you and your loved ones on this amazing journey finding all God has in store for you, his beloved.

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com where you will find contemporary conversations with several Paulist Deacon Affiliates and their guests exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold of our church… those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it.

 

OTHER RESOURCE

 

Recommended Reading: Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton who argues  that without "interior solitude," society cannot be held together by love, but only by "violent and abusive authority".

 

Recommended YouTube Video:  Sit back and enjoy Thomas Merton feed your soul on YouTube - Turning to Thomas Merton

 

 

Third Sunday of Easter_A - Spread the Word_041926

 

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Spread the Word”

 

Third Sunday of Easter, Year A

 

Reading St. Luke's account of the events following Jesus' resurrection we see that the only post-resurrection encounters with Jesus recorded in Luke’s gospel take place on Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday is a busy day for Jesus. At dawn, some of the woman came to the tomb to complete the burial ritual that was interrupted by the Passover feast. They found the stone rolled back and two men in dazzling white asked them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; but has been raised.” So, they ran off, found Peter, and told him what they had seen and heard. Peter did not believe them and had to go check it out for himself. When he arrived at the tomb, he found it empty, just as the women had said (LK 24:1-10).

 

Luke continues with the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus and while in route, they encounter a stranger who is totally unaware of the happenings over the past several days, meaning that Jesus had been put to death. This stranger calls these disciples to task admonishing them on how little they learned from the Prophets, and He begins to relate to them all that scripture had to say about the Christ. He then reveals His identity to them when He breaks bread with them. Then He suddenly disappears. LK 24:13-35

 

These disciples, their hearts on fire, rush back to Jerusalem and meet with Peter and “while they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” Jesus shows them his wounds and asks for something to eat. They gave Him some fish and again He reminds all there of what had been written about Him by the Prophets. He then opens their minds, so they understand what was written about Him in the scriptures. He then instructs them to be “witnesses of these things.” (LK 24: 36-48)

 

Jesus and the disciples then head out on the road that leads to Bethany where Jesus ascends into heaven (LK 24: 50-53).

 

Quite a day wouldn’t you say!!! And it’s all in Chapter 24 of St. Luke’s Gospel. In each encounter that day, Jesus continues to teach and feed His disciples with the Word of God and the Bread of Life. This is the work that Jesus invites us to do – share with others the Good News others have shared with us and that we participated in when we share in the Eucharistic Banquet that began with the activities of Holy Week that continue in the light of Christ’s glorious Resurrection.

 

There is a reason we celebrate Easter over many weeks. It is so that we can try to understand the mystery of the Resurrection and for us to look forward to and prepare ourselves for the gift of eternal life that Christ has won for us.

 

Stay safe, hopeful and faithful in these joyful days of Easter.

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com where you will find contemporary conversations with several Paulist Deacon Affiliates and their guests exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold of our church… those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it.

 

OTHER RESOURCE

 

Recommended Reading: The Seeing Eye by C.S. Lewis presents an eloquent and colorful defense of Christianity for both devotees and critics... in a collection of essays composed over the last twenty years of his life.

 

Recommended YouTube Video:  Listen to C.S. Lewis’ The Seeing Eye on YouTube Video.

 

 

Second Suday of Easter or Sunday of Divine Mercy_A - Devoted to the Cause_041226

 

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Devoted to the Cause”

 

Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy), Year A

 

Webster’s Dictionary defines “Devote” as: “to commit by a solemn act 1) as devoted oneself to serving God or 2) to give over or direct (as time, money, or effort) to a cause, enterprise, or activity”.

 

Our First reading today expresses the primary and central activity of the early “Believers” following Christ’s death and resurrection…. as being “devoted...to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to prayer.”

 

This is a unique time for Christians. As we live in the shadow of the Cross and Christ’s Resurrection, we are witnesses to the evil forces all around: in the wars raging in the Ukraine, Sudan, Iran; in the polarization in political and religious life and communities, in the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Christ who lack the necessities of life. The suffering and distress we see around us challenges us to ask if we are “devoted” to following in the footsteps of Jesus as we read those first disciples were those who shared in and responded to those in need. Hopefully our participation in the Pascal Mystery has made us more “devoted” and committed to Christ’s in everyone around us.  

 

 

We emerge from Easter a little frazzled and dazed yet, as undoubtedly was the case that first Easter, we face the future with renewed hope knowing that our lives will never be the same because of the events of that First Easter Sunday.

 

We know that as Christianity took root during those early days, many people experienced deep and profound changes in the way they lived their lives as they began to care for and respond to the needs of their families, friends, neighbors and even strangers all because of their devotion to the life and teachings of Christ and the work of the Apostles.

 

The changes people made were remarkable. We read some of them in the Acts of the Apostles that chronicles the early days of our church and how the community of believers came together initially to be nourished by Word and Sacrament. But it soon grew into much more than that. We read today that….

 

 

Awe came upon everyone.

Wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

All who believed were together and held things in common.

                                      They would sell their property and possessions and divide                            them among all according to each one’s need.

Every day they devoted themselves

 to meeting together in the temple area

...and to the breaking of the bread in their homes.

They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart.

Praising God and enjoying favor with all people.

And every day the Lord added to their number

those who were being saved…..

 

People remain devoted to many causes today. Some are devoted to do good for others. Some are devoted to themselves. It is an individual choice!

 

As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, we pray that the Father of mercies, the God of all consolation will be with us in mind, heart and spirit and with those who are devoted to serving others.

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com where you will find contemporary conversations with several Paulist Deacon Affiliates and their guests exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold of our church… those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it. 

OTHER RESOURCE

 

Recommended Reading: Back to Virtue by Peter Kreeft who explains that being virtuous is not a means to and end of pleasure, comfort and happiness but rather a way to experience life to the fullest by having the moral character to make right choices along the way.

 

Recommended YouTube Video:  Cardinal Virtues - Day 241: The Cardinal Virtues — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

 

 

 

The Resurrection of the Lord - Mass of Easter Day_A - This is the Day_040526

 

 

Deacon Tom Writes,

“This is the day!”

 

The Resurrection of the Lord - The Mass of Easter Day, Year A

 

The Responsorial Psalm for the morning Mass of the Resurrection is taken from Psalm 118 encouraging us to embrace the moment, to live in the present, to let our hearts sing out, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad”. I can’t think of a better attitude than this to embrace throughout the day and beyond for that matter, especially given the state of our nation and world around us. Being grateful for being alive and sharing in the wonders of family and friends might be a struggle for some of us because of the problems that we are facing – uncertainty because of serious medical issues or the lack of resources to pay for them, uncertainty about staying employed or finding a new job, uncertainty about the future for our children or grandchildren, uncertainty about the future prospects for peace in the Middle East and other “Hot Spots”  in our world. Being grateful for this moment, what we call the “the eternal present now” through which God continues to unfold creation, is challenging at times since we often get swept up in the demands of this world. Finding reasons to rejoice in the Lord when there is so much change and so little security is, well, an act of faith to say the least.

 

Staying focused on the present is a “Eucharistic,” that is a “thankful,” appreciative mindset that we should take with us as we leave Church after Mass. The reality of our encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist should enable us to recognize on this, the holiest day of the year, that God is in, around and with us every moment of our lives. If we really believe this, our lives will change. We will find the joy and happiness God intends for us to have in each “present moment” that passes. This does not mean that we live in a bubble and that we go unscathed through life. This would be delusional thinking... there is nothing that can prevent us from experiencing the hurts and disappointments that life scatters along the way. But what it does mean is that we are able to cope with the failures, disappointments, and sorrows that we suffer along the way and rise above them.

 

“This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad.” As we celebrate this great mystery of Christ’s rising from the dead, let this joyous refrain echo in our minds and in our hearts as we seek to keep His spirit alive within us and do our best to share our joy with all those we meet along the way.

 

May you and your loved ones enjoy a most Blessed Easter Season!

Deacon Tom

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com  and listen in as the three deacs engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those thinking of coming into or leaving it. 

 

OTHER RESOURCE

Recommended Reading: The Life of The Beloved by Henri J.M. Nouwen is insightful testimony of the power and invitation of Christ to lead us into a deeper spiritual life in today’s world.

 

 

Recommended YouTube Video:  The Life of the Beloved Henry Nouwen was a spiritual teacher of the first magnitude. Born in the Netherlands in 1932, he was called to the priesthood at a young age. Throughout his life, he studied philosophy, theology, psychology, and spent much time traveling, living in community and speaking publicly. His work is beautifully suffused with his own personal and intimate experiences of God’s love. This is one of his many works that are available on YouTube. Enjoy watching them.