Reflections

Easter Friday - The Breakfast Table of Plenty

The Breakfast Table of Plenty

Another appearance of the risen One in today’s gospel from John 21: 1-14.

“Cast the net to the right side of the boat and you will catch some fish.” John 21:6

It is in the ordinary events of life that Jesus reveals Presence. His followers have returned to their work of providing for their families. The night is long the nets are empty. Once again Jesus gathers them around a table of plenty. “Come and have breakfast.”

Our creator God is extravagant in gift giving. From the gift of evolving creation  to the gift of the Word made flesh, Divine Love continues to be poured out.

Immersed in life and love may we find ways to gather others to the table of plenty.

-Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

Hymn: Table of Plenty by Dan Shutte, sung by John Michael Talbot


Easter Thursday – Peace Be With You

PEACE BE WITH YOU

Today’s Gospel opens with:

“The two disciples told the eleven and their companions what had happened on  the road to Emmaus. While they were talking about this Jesus stood among them. ‘peace be with you’. ‘Why are you frightened? Touch me and see.’” Luke 24: 35-48

Emotions of doubt, fright, disbelief, wonder and joy, all vibrating at the same time. The story is recalled every year and is held in a vessel of faith. We sing it so that it engages us in the depth of our being personally and communally.

Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

That Easter Day with Joy was Bright (tune: PUER NOBIS)

Easter Wednesday - Emmaus

How often in the rich tapestry of life we miss the mystery of encounter. Focusing on our present concerns, the world’s struggles we get stuck in the concrete, missing the space between, the energy that reveals the mystery. Once the company sat at table, shared a meal rich with meaning: “their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus”.

May our eyes awaken to Divine Love revealed in caring humanity.

May our hearts and minds be warmed by your presence here.

-Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

Hymn: Emmaus Song, Come Journey With us, Monica Brown


Easter Tuesday - Woman Weeping

Woman weeping

Twice in today’s gospel passage the question is asked: “Woman, why are you weeping?” (John 20:11 – 18)

As in yesterday’s passage there is a heaviness that overtakes us when we have lost a friend, a confidant, a mentor. Tears flow easily, emotions are high.

On hearing her name, she immediately recognizes the voice of her “Rabbouni”.

Her response: to tell the community what she has seen and heard. To proclaim the Good News.

-Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

Hymn: CBW 393 Something Which is Known.

Easter Monday - Women of the Gospels

A week of festivity, a week of story telling to enliven our witnessing, listening and discerning.

The octave of Easter beckons us to be immersed in the gift of life and the presence of Divine Love.

Women of the Gospels

Two Marys approach the tomb with heart heaviness.

The sadness of loss of a good friend, a mentor, a healer courses through their beings.

As they approach, the unexpected happens – the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, a voice speaks. “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here.” (Matthew 28:5)

Over these past months how often we have looked for Divine Presence in the midst of our fragmented world, wondering where God is in the midst of such suffering, war, violence, abuse.

The ache in our hearts is only eased by the goodwill of those who seek change, who strive for equality, inclusiveness, who stem violence. The hope held out by the Living Spirit alive within community.

These are the ones who reflect the light of Divine Presence in our midst, whether they resonate and shimmer with the light of the risen Christ, or the All-benevolent ever Merciful God, or Shekinah.

The two Marys heard the message: “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.”

They left the tomb quickly, and with great joy ran to tell others.

-Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

 Hymn: CBW 385 Christ is Alive!