Currently Listening Mary Mary By Mary Mary Incredible see related

This last weekend was well, incredible.  Getting there wasn't easy and once there was not always smooth sailing but as I sit here thinking, well, it was just incredible.  I just can't describe the feeling of love, peace, joy in being in the presence of the Lord.  INCREDIBLE!

Give Us Clean Hands

The Second Sunday of Easter draws to a close, ushering in the readings of the Third Sunday about the living Christ.  So as I sit and reflect upon the past week’s Gospel reading, I am truly amazed about Jesus’ appearance to His disciples.  How by His presence, He brought the disciples, and the world, such peace and the great gift of forgiveness. 

I think about the peace I seek and my desire to find it in the Lord’s loving arms.  But for me to begin looking, to really seek, I have to question myself about forgiveness in my life too.  Am I willing to answer?  Do I know the answer?  What is it?  Why?  Can I forgive?  How many times have I withheld that forgiveness from someone who hurt me?  Are there many times?  Do I purposely choose not to forgive?  Why don’t I choose to forgive?

All these questions…then it leads me to think about how Thomas doubted the Lord’s appearance.  How he questioned the Lord’s power, His Resurrection.  I imagine how Thomas must have been scoffed at for not believing, abhorred by his fellow brothers for his lack of faith.  But now, years later, how grateful I am for Thomas and his moment of disbelief.  Who would have ever thought at the time that his struggle was a truly a gift for all of us believers?  Thomas’s doubt reassures me of God’s love and His ultimate mercy for each of His children during the most difficult and challenging times and especially when we fall away from Him.

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.

Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.

The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.