These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 16)
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life. Alleluia.
You will show me the path to life,
abounding joy in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life. Alleluia.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042323.cfm
The story of the two disciples on the Way to Emmaus is the story of all the disciples of Jesus. The Lord shows us the path of life and gives us good companions for the journey. Even more, the Risen Lord joins us on the journey and reveals the joy and delights of His presence as he talks to us on the Way and in the Breaking of the Bread.
Dear All,
Thanks to the Lord and to all of you, I will complete 45 years of priestly ministry on Saturday, May 6, 2023. You are invited to celebrate the Anniversary Mass on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 12:00 noon, at Nuestra Señora de las Lomas, Loma el Escobero, Envigado (Medellín), Colombia. After the Mass, there will be a dinner at 5:00 pm at Picante Restaurante, Loma la Esmeralda.
Thank you for your love. Thank you for being my family.
Morris
Blessings from the Padre!
As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. So they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. (Acts 6:1-7)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042223.cfm
The problem of language leads to the creation of the Seven who all have Greek names. As a seminarian, I visited Jasper, Indiana, and passed a billboard advertising The German American Bank with their slogan only in German: Wir sprechen Ihre Sprache (We speak your language). Speaking the language of the people is not only good business, it’s also good evangelization! Today’s photo is of the ordination of deacons, St Meinrad Seminary, 1977.
One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people recline." So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. (Jn 6:1-15)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042123.cfm
The story of the Feeding of the 5,000 is really the story of “The Boy with the Bag Lunch.” I'm sure the kid must have thought twice before handing his bag lunch to Jesus. But the kid had faith. Just like Andrew, sometimes we think that what we have to offer is too small and can’t possibly make a difference. But if we hand over our “bag lunch” to the Lord, look what he can do with it.
For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. (Jn 3:31-36)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042023.cfm
The Lord is generous in the gift of the Spirit, given to us without measure. We need that Spirit so that like the early disciples we too can proclaim the Good News. And as the Spirit spoke through Saint Francis of Assisi, “Preach always, use words when necessary.”
