This homily is based on John 20:19-31 for the Sunday of the Divine Mercy.
He couldn’t wait.
That’s certainly what it looks like. The Risen Lord seemed to be in such a rush to appear to the disciples. Not only, we are told, did He show up in that room on the evening of the first day of the week (that’s Easter Sunday, the same day He rose from the dead), but He also didn’t let the locked doors keep Him away.
He couldn’t wait, could He?
This reflection is prompted by John 20:1-9, the reading for Easter Sunday.
I love Easter mornings. I find it a very consoling time after the frenzy of retreat-giving during Holy Week every year. I’ve been giving a Lenten retreat every year for the past twelve years–both face-to-face and online–because, among other reasons, I need it, and it’s good for my soul.
This morning I caught the moon lingering beyond sunrise, and it was a marvel to see how brightly it shone amidst the daylight.
Welcome to our online Holy Week Retreat for 2019!
For those who are joining us for the first time, this is a retreat that you can do at your own pace, wherever you are. All you need is a chunk of uninterrupted time (perhaps an hour?) and a private space where you will not be disturbed. This is your quiet time with the Lord–a real luxury considering how busy our lives are!
The title of this year’s online Holy Week retreat is: “THREE QUESTIONS FOR JESUS.” We’ve heard His story so many times before, but every year we come still bearing questions.
If you decide to join us, by no means are you going to be doing your retreat alone: We have our online faith community, as well as volunteer Jesuit Spiritual Directors who will be available online for those who wish to consult them.
Join our faith community as we accompany one another in prayer and reflection this Holy Week. Many have been doing this retreat with us for the past 10 years.
It’s a “Do-It-Yourself” recollection that you can undergo anytime and anywhere you may be this coming Holy Week. As always, the three modules will be made available by 8 am from Holy Thursday to Holy Saturday.
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This homily is prompted by John 8:1-11.
Today’s Gospel recounts the story of the woman accused of adultery. She would have been stoned to death had our Lord not confronted her accusers about their sins. The story invites us to put ourselves in her place and appreciate God’s boundless mercy.
Given the digital world today, however, it should also invite us to put ourselves in the place of her would-be stoners, for isn’t that what a lot of people tend to do on social media these days?
