At Mass this morning, one of our deacon's really grabbed my attention with his homily. This weekend's gospel reading was about doubting Thomas and how he didn't believe that Christ had risen until he saw him for himself and put his finger into Jesus's precious wounds. The deacon talked about how we can encounter the risen Jesus every single day and recognize that it is Him if we would only open up our eyes and our hearts to see. It made me begin to remember all the ways that I have encountered Christ, and I'd like to share a few thoughts.
I think the most significant way I have encountered the risen Jesus is within my marriage and my relationships my children. Anthony loves me with a love so true and so pure. The only possible way he could love me like that is if God instilled that kind of love within him to share with me. It's a kind of love that almost seems as if it's supernatural at times. I feel like God uses him to touch my heart in very special ways so that I know without a doubt that He is ever present in my life. I like to think that anytime Anthony hugs me, God's hugging me through him. I also encounter the risen Jesus through my children. When they are playing and getting along together, they all exude unadulterated joy. The way they laugh so sincerely and the way their eyes light up and sparkle must be what it's like to see Jesus laugh. I can look into their shining little faces and see Christ within them. What a gift they are to me! Thank you, God.
I've also encountered the risen Jesus through my family. I had parents that, regardless of their differing Christian faiths, did their very best to raise me up in the ways of the Lord. Jesus was there within them every time we talked about Him and how important it was to give my life to Him. He imparted wisdom upon me through their willingness to guide me. I'm thankful for having parents of faith. What a gift they are to me! Thank you, God.
I have been blessed to have some amazing friends come into my life over the years. Anytime they have been there to comfort me or give me encouragement, I know Jesus was right there acting through them. Jesus has also held me accountable through some of those friends, and for that, I'm grateful. It's not always easy to have someone close to you tell you to "shape up", but it's much easier to take when you know that it's really Jesus having a heart to heart with you. What a gift they are to me! Thank you, God.
Last, but certainly not least, I've encountered the risen Jesus through the deaths of my Grandmother and my Godfather. Both of them traveled on some rough terrain during their final days. Though I grieved, I could witness firsthand and experience the risen Jesus's mercy when He called them home. I watched and listened to my grandmother desperately try to say her rosary and commune with those who had already gone home before her to Jesus. I saw the way my Uncle Phil did his best to be a comfort to those he was soon going to leave behind when rightly he should've been the one to be comforted. Undoubtedly, the risen Jesus was there for all to experience in those hospital rooms. I'm thankful that their deaths were so holy, and that I could be there with them during their final days. What a gift (and an inspiration) they continue to be for me! Thank you, God.
Jesus isn't far away. He's as close as the person next to you. You can encounter the risen Jesus every single day. I encourage you to think about the times you have encountered the risen Jesus, especially in others. And just as important, remember that Jesus lives within you, too. Let Him shine for all the world to see!
"Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." - John 20:29
No comments:
Post a Comment