Notice today how the disciples are filled with joy when Jesus stands among them. Since Jesus’ crucifixion, they had been filled with fear and had been hiding behind locked doors. Experiencing Jesus amongst them changes everything.
We can say, “But Jesus is no longer with us.” Do we remember Jesus’ words, “I will be with you
always to the end of time”? (Matt 28:20) This is Jesus’ promise. How is it fulfilled for us now? St. Ignatius expresses it as “God in all things”.
Let us recall what Jesus promised at the Last Supper, “I shall ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth.” (John14:16-17) The Holy Spirit is the bond of love between the Father and Son. What a gift of love and presence!
How will you seek to experience God’s presence? Think about the wonder and sense of peace of watching the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, walking through the bush and hearing the sound of a stream running over rocks, the joy of children playing in the spray of a hose, the tinkling of a fountain, or the thunder of a waterfall. Perhaps it is the colours and sounds of birds, the sighting of a leopard in a tree, or the experience of cultivating a
beautiful garden or growing vegetables. Maybe it’s the wonder of pregnancy, the birth of a baby, or the gift of another’s kindness, forgiveness and love. God is in all this and all our daily activities. Let us recognise God in the awe and wonder we experience and encounter God within us.
There is also the gift of God’s presence in Scripture, spiritual reading, participating in the singing and dancing of a church service and making
space for God by being open to God in silence or offering assistance, justice, and forgiveness. God is present wherever we see kindness, goodness, love and beauty. We are invited to recognise and experience God heart to heart and receive God’s gifts joyfully.
Let us recall our experiences of God.
How does this affect your attitudes and behaviour?
How
will you respond to God’s peace and joy?
Listen to Jesus saying to you again, “Peace be with you.”
“And I want you to know that
whenever you invite me, I do come – always without fail.
Silent and unseen, I come,
but with
infinite power and love...”
(‘I Thirst For You’ excerpt, attributed to St Teresa of Calcutta)
Reflections by Kath Knowles
