Jesus
said to them, "Do not be afraid.
1 Samuel, Chapter
14, Verse 24-26
24 Even though the Israelites were exhausted
that day, Saul laid an oath on them, saying, “Cursed be the one who takes food
before evening, before I am able to avenge myself on my enemies.” So none of
the people tasted food. 25 Now there was a honeycomb lying on the ground, 26
and when the soldiers came to
the comb the honey was flowing; yet no one raised a hand from it to his mouth,
because the people feared the oath.
Saul was unfaithful and
weak and therefore led his warriors by fear rather than by inspiration. His
main concern was keeping and holding power. Hum…some things don’t change. There
was no humility in him; only hubris. “I” was the first word in his life rather
than saying and living the word of God. Hear,
O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your
God with all your Heart, and with all your soul, and with your entire mind, and
with all your strength.”
Saul fell because of his
hubris when humility would have saved him. Real leaders are humble. They
realize and appreciate the sacrifices of others and consider it a privilege to
have the honor and trust to lead them.
Easter
Monday[1] was reserved as
a special day for rest and relaxation. Its most distinctive feature is the Emmaus walk, a leisurely
constitution inspired by the Gospel of the day (Luke 24.13-35). This can take
the form of a stroll through field or forest or, as in French Canada, a visit
to one's grandparents.
Why did Jesus appear as a stranger to
the two disciples?
He appeared to them as a stranger, says St. Gregory, because He meant to deal
with them according to their dispositions, and according to the firmness of
their faith. They seemed not to have believed in Him as the Son of God, but to
have expected a hero or prince who should deliver them from their subjection to
the Romans. Thus Christ was, indeed, yet a stranger in their hearts, and chose
to appear to them as such, to free those who loved Him from their false
notions, to convince them of the necessity of His passion, and to reveal
Himself to them, as soon as their understandings should be enlightened, and
their hearts filled with desire. Thus God orders the disposal of His graces
according to our dispositions; according to our faith and trust according to
our love and fidelity. (Goffine’s Divine Instructions)
In Paschaltide joy, perform works of mercy toward the sick and elderly on Easter Monday. For Easter Monday there is an old custom, still very much alive in the old country, which might well be duplicated here, even though Easter Monday is not generally a holiday, as it is in Europe. In honor of the Gospel of the day, which tells of the two disciples who went to Emmaus and met Our Lord on the way, Easter Monday became a visiting day. Wherever there are old or sick people, they are visited by young and old.
Daily Devotions/Prayers
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