Encountering Jesus

Last week Father Joe Freedy, Dave VanVickle, the priests, the deacons, the faithful of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish in Aliquippa and I met Jesus at Encounter, our first parish mission.  To tell the truth, we were really on the road to Emmaus. On that road, without a doubt, we encountered Jesus Christ as surely as those two disciples met Him on that road from Jerusalem to Emmaus some 2000 years ago.
           
We know the story of that encounter on the very day Jesus rose from the dead. The two disciples walking along that road were discussing all that had happened concerning the last days of Jesus’ life. Perhaps they reflected on His entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. I believe they remembered the celebration of the Passover where He gave them Himself, saying, “Take this and eat of it, for this is My Body, which will be given up for you” and “Take this all of you and drink from it, for this is the chalice of My Blood…” Certainly, the pain and suffering of His Passion were on their minds. The sorrow of His death on the Cross and His burial must have weighed heavily on them. Confusion, disbelief, uncertainty and grief clouded their minds and broke their hearts. Then Jesus Himself drew near and went with them on their way.
           
Often that happens in our lives. We have heard about Jesus, encountered Him in our lives, known His love. However, the difficulties of life and the burdens that we bear can make Him seem distant or absent. We find ourselves on the road away from Jerusalem, walking from the saving events of Jesus’ Passion and Death. We wonder where we are going and what the journey is all about.  Then the Lord Jesus shows up.
           
This Encounter with Jesus happened at St. Frances Cabrini in Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, because so many faith filled people came together and the Lord Himself was in our midst. On Monday night we reflected on Jesus’ call to each of us to know Him, to love Him and to commit our lives to Him. We renewed out baptismal promises. We declared that we would serve Him, Our Lord and Savior, and reject the Evil One and all his empty deceptions.  We promised that we would walk in the light of Christ’s truth!  It was powerful!
           
Tuesday night we recognized that we need the love and mercy of Jesus, who takes away our sins and heals our hearts. We experienced the loving embrace of Jesus as many people came to Confession. Christ, present through the ministry of His priests, reached out and brought consolation and peace to those for whom He went to the Cross to save from sin and darkness. The grace of the Sacrament of Penance filled the place as He took away our burdens.  We felt His love and forgiveness in an almost palpable way!
           
Finally, on Wednesday night the Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated and we heard a powerful message about the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. After Mass, Jesus in the Holy Eucharist was carried in procession. He truly walked in the midst of His beloved people gathered for the mission blessing them and showering His grace upon them as surely as He walked the highways of Galilee healing the sick, raising the dead, driving out demons, and giving people hope. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament followed.
           
Without a doubt we were on the road to Emmaus. On that road Jesus came into our midst. He opened our eyes to see Him. He opened our hearts to receive His healing love and mercy.  Our worries, troubles sorrows and doubts seemed to fade away. Faith and hope were enkindled anew because so many wonderful people of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish came and opened their hearts to the Lord.
           
Our Encounter Parish Missions are being scheduled in the parishes of our diocese. We are entrusting this ministry to the protection and care of the Immaculate Heart of Our Blessed Mother. We do this because we know that she always leads us to her Son. Our good Mother never fails us!

We look forward to meeting you on the road to Emmaus. We know that together we will encounter Jesus Himself, who, with His Mother, will give us hope and strength for the journey!

Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh