Scripture:
Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
John 15:9-17
Reflection:
There are those moments that amaze in the way they deepen an experience. Prayers and scripture responded to as if we are hearing them for the first time. Cracked open, as in a tomb, to have a new light revealed.
This morning such a moment occurred as the words of the doxology of the Eucharistic prayer rose with an outpouring of tears as I was praying with today’s gospel reflecting on Jesus’ words to His disciples. “Remain in my love.”
The moment in Mass when we all seem to kneel a little straighter. When young parents turn to gather their scattered children onto the kneelers, sometimes placing their arms around them whispering or watching in silence as the priest raises the chalice and paten with the hosts held high and prays these words,
“Through him, and with him, and in him,
O God, almighty Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor is yours
forever and ever.”
This morning those words arrived in my heart as an Easter exaltation extolling the restoration of the relational balance between God and all of His creation. An exaltation we have the opportunity to celebrate and grow into each day as we learn to make our lives our living offering. To become a true expression of His outpouring of Mercy and Love itself.
We are the prodigal sons and daughters always trying to find our way home. Welcomed home, and loved through the outstretched arms of His Son on the cross. No longer orphaned, not left abandoned, but accompanied through our Eucharistic union, communion with Jesus, every step of the way.
Jesus, the gateway, in our eternal relationship with the Triune God. A relationship restored through His Passion, death and resurrection. Jesus, the Shepherd, held in the hands of our shepherds at the consecration, bringing us home continually to the Father.
Christ spent His life and death, showing us, and paving the way to witness life lived in the fullness of the Father’s Love. And yet how often do I find myself still seeking, searching, questioning the “how” as if I have not been gifted sufficient answers.
May we know that it is through His Love and Mercy. Love and mercy, His enduring answer, to living out His commandment. “Love one another as I love you.”
M. Walsh, a retreatant and friend of the Passionist community writing in deep gratitude for the charism and vocations of this community.