Deacon Tom Writes,
“Spread the Word”
The coronavirus continues to cast a pall over most of the world. The suffering measured by lives lost, the inability to be with loved ones in their time of need or to gather for funerals, weddings and anniversaries, is sad beyond imagination. It is painful and fearful time for many. Yet, fear, uncertainty over what the future holds and a sense of dread has been the human condition since the beginning of time. The more things change, the more they remain someone noticed along the line. And so it remains. Yet, in light of Jesus' resurrection, we have something to hold on to - our faith. Looking over the gospel of St. Luke, we can only imagine fears and uncertainties the early disciples of Jesus encountered.
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 are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has been raised up.” 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 the others and tell them what had just happened to them when, suddenly, Jesus comes into their presence. 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 and 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.
During these next fifty days we have the opportunity to reflect on the precious gift we have received as beneficiaries of Jesus’ death and RESURRECTION. It would do us all some good to spend time over these next weeks reflecting on how grateful we are for this Good News to others.
And, don’t forget to bask in the joys of this Easter Season, for the gift of eternal life is quite a gift to ponder.
Stay safe, hopeful and trusting during these trying times.
And don’t forget to:
Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom
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