Month: November 2023

Staying on my theme from last Thursday of “God Is With Us,” below is an excerpt from the Gospel of Luke that describes an encounter of two disciples with the Risen Jesus. This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible!

The disciples are making their way to a village called Emmaus. As they walk, the two disciples are discussing everything that has happened – the trial of Jesus, His crucifixion, His purported resurrection – when Jesus shows up alongside them:

“That very day, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all that happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.

“And He [Jesus] said to them: ‘What is this conversation which you are holding with each other.’ And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas answered Him, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’

“And He [Jesus] said to them, ‘What things?’

“And they said to Him [Jesus], ‘Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we had hoped He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb; and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.’

“And He [Jesus] said to them, ‘O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

“So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He [Jesus] appeared to be going further, but they constrained Him saying, ‘Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.’ So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight.

“They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while He [Jesus] talked to us on the road, while He opened us to the Scriptures?’ And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and the found the Eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon [Peter]!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.” Luke 24: 13-35

I love this story because it fills me with hope. As I observe Jesus join His disciples on their walk to Emmaus, I realize the depth of Jesus’ empathy and compassion for humanity. Jesus knows how hard it will be for His disciples – and for all of us – to understand all that has happened throughout His life, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. He takes extra care to help them – and to help us – to understand.

Later on at dinner, the disciples recognize Jesus as He blesses and breaks the bread. As soon as He is recognized by the disciples, Jesus vanishes! What do the disciples do? They go running back to Jerusalem, to share what has happened with the other disciples.

Can you imagine the wonder and joy the early disciples feel, in discovering the Risen Jesus within their midst? This story reminds me to slow down – way down – as I move through my days, so that I don’t miss Jesus and the things He is trying to show me.

Jesus patiently reveals different pieces of the mystery of His life, death, and resurrection to each of us, as we are ready and willing to make time for Him. Why? Because He wants to help all of us to understand the depth of God’s Love.

Every single story of the Bible is an attempt to reveal God’s Love for us – and to assure us that God is still here among us.

No matter what our present circumstances may be, Jesus is here, calling us to move forward with Him into greater fullness with God the Father.  

Jesus is here right now, beside you and beside me.

As the week closes, my thoughts remain on Monday’s Mass, during which my friend professed his Final Vows, after 22 years as a Jesuit priest. I wrote about the experience earlier this week. Here is a broader excerpt from his closing comments:

“It is at the edge of our capacities that we encounter the Christ. It’s in coming to know our frailty that we come to understand the Grace, and that which is constantly calling us forward into greater fullness.”

I have been thinking all week about the places in my life where I am standing “at the edge of my capacities.” In talking with my youngest sister last evening, I described feeling really uncomfortable as I recognize and wade into some murky problems that are difficult to solve. My sister, who knows me well, observed that I seem to be having an “oh crap” moment – and as usual, she is right!

Despite my uncertainty, I do not want to turn back. Instead, I want to venture to the edge of my capacities, because I believe that Jesus is standing there. I want to venture out of my comfort zone, where I “think” I have all the answers, because I long to know Jesus more deeply. I am tired of the places in my life where I am stuck because I am afraid. I want to embrace, as my friend described, “the wildness and goodness of this wonderful life.”

I want to go forward, into greater fullness with God and with Jesus.

I want that for you too, dear reader.  

Early this morning, I was thinking about the Bible scene where Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden. I have read the Chapter in Genesis (Chapter 3) that describes this scene so many times. It’s easy to recognize the tragedy unfolding. We observe the power of doubt and fear to wreak havoc in our lives. We understand that evil is real and exists in the world. We witness the devastation that occurs when we choose to disobey God. We recognize the sense of loss that both humans and God experience when we separate from God.

However it’s easy to lose sight of the beauty of this scene. We witness the amazing and unbelievable gift of free will. We understand how much God cares for us, as we read how He stitches leathers to clothe Adam and Eve.

And we observe that no matter how we behave, God does not leave us. This last part is easy to miss. Look closely at the final verse of Chapter 3:

“When He [God] expelled the man, He settled him east of the Garden of Eden; and He stationed the cherubim and the fiery revolving sword, to guard the way to the tree of life.” Genesis 3: 24

This verse tells us that when God expels Adam and Eve from the Garden, He goes with them. I think it’s easy to miss this point – I missed it for a long time! But remember that Moses wrote the Book of Genesis. Moses had such a close relationship with God! Anytime he wanted, Moses could enter the meeting tent that housed the ark of the covenant, and have a personal, face-to-face encounter with God. (Exodus 33: 7-11)

Consider the precision of Moses’ choice of verbs in that final verse of Genesis Chapter 3:

“He settled him east of the Garden of Eden.” The action verb “settled” indicates that God very actively and directly helped Adam and Eve to find a place to live, outside the Garden.

Moses goes on to write: “And He stationed the cherubim and the fiery revolving sword, to guard the way to the tree of life.” Moses’ use of the word “stationed” indicates that God left the cherubim there on guard, so that He could go into the wilderness with Adam and Eve.

God has never intended that we should find ourselves alone at the edge of our capacities, and in despair. Rather, this single verse confirms that, from the beginning, God has desired to love us and to be with us – and that He is with us, here in the wilderness.

Jesus, through his life and death, confirms even more explicitly the desire of God to be with us:

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1: 14

The wonder and depth of God’s love for us is truly magnificent.  

We are not alone, at the edge of our capacities. All is not lost, when we feel afraid and vulnerable. Jesus is standing there, waiting for each one of us to call for Him:

Please show me the way, Jesus. I do not know what to do. Take the gifts You have given me and show me how to use them more powerfully, and for Your Purpose. Lead me to the people in my world that You want me to love and make me not afraid to love them. Let me walk with you Lord, beyond the edge of my capacities, and into the life You have dreamed for me.

With Jesus, those places that may seem like endings are merely new beginnings.

God loves us so much.

Some moments will remain in our memories forever. Last night is certain to be one such moment for me.

I had the opportunity to witness my friend profess his Final Vows as a Jesuit priest. This joyful milestone in his spiritual journey was observed through an ordinary, daily Mass celebrated within a campus chapel.

The chapel was filled with hundreds of faithful friends and family members. Seated in the pew before us was an old man, praying the rosary. He was there for daily Mass. I heard him lean over to a nun seated next to him and ask, “What is the occasion this evening?” His eyes widened at the news of what was in store.

The officiating priest and Jesuit Rector welcomed us warmly and noted the diversity of people gathered. His voice softened as he encouraged us to look around at one another and said –

“This is a glimpse of what heaven will look like.”

There were people of all ages and ethnicities and walks of life present – all of us touched, somehow, by the life and faithful witness of my friend. The talented musicians were led by a young Jesuit priest. Overall, I counted nearly 30 Jesuit priests in the chapel, as well as nuns of different orders – some wearing street clothes, and others wearing long habits and flowing robes.

The Mass was moving. Our voices echoed off the walls and ceiling, growing louder and louder as we prayed and sang from our hearts. All of the Jesuit priests participated in the Act of Consecration during the Eucharist, invoking the grace of the Holy Spirit to change the substance of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

As my friend prepared to receive Holy Communion, he knelt humbly before his Jesuit Superior and recited his Final Vows. He paused in the midst of his Vows, visibly overcome with the Spirit and emotion of the moment. I can still see him standing on the altar, after his Vows, his eyes fixed on the precious gift of the Blessed Host he was holding in his hands.

Before Mass ended, my friend spoke a bit of his journey. His words remain on my heart this morning:

“It is at the edge of our capacities that we encounter Christ.”

A stunning observation made by a remarkable soul.

Come Holy Spirit; fill us with Faith to believe wholly in God’s Promise. Fill us with Hope as we meet the trials of life with steady purpose and courage and joy. Dearest Jesus, shower us with the Love we long for, as we discover You, standing in all Your Glory and Mercy, at the edge of what we deem possible.  

And Loving Jesus, please continue to deeply bless and guide all faithful priests and servants, here on earth:

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be … And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 1 Peter 5: 2, 4

Dear God,

Please guide our every thought and word and action – in every moment of every day. When we respond in ways aligned with Your love, encourage us to open widely our hearts so that Your Love and Grace can flow freely through us to others. When we lose our way, please redirect us, and draw us nearer to You.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen.