Bits of the Gospel

I would like to share with you this reflection which is based on the question of the Lord Jesus himself, "Where is my guest room where I may eat the passover with my Disciples?" (Mk. 14:14) Easter is near. The disciple are aware of this. Easter with all its festivities evokes a sense of meaning and pride for them. Yet, this Easter is like no other. They are unaware. Jesus asks hospitality from a stranger. He wants to share this Paschal meal with them now because this is not "like any other" as the disciples think. Sorry. It is not even the "Last" as we think! This Paschal event is the "First". There has been no other like this! The one who welcomes Jesus is not even among his acquintances leave alone his disciples. Strange enough, this "Unknown" person has the room ready!Then stranger than this Jesus considers this room his room. Notice the question, "Where is my guest room...?" That room is His. My brothers and sisters, this...

We celebrate the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of the Lord in a very emphasized manner. Popular piety is publicly acknowledged and used to show this high and most holy Sacrament. How can we bring this Solemnity and its solemn tone into our depths? We have to look at Jesus, the gift himself. He has gathered all virtues into love, which dares to die for the beloved. He has shown us we can bring healing to most people by showing them that they are important, special, valued, and appreciated. yet, their salvation comes only from witnessing that love is the reason we act in that particular way. And love, at the level of God, is sacrifice of the self. Love is the Language of God and it is the universal language. This universal language is understood [or at least perceived, intuited, in the instincts] by all creatures. It is silent, totally silent. It flows in the forces of nature. That language is not taught, it is acquired effortlessly. Yet, somehow, we need to consciously c...