Towards evening on the day of the Resurrection, two of the disciples were travelling toward Emmaus where one had some property. No doubt they needed some distraction after the sorrowful events. Still, the passion and death of their Master was the only theme during their journey.
We are not forbidden to relax at proper times, or to seek assistance when wearied or sorrowful. These things are not incompatible with a desire for perfection. But where do we seek consolations? Perhaps, in long and frivolous conversation; in light reading or in risky sensual pleasures. True consolation is not to be found in creatures apart from God.
“While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them; but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” (Lk 24:15-6) Why did our Lord join them? To correct their errors, to give them instruction and consolation, and to strengthen them in the right way.
Such should be also the aim of our conversation, even at recreation, at home; or with whom we occasionally meet anywhere. Charity and duty oblige us to try that these persons should be better with our interaction; or at least, derive something good from it.
Jesus “said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other as you walk, and are sad?’” (cf Lk 24:17) Why did our Lord, who knew the innermost thoughts of men, thus question his disciples? By drawing from their own lips the worldly ideas about the promised Messiah, Jesus wants them to see their errors more clearly and ensure their correction.
Let us learn from this incident how we can best correct the faults of others. We, too, should question them, drawing the words from their own mouths, and showing the gravity and effects of their errors. They will then be properly disposed to receive correction. We shall have accorded them a lasting benefit. Do we share this wise line of conduct?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp212-4
In Our Father’s Presence
“You will fill me with the joy of your presence.” (Ps 15:11)
The continuous practice of the presence of God is a sound, effective way to achieve perfection. Living always with you, Lord, seeking your presence, realizing that you are following everything we do; and turning to you in all the little events which make up our daily round.
For a Christian this realization, that one can and ought always live in the presence of God, is a constant source of joy. Lord, please make sure our days are always filled with the joy of your presence. Whatever difficulties arise, no matter what bad times we must go through, give us the consolation of knowing you are present with us.
Awareness of the supernatural meaning of life -- this sun which rises over the horizon of the Christian soul -- will dispel, with all the force of faith, all the little anxieties of every day, leaving the soul serene and one can look at everything with the eyes of God.
My friend, when we practice this presence of God which even now the Lord is asking of us, we will learn to direct all our actions to him and be less selfish in our resolutions.
‘All the glory for God’: that will be the standard in everything we do. Only then will we learn to disappear by seeking the high ideal the Church proposes to all Christians: “... that every prayer and work of ours always begin with you, and through you reach conclusion.” [“Morning Prayers” in “Handbook of Prayers”, Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias (Eds), 1988, p16]
For only when our whole life is Christ’s will all our actions tend towards Jesus Christ as their beginning and their end.
Ref: Salvatore Canals, “Jesus as Friend”, 1981, pp80-81
We are never alone
In life, there will be no shortage of interior darkness, of misunderstandings. Oftentimes, situations arise wherein we must correct our course because we are lost. Then we should strive to see Our Lord, who always comes in the trial of suffering. Let us learn to accept the setbacks with faith, as blessings from heaven to purify us and draw us closer to God.
It is enough to be in his company for us to feel secure always. Insecurity arises when our faith is weakened, when we don’t have recourse to Our Lord because it seems that he doesn’t hear us or maybe doesn’t care. He knows very well what is happening to us. He wants us to go to him and ask for help. He will never leave us alone.
What confidence the words of Jesus contained in the Communion Antiphon should inspire in us: "Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am.” (Jn 17:24)
It would seem sometimes of greater or less duration that Christ is not there, as if He had abandoned us or did not hear our prayer. But he is never the one who abandons. “The Lord looks on those who revere him to rescue their souls from death.” (Ps 32:18-9) If we remain close to Our Lord in personal prayer and the Sacraments, we will be able to do everything.
With Him the storms -- interior or exterior -- are converted into occasions for increasing our faith and hope and charity and fortitude. Eventually, we may come to understand the meaning of these afflictions.
We will emerge from all trials, temptations and tribulations through which we must pass if we are close to Christ, more purified, humbler, and with more love of God. And we shall always be able to count on the help of Our Mother in Heaven. She is there all the time, but especially when for whatever reason we are experiencing difficulties.
“You are not alone. Suffer that tribulation joyfully. It’s true, poor child, that you don’t feel your Mother’s hand in yours. But ... have you never seen the mothers of this earth, with arms outstretched, following their little ones when, without anyone’s help, they venture to take their first shaky steps? You are not alone: Mary is close beside you.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 900)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:377-80
Our Lady of Schier, in Bavaria. This church was built on the spot where the castle stood, which those of the house of Schier voluntarily ceded to Our Lady, except Arnaud, who, in punishment of his obstinacy, was drowned in a neighboring lake. — Herith, de origine gentis et principibus Bavariae. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Schier, Bavaria. (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Schier. Bavaria, Germany. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Mary, Mother of Vocations (“2002 Calendar”, Rogationist Fathers)
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