On the Road Together

Peace and all good be yours!

Thank you for your prayers and concern. After ten days in isolation with COVID and very mild symptoms, I’m back in action, though still having to take extra care over the next week. I was in the live stream assembly last week, and took note of Father Joe Schwab’s reminder that, as with Mary at Cana, intercessory prayer is important and can lead to great things! So again, thank you! 

And what a Sunday to be back in action, with Jesus returning to Galilee in the “power of the Spirit”. In Luke’s Gospel (and all through Acts) “on the road” and along the journey are where things happen - most importantly sacred encounters with God and each other. Moving through Galilee, Jesus makes his way back to Nazareth, where a dramatic encounter ensues with the hometown folks; stay tuned for the climax next week. 

Being on the road together and living out Jesus’s proclamation are the focus of the process of Synod, to which Pope Francis is calling us. The word “Synod” translates from the Greek as “on the road together”. The Pope is asking us to pay attention to where we are and where we are called to be as a pilgrim church. I encourage you to sign up for our parish listening sessions soon to be scheduled for March. Please invite others, especially those who might feel disconnected, discouraged, or disconcerted to join us for this time of listening to each other and to the Holy Spirit.  

We’re on a sacred path. It is time for interceding for each other, listening to each other, and renewing that mission for which the Lord has anointed us. And be prepared, we might have to change direction, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus!

Gratefully,

Fr. Dan, ofm