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“Behold I make all things new.” – Revelation 21:1-5a

“Behold I make all things new.” I seek this now. I grow impatient with the slow unfolding of the 8th day of creation. I want to put on the new man in Christ, to be able to love as Jesus loved and give all of myself without seeking anything in return. I want to see God living among us – recognizing his presence in the Eucharist that can sustain me to persevere in the faith as I “undergo the many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” Come Holy Spirit, renew the face of the earth, renew my heart to recognize the love Jesus poured out for me, so that I may in turned pour myself out for others. Amen, Alleluia.

“My sheep hear my voice … no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.”

There are times I purposely refuse to listen to the voice of the shepherd. I block out his voice with distraction, noise, and busyness. During these moments, I want to do what I want to do so I immerse myself in the world. This shutting out the voice of the shepherd never ends well. My desire to try and save myself is a fools errand. It brings me great relief to know that the Father never tires of holding me in His hands and is quick to offer forgiveness and the unconditional love and protection of the shepherd. All I have to do is listen for his voice.

“Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore.”

When Jesus asks for some fish to add to the fire, it is Simon Peter who obeys him and drags the net ashore. So often in the spiritual life we wait for someone else to take the lead. We stand back and let someone else do the heavy lift and only join in when others get onboard. In this passage, Peter despite all his flaws does what Christ asks immediately. He is obedient even when he does not understand what the Lord is asking and consequently his ministry is successful as symbolized by the catching of the 153 large fish. May we all be like Peter and cast our next over where the Lord calls us to and drag it ashore and present the catch to the Lord.

I find this passage to be both consoling and challenging. The consolation comes from hearing Jesus say “peace be with you” to those who have abandoned him – I know how I have repeated failed to live up to my call as a Christian yet over and over again, through the ministry of the Church, Jesus offers me forgiveness. The challenging part, is realizing that I need to mimic Christ’s compassion with all those around me – why is this so difficult? Why do I fail to be a “witness” to others of compassion and forgiveness? Come Holy Spirit, shower your power upon me to extend the love of the resurrection to the extends of the earth. Amen, Alleluia.

“Did not our hearts burn? – the Lord has risen indeed – the breaking of the bread.”

When was the last time I let my burn from reading scripture? Why do I turn down the flame scripture by rushing through it, not pondering, and hurrying to my next task? Why do I fail to really recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread? What keeps my eyes from recognizing Christ walking along side of me in my spiritual journey? Come Holy Spirit – stop me from sleep walking through life. Open my eyes to see Christ in creation, in the Mass, in scripture, and in my neighbor. Amen. Alleluia.

“Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Mt 28:8-15

What am I afraid of? Pain? Lacking purpose? Loneliness? Being a small speck, on a small blue planet, withing a vast universe. Forgotten and unknown to time, reduced to dust and to never return? “Be not afraid!” The resurrection changes everything. It allows me to know that God loves me individually, he knows my name. I will not be consigned to be forgotten. I will be raised from the dead like Christ – I am more than a speck, on a small blues planet in the vast universe. I am a beloved son of God. Amen, Alleluia!!

“The sanctifying power of this night dispels wickedness, washes faults away, restores innocent to the fallen, joy to mourners, drives out hatred, fosters concord, and brings down the mighty.”

Lord, I seek the joy of a mourner. I feel lost at times in this world – like I am journeying alone. I fail to call on your power and recognize your presences along side me. I am fallen and seek the power of your resurrection to wash my wickedness away and restore my innocence. Help me this Easter season to bring a light to the world (my corner at Regis anyway) and to accept the cross, so that I may participate in your resurrection. Amen, Alleluia!