Easter Wednesday - Emmaus

How often in the rich tapestry of life we miss the mystery of encounter. Focusing on our present concerns, the world’s struggles we get stuck in the concrete, missing the space between, the energy that reveals the mystery. Once the company sat at table, shared a meal rich with meaning: “their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus”.

May our eyes awaken to Divine Love revealed in caring humanity.

May our hearts and minds be warmed by your presence here.

-Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

Hymn: Emmaus Song, Come Journey With us, Monica Brown


Easter Tuesday - Woman Weeping

Woman weeping

Twice in today’s gospel passage the question is asked: “Woman, why are you weeping?” (John 20:11 – 18)

As in yesterday’s passage there is a heaviness that overtakes us when we have lost a friend, a confidant, a mentor. Tears flow easily, emotions are high.

On hearing her name, she immediately recognizes the voice of her “Rabbouni”.

Her response: to tell the community what she has seen and heard. To proclaim the Good News.

-Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

Hymn: CBW 393 Something Which is Known.

Easter Monday - Women of the Gospels

A week of festivity, a week of story telling to enliven our witnessing, listening and discerning.

The octave of Easter beckons us to be immersed in the gift of life and the presence of Divine Love.

Women of the Gospels

Two Marys approach the tomb with heart heaviness.

The sadness of loss of a good friend, a mentor, a healer courses through their beings.

As they approach, the unexpected happens – the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, a voice speaks. “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here.” (Matthew 28:5)

Over these past months how often we have looked for Divine Presence in the midst of our fragmented world, wondering where God is in the midst of such suffering, war, violence, abuse.

The ache in our hearts is only eased by the goodwill of those who seek change, who strive for equality, inclusiveness, who stem violence. The hope held out by the Living Spirit alive within community.

These are the ones who reflect the light of Divine Presence in our midst, whether they resonate and shimmer with the light of the risen Christ, or the All-benevolent ever Merciful God, or Shekinah.

The two Marys heard the message: “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.”

They left the tomb quickly, and with great joy ran to tell others.

-Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

 Hymn: CBW 385 Christ is Alive!