At times, our story is quite like today’s Emmaus story. As we journey along, we often share with anyone who will listen all the hardships we have endured or how we wonder if God knows or even cares about them. As with the disciples, someone comes along who reminds them—and us—of all that we need to suffer to bring us to glory. And our faith is rekindled, and we return to our daily duties.
In eucharistic moments, whether at Mass or breaking bread, we are blessedly assured that Jesus still accompanies us in all the ups and downs of life. Even when he seems to disappear and we feel we are on our own, we remain with opened eyes, knowing that carrying the cross is necessary for salvation. We continue to walk by faith. Knowing that the Risen Jesus has our backs, we encourage others to accept whatever life brings.
Transformed by faith, let us become disciples of hope.
As much as I have to ponder suffering, it sometimes produces fruits of the Holy Spirit. God just turns the bad into good somehow, it is part of His grace. We still should pray at His mercy seat for all our healings, and believe. The Eucharist is powerful though, and we should partake every week this glorious healing that God provides.
Continued prayers here for the Ukraine and the conversion of Mr. Putin. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Ukraine. Please protect and send aid to those in Ukraine and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace – we pray for all who are working towards it and for all who are in danger from this conflict. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God, please help those in most need of thy mercy. Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us! Saint Joseph, Protector of Mary, Jesus and the Church, pray for us! Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, may your kingdom reign in Ukraine and all the world.
Vicky G! How wonderful to read such joy and energy in your comments! Pray the joy and giggles continue to fill your life!
Amen. Thank you Holy Father for this beautiful day and for this Gospel today. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for my faith, my life and family. Thank you Holy Father most of all for your great sacrifice and for the opportunity of forgiveness and reconciliation. Please Lord Jesus Christ have mercy. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of Endless Glory. Amen Holy Father in the name of Jesus Christ, we ask that you release your warrior angels and heavenly hosts. We decry and declare that they would take us off the enemies' radar and scramble the enemies' frequencies (airwaves)./ Your Kingdom must come now. Your will must be done right now, as in the heavens, also on earth. Amen Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May "God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Hosts - by the power of God - Cast into hell satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
My friends in Christ! I had to share my thoughts today. I’m 55 years old and, like many of you, have heard the same readings over and over for many years. We each, as the church teaches us, look for answers to life in those readings: how to cope, how to act, what to believe. I’ve been searching for a Godly answer to my relationship with my brother since before my mom passed and Claire’s meditation said something to me about the reading but I wasn’t sure exactly what. I asked for help and got answers and prayers that were with me throughout the entire day. Today, well, I love when God speaks a bit more clearly so that I can’t miss His voice—the 1st reading says the crippled man by the Beautiful gate asked for help. Jesus was no longer in body form but Peter and John were. In Jesus’ name they helped the man. Oh my, it was the Almighty’s followers who did provide in His name and in this I heard Jesus say “I provide”. You are those followers who provide! The reading goes on to say the man accompanied them and walked and jumped for joy. It doesn’t tell us where he went from there and I’m sure this was just the beginning as he left his begging spot and had to now figure out the future with his restored ability. Today Sr. Bridget says “someone comes along who reminds them”. And here I am, I have been given this “thing” for which I asked and now need to move on to the next step. I thank you all for prayers and answers, I revel in being a part of a daily Christ driven community and I hear the Holy Spirit say “Rejoice O hearts that seek the Lord”. My prayers are for each of you too especially those of you like, Marko, Dorothy, Pam, Gayle, Claire, and Azmom, dealing with similar problems. God Bless!
Continued on with my prayer and meditation time…and the Lord made me giggle in joy….http://www.magisspirituality.org/ todays’s meditation.
“Disciples of hope” I love that phrase Sr. Bridget. That is what we should always strive to be for others and ourselves. We know that God always wins, even when it seems that the battle is lost. God brings victory out of the messiest and ugliest of situations. He’s always there and He always has our backs. Prayers and hope for all.
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This is interesting...*** The crippled man's reaction to the miracle in Acts 3:8-9, "He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God." *** The reaction of the crowd to the miracle in Acts 3:10-11, "When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John." *** Peter's reaction to the miracle in Acts 3:12, 16, "Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “People of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness?...Through faith in the Name of Jesus, this man was healed—and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus’ Name has healed him before your very eyes!" ******* Peter and John had no power, no holiness or no authority to heal anyone as Peter has said! Only in Jesus' Name :-):-):-) Acts 3:6, "Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the Name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” *** And the crippled man walked.......in the Name of Jesus Christ!!! *** Who do I give credit or praise to when a miracle happens? Who do I give credit or praie to when I am healed? Who do I give credit or praise to when my prayer is answered? The same thing happened to Paul and Barnanas in Acts 14:8-18 So it is today :-( *** What A Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship https://youtu.be/r5L6QlAH3L4