The Beautiful Heart of God

by Mary Ann Halloran

As you know, the Gospel readings at Mass lately have been stories of Jesus after the Resurrection.

Jesus is busy having fun seeing and talking with His close friends. He eats with them, walks through walls, and shows them the holes in His hands and feet.

One can catch Jesus’ sense of humor as He walks to Emmaus with a couple of His disciples and plays around with them, pretending He doesn't know anything that has gone on the last few days. And then He pretends to continue on but stays to be recognized in the breaking of the bread.

Jesus even cooks breakfast for His disciples on the beach after He helps them catch a big net full of fish on the other side of the boat.

I also notice that He does not appear to His enemies. My ugly human nature says why not have some fun with Pilate or the Pharisees? Prove yourself! Go say, “Na..na..na..na..an,” like a bullying child or like my childish prideful thoughts.

But that is not the heart of God. His thoughts are not my thoughts.

Jesus’ focus was to comfort and encourage His friends, show His unconditional love and help them understand the Scriptures while explaining to them why He had to die. He wanted to show them that He truly had risen from the dead! He taught them their mission now and instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit. Jesus wanted to start His holy Church.

It is so beautiful how Jesus met His brothers right where they were at....afraid in the house, on the seashore, on a walk, in a boat. He is kind and merciful. Never does He say, “Where were you guys last Friday?” or “What did you think of that rooster crowing, Peter?” or “Good job praying fervently for me in the garden, guys.”

No, Jesus slowly consoled His friends, reassured them, taught them, opened their minds, forgave them, and got them ready for their mission. He even makes Peter the first pope.

That is the awesome God we have!! That is Jesus, our dear friend and Savior. Jesus is there for us. He understands human nature and is always...always... there to welcome us back. He forgives our sins.

Let us try to really comprehend that in these beautiful readings.

Cardinal Newman says that Jesus deigned to appear to a small coterie of dedicated disciples who knew Him, loved Him, and understood Him, confident that they would be the effective bearers of this message. We are those now who eat and drink with Him after the Resurrection. And so we have a commission to announce this Good News.

Alleluia....Alleluia..... Alleluia!!

Easter Octave Blessings,

Mary Ann / Mother Hen