http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/032808.shtml
March 28, 2008
Friday in the Octave of Easter
If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.' Acts 4:9-11
So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. John 21:7
Piety
Oh my resurrected Jesus, help me to recognize you when you come into my life. Whether you call on me from a distant seashore or right in the room where I am sitting, help me to understand your real presence in my life. Direct me, as you did your disciples, about where you want us to be in life. And always open my mind to accept your invitation to come. Amen.
Study
What a different Peter we encounter today! Yet, always we encounter the same forgiving and welcoming Jesus.
Sunday, Simon Peter entered the tomb, saw the burial clothes but he did not yet understand what had happened. Then, in yesterday's Gospel, Jesus entered the locked room where the disciples were gathered, hiding in fear that the Romans or Jews might come for them next. They saw this friend whom they deserted in his hour of need. While Jesus was being crucified, was dying and was buried by others in the community, even a Pharisee, they denied him and scattered to their hiding places. Yet, here He was standing amidst them, wishing them peace, showing off his wounds, and opening their minds.
It was quite an experience. After Jesus left, the disciples were still trying to comprehend what happened in the last week. Their world as they knew it was changed forever. If I were in that room, my head would be spinning as well. The disciples needed a break. So, they retreated into their comfort zone…fishing (right where Jesus had found many of them three years earlier). What made them think Jesus would not find them again?
Without Jesus, their efforts were futile. But then in the distance, a man on shore told them to throw their nets over the other side of the boat. These professional fishermen would clearly have tried that sometime during their excursion. Yet, they did as instructed and found more than their nets could hold. One last sign, one last miracle in the Gospel of John. That's what it took for the disciples to take the final leap of conversion.
When they finally arrived on the beach, Jesus already had some fish and bread on the grill. Yet, he needed their contribution to this banquet. So Peter brought over some of the fresh catch and added it to what Jesus had on the fire.
Action
So are you ready to jump overboard for Jesus? Dive right in with Peter? Add some of your fish to the fire that the Lord has burning on the beaches of your life?
This weekend, the 126th Women's Cursillo is taking place at Village of Mt Zion. You can support the weekend in many ways.
Send your Palanca. There are some last minute additions to the list of candidates; please check here http://arlingtoncursillo.org/cursillossubweb/w126/w126.htm for details.
Pray for the weekend. The palanca clock for the 126th Women's Cursillo is ticking at
http://arlingtoncursillo.org/cursillossubweb/w126/w126palancaClock.asp
Although all slots are taken, you can add your prayers to any hour to support the weekend.
Participate in Closing & Mañanita, Saturday & Sunday, March 29 & 30. For directions, Click here. Because Village of Mt Zion is "far away", some Cursillistas will travel to Woodstock on Saturday and sleep over for mañanita (7 am Sunday) and stay for closing. A special Cursillo rate of $60/night is available at the Comfort Inn. You must call (540) 459-7600 and mention "Cursillo" to get this rate.
The Closing will begin at 3:30 pm Sunday. Mass will follow, and then the reception. Please bring substantial food to share for the reception. Arrive a little early, and help set up.
We need community assistance to clean and straighten the retreat center, too. Hang around just a few minutes more so we can all leave within a reasonable time.
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