We can appreciate that in the days immediately following his Resurrection, Jesus needs to find tangible evidence to assure his frightened disciples that it is indeed himself risen and among them. The disciples have already heard an astonishing story from the two travelers who unknowingly accompanied Jesus to Emmaus. Now he stands before them.
Perhaps especially moving about this account is the way Jesus chooses to prove his presence: by showing his wounds. By the marks of the nails driven through his hands and feet. By the gash on his side where he had been pierced by a soldier’s sword. Draw near, look and touch, Jesus invites.
Draw near, look and touch, Jesus says to each of us today. May we never hesitate, never fear to draw close to his loving, compassionate heart.
- Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, I.H.M.
Many thanks, Sister Chris. Your reflections are warm and gentle. A beautiful invitation to really get to know Our Lord Jesus in close and genuine way. Wishing everyone a lovely Sunday spending time with those we love. Grateful for all of you in our community. Praying for peace in our world and asking Our Lord Jesus to hear the prayers of the suffering and lonely people.
How did it happen "to draw near, look and touch" Jesus? *** Here was what Jesus told the disciples right after He showed them His hands and feet in Luke 24:44-46, "Jesus said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you. Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms must come true.” Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written. The Messiah will suffer. He will rise from the dead on the third day!" *** Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scripture, period! I am in awe and overwhelmed as I study the Gospel of John this year at BSF. Every little detail of His trials, His sufferings, His physical condition, His death and even His clothings being divided were all written in Scripture! And of course His resurrection was written in Scripture! So what else is written in Scripture about Jesus coming back? How does Jesus open my mind so I could understsand Scripture? *** The Holy Spirit will help me understand and guide me through Scripture in John 16:12-13, "I have much more to say to you. It is more than you can handle right now. But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own. He will speak only what He hears. And He will tell you what is still going to happen!" ******* Scriptures prepare me for the work He has planned for me in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "God has breathed life into all Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. By using Scripture, the servant of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing!" Without studying and understanding Scripture by the power of the Holy Spirit, I only do the work that I plan for myself and prepare on my own strength :-( ******* PS - By His Wounds in Isaiah 53:5, "But the Servant was pierced because we had sinned. He was crushed because we had done what was evil. He was punished to make us whole again. His wounds have healed us!" *** If I was not a sinner, then Jesus was not pierced for me! *** If I didn't do what was evil, then Jesus was not crushed for me! *** If I was not broken, then Jesus didn't made me whole again!
Sr. Chris, I love the thought of “Draw near, look and touch….” May God grant me the curiosity to draw nearer so I can see and touch him today. Had such a lovely day yesterday. My friend Lilia invited me to her house for lunch and it was just lovely. Then came home and did a wooden puzzle with my husband while watching the Astros finally look a little better :-). Lovely weather here in Houston. Thank you God for the many gifts you give to me every day. Happy Sunday Everyone!
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. 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 Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. 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. Amen.
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Amen. :)