Pastor's Letter

Companions on the Way
 
In the gospel today, we hear how Jesus spent the day with two disciples on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus. He helped them move from feeling defeated by Jesus’ death to the joy that comes in understanding his resurrection. We know that one of the disciples was named Cleopas, but we’re not sure who the other one was. (There’s a Catholic tradition that says Cleopas, or Clopas, was St. Joseph’s younger brother.)
 
Some scholars think the “other disciple” was Cleopas’ wife Mary, who was one of the women at the foot of the cross (see John 20:25). Others say it was Peter, and others think it may have been Luke himself.
 
Some also say it doesn’t really matter because it leaves us the opportunity to put ourselves in the shoes of the “other disciple” as we take the passage to prayer. In our spiritual journeys we can find ourselves at different points in our life walking away from Jerusalem, not sure about the resurrection, or who Jesus really is, trying to figure it out.
 
There’s something really significant about having a spiritual companion that accompanies us as we grow in our faith—someone like Cleopas had at his side. Life can get confusing and sometimes we do wonder how God is working in our life or whether or not God is even with us. We need people around us to talk it out; to share our struggles with, to share our confusion, to share our hurts and also to share in our joys.
 
That’s why in our Catholic faith we have companions built into our sacramental life. We have Godparents, sponsors, spouses, parents, priests and the community of faith we come to be with Sunday after Sunday.
 

We will have the Anointing of the Sick at the 10 AM Mass on April 30.

We’re not meant to go it alone. We need our spiritual companions, because just like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, we’ll begin to be enlightened to the meaning our life has when Jesus is a part of it. We’ll realize, Jesus is travelling with us by our side—opening up what the bible has to share with us about God, relationships, values, why our lives have purpose and why we’re meant to help each other instead of compete with each other. We’ll recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread and like Cleopas and his companion, we won’t want Jesus to leave us. When the two asked Jesus to stay with him, he did. We’re no different. Our spiritual companions help us recognize when and where Jesus is alive and active in our lives.
 
Spiritual Companions
At the Easter Vigil, we were blessed to fully initiate 14 parishioners into the Catholic faith: two were baptized and all received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. They walked the journey with each other, but also with their sponsors, their families, and the members of our Christian Initiation ministry teams. Between now and Pentecost you may see them at Mass wearing their white robes signifying that they’ve “put on Christ” in their lives. Please congratulate them.
 
It's good to be with you as we travel on the road together. Lord Jesus, stay with us!
 
                 –Fr. Mike