The Encounter of the Risen Christ in Different levels

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : First Week - Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 16:9-15*

*First Reading : Acts 4:13-21*

*The Encounter of the Risen Christ in Different levels*

*1) The Risen Lord meets Mary Magdalene*

This is the first appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene

This is also very personal encounter of the Risen Lord to Mary 

Likewise, Risen Lords meets every one at personal level 

It is the one to one encounter of the Lord to us. It may happened to us while praying or doing our mission for the Lord

*2) The Risen Lord meets through the other*

It is through Mary Magdalene that the disciples came to know about the resurrection of Jesus 

It is through Mary Magdalene or through the other Jesus revealed to His disciples about His resurrection

Likewise the Risen Lord meets us through the other. 

The other may be our own parents, loving people, close friends, relatives and our own well wishers. 

*3) The Encounter of the Risen Lord through the strangers*

To the Disciples who were on the way to Emmaus, Jesus revealed Himself through a strangers

As a stranger He was present among them, walked with them, explained the scripture to them, understood them, and finally at their request He stayed with them 

So while breaking the bread at super, they recognized the stranger as Jesus himself 

So, at  times the Risen Lord may reveals Himself to us through a stranger. We must be alert to recognize Him and to follow Him

*4) The Risen Lord's encounter in the Community*

The Risen Lord appeared to all the Disciples when they were together

They had gathered together as a community. During this time Jesus appears to them and reveals Himself as the Risen Lord 

The community is very powerful. The Risen Lord always present in the people of God or in the Community

Therefore we must try our level best to experience the Risen Lord, in the community

*5) How do I encounter the Lord?*

At personal level

At the neighbors level

At strangers or through unknown people 

At the community level or in the family

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*