We are in the second week of the Easter Season. 

In Sunday’s Gospel reading at Mass, the first thing the risen Jesus says is, “Peace be with you.”

This past Saturday, Pope Leo XVI asked the Catholics of the world to pray for peace.

Coincidence?

At our Elementary Faith Formation Sessions, I read Sunday’s Gospel reading aloud to our First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Faith Formation families as they followed along in their Bibles.

We had two large groups sessions, so I read it twice.

Both times about midway through I felt a warm sensation fill my body.

My mind was racing with all that was going on yesterday, but as I read the Gospel to the families my mind quieted with peace.

My heart has been heavy with sadness, but as I read the Gospel to our families yesterday my heart was bursting with joy.

Then they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" Luke 24: 32

I just read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings and the Gospel we get to hear is the story of two of Jesus’ disciples walking 7 miles to the village of Emmaus.

Jesus appears to them and walks with them and when they arrive, He shares a meal with them.

When He takes the bread, breaks it and blesses it, the disciples realize it’s Jesus.

Look at what the disciples say to each other in the verse above…

Coincidence?

Try to stop and recognize Jesus’ presence this week.

See how He brings His peace and joy to you.

Easter blessings!