Thursday, March 31, 2016

Peace

They were still talking about all this when Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’
Lk.24:36

The two who met Jesus on the road to Emaus have just told of their fantastic encounter to the others when Jesus himself appears among them. His first word is "Shalom", peace be with you.

The very first act of the risen Jesus is to bring his followers peace. His first words each time he appears to them is always "Peace be with you". What a great Easter salutation that pre-empts even the joy of Easter.

Today I can be a man of peace to those I meet, starting with myself.

Lord Jesus, I claim your peace this morning so I may pass it on to a world that is lacking the true peace that only you can give.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Bucket to Brazier

They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?’
Lk.24:32

Two downcast disciples are on their way home to Emmaus following Jesus' death. They are joined by Jesus on the road but do not recognise him at first. Jesus hears the disciples woes and then explains the meaning of the prophets in reference to his suffering, death and resurrection in glory. The disciples hearts are transformed from buckets of gloom to braziers of flaming hope.

This is a magnificent Easter story. It encapsulates in a few versus the before-during-after process of an authentic encounter with the risen Jesus. Jesus meets them in the midst of the dust of their despondency and leaves them with hearts aflame with hope and love. Then, the first thing they did following this encounter was to rush back and share the good news with their brothers.

Oh Easter joy, fill me so that my heart burns with an un-containable love that has to be shared.

Risen Lord Jesus, you are the source of my hope and joy. Make me an contagious Easter person that I may share this joy today.
Saint Cleopas, please pray for me.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Plan for your Children

The promise that was made is for you and your children, and for all those who are far away, for all those whom the Lord our God will call to himself.
Acts2:39

Peter the sand pile has just been transformed into the Peter the Rock by the Holy Spirit. He gives his first public exhortation and three thousand are added to their number. The plan for receiving salvation is simple; repent and be baptised. The result? You and your children will be saved.

This Easter Sunday grandchild number six was baptised. I was struck how the promise Peter made, quoted above, was being enacted before my eyes. My children and my children's children have been baptised, qualifying them for salvation. The only thing left for my three week old grandson to do is to repent. This he will do on reaching the age of reason.

My job and the job of the Church is to ensure he is raised in an atmosphere of faith so, when he is old enough, he knows how to repent.

Repentance and baptism.What a wonderful plan.

Lord Jesus, help me be a witness to my children to encourage their faith in you. Thank you for your wonderful plan of salvation.
Saint Peter, pray for us.