Third Sunday of Easter

WHO DO YOU WALK WITH IN DIFFICULT TIMES?

THEY RECOUNTED WHAT HAD TAKEN PLACE ON THE WAY.

Loving God, when we find ourselves in troubling times it is easy for us to lose perspective. When that happens speaks to us through sacred Scripture and our faith sharing in community to better understand the way to your love.

Share a time when telling friends about a difficult experience helped you work through it.

The Ali-Dib family, originally from Syria, fled Damascus and were welcomed as refugees in Westchester County, New York. (Lynn F. Monahan/New York)

The Ali-Dib family are Syrian refugees resettled in Pelham, New York. They faced a traumatic experience during a July 4 fireworks display, triggering memories of bombings in their homeland. Inspired by Pope Francis’ call, the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers joined local community efforts to help resettle the family that had to flee Damascus, embarking on a five-year journey through Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, and ultimately settling in Westchester County, NY, that included raising approximately $73,000 in personal donations. Despite the rigorous vetting process, a temporary U.S. ban on refugees, and other challenges, refugees like the Ali-Dib family can not only find a safe home, but they can also make positive contributions to their new communities and foster global solidarity in the building of new friendships. (Maryknoll Magazine, Nov. 2017) 

The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them,
“Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” Lk 24:35-48

As we see in the reading with the disciples sharing their encounter on the road, it is in community that we experience the resurrected Jesus. As missionary disciples, we are called to observe the signs of the time and bring that to the community so that we can discern together where God is present and how the Spirit prompts us to respond.

What’s going on around you or in the world that the Spirit is inviting you to bring to your community for discernment?

Discernment is a crucial part of journeying together as a community of faith, particularly when we come from different places and backgrounds. Discern how the Spirit is calling your community to accompany and welcome newcomers, including refugees, within your own community. Get inspired by reading more.

Learn more about synodality from Fr. Joe Healey, MM.

Holy Spirit, give us the gift of discernment to open our minds and hearts to read the signs of the times and be more aware of your presence in our lives and the world around us, particularly as we reach out to welcome the newcomers among us.