Jesus is risen - alleluia! Alleluia!
During the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in September, we were privileged to visit the Holy Sepulchre. Mass was celebrated just next to the tomb, in the Chapel of Mary Magdalene. The mural above the altar depicts the scene where Mary Magdalene recognises the Risen Lord after finding the tomb empty. She stretches out her hand to touch him, but he stops her - 'Do not cling to me for I have not yet ascended to my Father.' (John 20:17).
When we actively seek the Lord, we are able not only to touch him, but also to consume him, allowing him to nourish us, to heal us and to set us free from sin. At the same time we become one with him as we recognise him in the Holy Eucharist.
Remember the disciples on the Road to Emmaus. 'Their hearts burned within them' (Luke 24:13) as they listened to the explanation Jesus gave them of the scriptures. However, they did not recognise him until he broke bread with them. And, as soon as they recognised him he was gone from them. They then had to live by faith and bear witness to his Resurrection and the Word, which he had entrusted to them.
This Eastertide, let us all try to be open to the teaching of the Lord in the Liturgy of the Word. Let us rejoice in recognising him in the Holy Eucharist. Let us live in the Spirit of Faith and go forth to witness in spirit and in truth.
During the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in September, we were privileged to visit the Holy Sepulchre. Mass was celebrated just next to the tomb, in the Chapel of Mary Magdalene. The mural above the altar depicts the scene where Mary Magdalene recognises the Risen Lord after finding the tomb empty. She stretches out her hand to touch him, but he stops her - 'Do not cling to me for I have not yet ascended to my Father.' (John 20:17).
When we actively seek the Lord, we are able not only to touch him, but also to consume him, allowing him to nourish us, to heal us and to set us free from sin. At the same time we become one with him as we recognise him in the Holy Eucharist.
Remember the disciples on the Road to Emmaus. 'Their hearts burned within them' (Luke 24:13) as they listened to the explanation Jesus gave them of the scriptures. However, they did not recognise him until he broke bread with them. And, as soon as they recognised him he was gone from them. They then had to live by faith and bear witness to his Resurrection and the Word, which he had entrusted to them.
This Eastertide, let us all try to be open to the teaching of the Lord in the Liturgy of the Word. Let us rejoice in recognising him in the Holy Eucharist. Let us live in the Spirit of Faith and go forth to witness in spirit and in truth.
 |
|
|