Greetings!
In this Sunday's gospel, Jesus asks the disciples one important question: Why are you troubled? (Lk 24:35-48). They had seen their beloved Master crucified and buried, most of them had fled, and now they are told his tomb is empty; is it any wonder they were troubled? We can feel the same way any time it seems like our lives have been turned upside down.
Jesus tells the disciples, "Look at me." This is the key to knowing peace. If we look at the world, we can always find trouble in the form of violence, disease, poverty and injustice. Jesus says we are to expect this: "In the world you will have trouble," he says, "but take courage, I have conquered the world" (Jn 16:33).
When our troubles begin to feel overwhelming, we should remember what Jesus tells us in the gospel. "Why are you troubled? . . . Look at my hands and my feet" (Lk 24:38-39). The same hands that were wounded for our sake now reach out to us to offer a blessing. May you continue to be blessed as we celebrate the Easter Season and approach the end of the semester.
In Christ,
Deacon Matt
