Homily: Wednesday in the Octave of Easter
Wednesday in the Octave of Easter (2022) “Don’t I know You?”
Why were the two disciples in the Gospel story leaving Jerusalem? The other disciples stayed in Jerusalem in Luke’s account. We can imagine that the disciples of Jesus had different reactions to his death and burial.
Some seemed frozen. They did not know what to do next. Others must have had the feeling that the ministry of Jesus was over because he was dead. Probably their thought was that they should just get on with their lives. The Jesus experience was over.
Perhaps Cleopas and his companion fell into this category. They were not necessarily running away, but they were resigned to the fact that they would never see Jesus again.
They had to learn that Jesus may have physically died, but that the good work did not have to stop. The Acts of the Apostles is the story of how the Apostles continued to minister in Jesus’ name. The Apostles had the charisms that Jesus had. The work of Jesus was to continue. Reassuring signs occurred that gave the Apostles the courage and wisdom they needed to move forward and form a church.
The two apostles in the story experience one of those reassuring signs today. The wonderful thing is that it is a sign that we can experience as well. The story that we read today is a Eucharistic story. Cleopas and his companion walk for miles with Jesus, but they do not realize who it is. Only when Jesus sits down with them and breaks the bread do they understand Jesus is alive and present.
We can engage in a lot of self-reflection based on this story. How often do we fail to see Jesus when he is right next to us? How many of us take the Eucharistic miracle for granted? If we want to encounter Jesus, the Eucharist is an opportunity to do just that.
We need to open our eyes and see. Too often I forget that Jesus is operating in my life. How about you?
Reflection Questions:
- Has Jesus ever shown himself to me in an unexpected way? How and where?
- Do I encounter Jesus at Mass? If not, what are the barriers to meeting him there?
Dear Parishioners,
I met with Hodge Construction today about our church addition. They have been getting bids in for construction. The news is it looks pretty good so far. I am now consulting with the various entities that must make the final decision before we can move ahead with the next steps. This would include our Finance Committee, the Building Committee and most importantly the Diocesan Build Committee. Hopefully, there will be a final decision made to break ground.
We hope to have a parish meeting where we can show renderings of the building and give a construction timeline and answer questions. I am encouraged by the information I am getting. Continue to pray for the success of our project. Before long, we hope to have a wonderful gathering space for our parishioners.
May Our Lady of bring peace to our troubled world.
Fr. Mark