Homily: Thursday in the Octave of Easter

Thursday in the Octave of Easter (Luke 24:35-48) “Spread the News”

We have a compliment that we throw out when we talk about ministers. Quite often a person will say they like their pastor because he or she is very human. What does that mean? What it means, I feel, is that the minister is very open with their feelings. In other words, they are not afraid to be vulnerable or they are down to earth.

When we read about the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection, we hear about how he encourages the apostle to touch his wounds. When they touch Jesus’ wounds it seems like the great fear that they have about seeing the risen Jesus dissipates. The wounds are proof that they are really encountering Jesus. He is still the human Jesus even as he is the resurrected Jesus.

We might say that Jesus does not want to be put up on a pedestal and worshipped after the resurrection. He wants his disciples to imitate him by going out to spread the good news of the resurrection.

Too often we admire those who are holy or who have leadership roles. We praise such people for their tremendous sacrifice. But we might feel like we can never be like them. We might feel like we don’t have the same talents and abilities. We might feel like we are not strong enough to be like the saintly people we praise.

The usual response of those being lauded is that they do not want to be admired. No, the biggest compliment would be if those who say they appreciate holy people is that they would seek to be holy themselves.

We should be struck by the fact that even after his resurrection Jesus was still trying to get his disciples to act. The task was not complete when Jesus rose, but it was just beginning. Jesus wanted his disciples to be at ease with him. Jesus also needed his disciples to spread the good news.

Jesus spent 40 days, according to our tradition, continuing to train his apostles for the tasks that lay ahead. As they interacted with Jesus, they became more comfortable with his resurrection and the idea that one day they would experience new life in Christ themselves.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Why did Jesus show his wounds to his disciples? Why did touching the wounds comfort them?

2.   Do I want religious leaders to be ethereal? Do I like them to be more like me?

 Dear Parishioners,

           The time for school registration for 2023-24 is approaching. If you have children who need to enroll in a school program, we have two great options that I would recommend. Seton School offers a preschool through 8th grade program. Our students learn academic skills, discipline and most importantly can learn about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

          The other program I am alluding to is our local Catholic High School. Alleman high school offers great academics and many extracurricular activities that can lead to a student’s growth as an individual. Alleman is a small school where young men and women can get involved in a wide variety of ways.

          If you or someone you know wants a great educational option call Seton or Alleman today.

          May Our Lady watch over all of us today.

          Fr. Mark