Hungry for the Word

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Every day during this wonderful Easter week I have been reflecting on the gospel readings of Jesus’ Risen appearances to his followers.  What inexpressible joy they must have felt to know that He had conquered death and brought new life!  My favorite story is Luke’s telling of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).  These two begin their journey from Jerusalem in sorrow and end it recognizing Jesus in the “Breaking of the Bread.”  When Jesus vanishes from their sight they say, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke to us on the way?”

Does the Word of God make our hearts “burn within us?”  During Lent Sister Geri and I traveled the Diocese of Owensboro offering Lenten retreats for the people of rural parishes.  So many people are hungry for the “Good News.”  Whether what is needed is a word of comfort, a word of challenge or a word of inspiration, God’s Word offers us what we need on our journey through our Christian life of discipleship. If we truly listen, we never need to worry about our direction in life.  God will speak to us through Word and Sacrament, through companions and preachers, through prayer and compassionate living.

Peace and Easter Blessings!
Georgia Acker, OP  
Bowling Green, KY

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