From the Rector’s Desk…

 

This Sunday’s Gospel gives another wonderful encounter with the Risen Jesus.   Two of Jesus’ disciples were on the road to Emmaus, a little town near Jerusalem.  Possibly they were headed there to get away from Jerusalem, the chaotic and terrible scene of Jesus’ crucifixion, two days earlier.  Possibly, this little house where they broke bread in Jesus’ midst was a place of refuge, a small get away house of one of the disciples.   We could have in mind a cabin in the woods, a lake-house, or some retreat.  Often we want to get away from the difficulties of life and seek refuge - a place that we might rest and feel safe.  In the Gospel account, Jesus, however, reminds them that the Messiah would have to suffer and die before he would be raised from the dead.  In our desires to escape the world, let us first realize that Jesus is in the midst of our experience of suffering, difficulty, conflict and persecution.  We don’t have to always run to shelter because the Lord is there with us.  We simply need to immediately call upon him in prayer.  Sometimes, he has even put us there to bring the light of the Gospel to those that need to hear it or see it.

 

I want to extend congratulations and blessings, if somewhat belatedly, to our newly initiated members of the Catholic Church who came into the Church at the Easter Vigil.  We thank God for these members and their new-found faith: Mary Catherine Bennett Bruce Bezon, Tyler Dunham, Christian Frye, Vincent Hehl, Will Heighton, Brittany Reid and Abby Ross.  Welcome our newest members when you get an opportunity to speak with them.  I want to thank Jake Neal and the RCIA team for again providing excellent teaching, guidance and support during their journey.

 

May blessing of Easter continue to shine upon all of you.0

 

Fr. Kitsmiller