May 12

by David Lins  |  05/12/2020  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Today’s Readings: ACTS 14:19-28 PS 145:10-13, 21 JN 14:27-31

I’ve had a few people ask how long I will continue the daily column now that Masses have resumed. I think we’ll continue until I resume my groups (Monday Scripture Study, Wednesday morning’s rotating programs, and my RCIA efforts) in a couple weeks. Then, I’ll go back to the weekly bulletin column. If you are as sick of my voice as I am by that point, I can’t thank you enough for sticking around!

In today’s Gospel, Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’”

If you’ll allow me to bend today’s reading just a bit, although it is certainly out of context, I can’t help but read this as though the Lord is speaking to us right now.

We cannot live in trembling fear of corona, murder hornets, or whatever the next fear-based click-bait story the media comes at us with. Do we take common-sense precautions? Absolutely. But do we live out our days trembling? Absolutely not. Heaven is our destination and-if you’ll excuse my murder hornet pun-that removes the sting of death.

We were without the ability to attend Mass for a time. For those of us who are healthy, that time has passed. We can return to the Eucharist.

Read this aloud if you are feeling brave: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’”

David is the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Joy. If you have comments or questions, send your emails to dlins@oloj.org.

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