July 2024
Reflections of God's Goodness
Why is it that we often don’t recognize Jesus?
Remember the disciples who were walking along a road when someone joined them. Not just someone, but Jesus Himself, risen from the dead! But they didn’t know this person and continued to tell Him the story of Jesus life, death and resurrection, thinking He knew nothing about it.
The same thing happened to Mary Magdelene and the apostles. Why? Because Jesus does not always look the way we expect. We cannot recognize Jesus without the help of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus took bread, blessed it, and broke it, these men on the road to Emmaus had their eyes opened! As they shared bread and wine with Jesus, they began to have a new understanding of God’s word and a new excitement about His life and resurrection. There at the table they became community— in communion with one another.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I
in the midst of them.”
Living as a Christian in this fast-changing world is not easy. It is in the community of believers that we begin to see and live a new reality. Jesus is present with us as He promised.
“We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
It’s hard to follow Jesus without a community to help open your eyes, encourage you when you need it and call you to love others. This month, take a look at your community, pray for your community and pray to the Holy Spirit together for spiritual eyes to see Jesus among you.
Blessings and Peace,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
“… no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. … Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.”
Read the previous reflections:
Why is it that we often don’t recognize Jesus? Remember the disciples who were walking along a road when someone joined them. Not just someone, but Jesus Himself, risen from the dead! But they didn’t know this person and continued to tell Him the story of Jesus life, death and resurrection, thinking He knew nothing about it.
Most of us want to be in control of our lives, of our family, our jobs, our health – everything, especially when our loved ones are suffering in some way. No one likes to be powerless and yet, that’s what we are! Let’s face it – God is God and we are not!
As we move through the Easter Season towards the great feast of Pentecost, the world around us is coming alive. Spring reminds us once more of the goodness of God and the hope we are called to. “…And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
Jesus’ death and resurrection changed our lives! And it changed the world! Jesus died and rose again to be with us always – He promised! “…And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20