Monday in the Octave of Easter
Recently I have been preparing to go on a pilgrimage walking part of the Camino de Santiago. (To know more about this please visit : http://www.caminosantiagodecompostela.com). Not only have I been taking long hikes/ walks, but I have been trying to figure out all the things that I need to take such as poles, backpack etc.
Each of us is on a pilgrimage as we journey to our final destination- heaven. The scripture readings today remind us that as we walk on our way, not only does Jesus meet us, but He gives us His Spirit and sends us forth to share the Good News with others. Jesus supplies us with all we need, and He accompanies us along the way. Jesus is the perfect traveling partner to make the journey home to Him.
In today’s gospel reading, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary are running from the tomb after the angel has announced that Jesus has risen from the dead. As they journey to tell the disciples what they have seen and heard, Jesus meets them on the way. They began their day in great sorrow going to the tomb to prepare the body of Jesus, and now with great joy that embrace Him and do him homage. Jesus not only reassures them, but He instructs them on the path that they (and the disciples should take) “go to Galilee and there they will see me.” They continue on their way empowered by their encounter with the risen Christ.
In the first reading, Peter has been filled with the Spirit, and he is boldly proclaiming the truths about Jesus’ death and resurrection. Peter explains that Jesus has poured his Holy Spirit upon them as promised. It is by the power of this Spirit that Peter and the disciples are able to share the Good News as they travel on their way.
In today’s responsorial psalm (which Peter refers to as He speaks of Jesus’ resurrection) David finds hope and joy in the fact that God will not abandon him. He believes that God will show him the path to life, and David finds great joy and confidence knowing that God will always be with him.
As I have been preparing for my pilgrimage, there have been times when I have been focused more on completing the miles than on the purpose of the pilgrimage- growing in my faith. These readings have helped me reflect not only on my upcoming pilgrimage, but my daily faith journey. Jesus wants to accompany each of us in our daily lives, and He meets us along the way (sometimes in the most unexpected places and people.) He knows that we can grow tired, discouraged, and even lost, so He sends us His Spirit to accompany us as we go. If we look to Him, not only will He show us the path to go, but because of His presence we can walk with confidence that He will be always “at our right hand.” Empowered by this message of hope, Jesus sends each of us forth to share all that He has done for us.
As I continue on my preparations for my pilgrimage, I am hoping to consciously be aware of God’s revelation to me in the people and things that I encounter as I walk. I also will be more vigilant to invite Jesus with me as I journey over the many miles I travel. There could be no better traveling partner, since He alone knows the right way to go and He will always stay by my side. My poles, backpack, and hiking shoes are important, but Jesus is essential for me to make this journey in faith.
Although we see heaven as the final destination for our earthly pilgrimage, if we allow Jesus to accompany us, inspire us with His Spirit, and show us the path we should go, then our lives should be lived with great joy, hope and confidence. If we are able to live with this deep faith, then we will be able to experience what St. Catherine of Sienna described: “It is heaven all the way to heaven!”
"Heavenly Father, Your Son Jesus shares your love with us through His death and resurrection. The gift of Your Spirit empowers us to share this love with others. Guide our paths and fill us with the joy knowing that You are always with us. May we always journey placing our hope and trust in You. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen."
- Marylynn Herchline