Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
As I write this reflection, I am remembering the Gospel for this day (Tuesday of the Octave of Easter) in which, according to the account in the Gospel of John (Jn 20:11-18), Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Lord after mistaking him for the gardener in the area around the empty tomb.  It tells us that when she recognized him as the risen Lord Jesus, she was told by Him to let go of Him and share the good news of His Resurrection with the disciples.

Among other things, I believe this episode is telling us that while it is vitally important for us to hold onto Jesus (in good times and indifficult times), and grow in union with Him in prayer, there is a time for us to go out and spread the "Joy" of the Gospel with others.  Of course this should happen in all of our encounters with others - whether they are believers in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, or not.

Our hope-filled, joy-filled demeanor and our selfless attitude that looks for, and responds often to many others, especially the poor and those threated unjustly in our midst and in our world, will give glory to the risen Lord (as Mary Magdalene's actions did) and lead others to follow Him as disciples of the Lord.

This coming weekend (April 25-27), I am excited to be participating in the Knights of Columbus State Convention.  I will be surrounded by brother Knights and their spouses who are following the example of Mary Magdalene and countless others who have followed her example.  I pray in this Easter season in a special way that my brother Knights and all Christians will let the Holy Spirit guide them into a deeper union with the Lord, and with that, a joy and hope that reaches out to others in love and brings others to experience the joy of Gospel-inspired lives.  God bless you all!