From The Bishop

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Lk 24:35-48) we are presented with the Risen Lord appearing to “the eleven” after journeying with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. It appears that Jesus offers a similar experience to the apostles. There is food that is shared and an opportunity to have a more profound understanding of scripture. There is also a commission given to go forth and proclaim His name to all nations. The early Christian Church quickly understood that they needed to liturgically celebrate what the Lord had modeled for them. At every celebration of the Eucharist we encounter the Risen Lord. We hear His word and are fed with His Body and Blood. We are also sent forth to make disciples of all nations. This is why the Eucharist is the perfect means of catechesis and evangelization. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “In brief, the Eucharist is the communal summary of our faith: our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking.” (CCC 1124) This is why it is so important that each Sunday we strive to give our people the very best. Each Mass that we celebrate, and homily that we give, should be well prepared. The celebration of the Eucharist should be reverent and beautiful with music that inspires and draws us into the mystery of our faith. Here we have a profound opportunity to touch the minds and hearts of the people we serve just as our Risen Lord had done with His disciples following His Resurrection.