The DIVINE Wayfarer

“The image of the disciples on the way to Emmaus can serve as a fitting guide for a Year when the Church will be particularly engaged in living out the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. Amid our questions and difficulties, and even our BITTER disappointments, the DIVINE Wayfarer continues to walk at our side, opening to us the Scriptures and leading us to a DEEPER understanding of the MYSTERIES of God. When we meet him fully, we will pass from the light of the Word to the light streaming from the “Bread of life”, the supreme fulfilment of his PROMISE to “be with us always, to the end of the age” (cf. Mt 28:20). Supreme Pontiff John Paul II (October 2004- October 2005) Apostolic Letter Mane Nobiscum Domine.  Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

JMJ

 The VERY DEPTHS of God’s Redeeming Love comes forth from the Heart of Christ Himself.  For it is in His very image as Beloved Son that we learn of the INTIMATE ENCOUNTER of Love Himself.  When faced with our own difficulties and questions, and even our BITTER disappointments, LOVE REDEEMS!  The Divine Wayfarer listens to our broken hearts and walks at our side hidden in the darkness of FAITH.  Our HEARTS BURN for love of Him, seeking Him and knowing Him in the light of the WORD, the Eternal WORD and we are renewed once again in a Hope that knows no bound.  The supreme fulfillment of His PROMISE comes alive in us and His DIVINE and INTIMATE PRESENCE comes streaming into our Hearts as a living water of Divine Grace.  “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).  The MYSTERY of the HOLY EUCHARIST is the PROMISE!  We are no longer alone.  God is with us.  No longer is the presence of darkness consuming, for the LIGHT of the WORLD has overcome all bitterness and all sorrow.  He is the LIFEGIVING BREAD that comes down from Heaven.  He is the ONE and the ONLY LOVER of SOULS that continues to walk at our side opening to us the LIVING FLAME of DIVINE LOVE spoken through the WORD, the ETERNAL WORD who dwelt among us. 

O Heart of my Heart, all consumed by the FIRE of Your Divine Love, I am never alone amidst the many trials that come forth in this Vale of Tears.  For Your PROMISE is ETERNAL and Your REDEEMING LOVE fulfills all the desires of my heart.  For what God would be so gracious as to come to me in the form of BREAD, so that I may LIVE and LIVE to the FULLEST!  I tell you, ONLY the ONE TRUE GOD would bring forth such a MYSTERY of UNION.  God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God would bring forth His INCARNATE WORD to live among us and remain with us forever in the PROMISE, the PROMISE fulfilled in the Most Holy EUCHARIST! 

 Christ, Redeemer and Love of my Soul, guard and protect Your Sacred Priests and LIVE among them as their ONLY LOVE!  For it is through their ANNOINTED HANDS that You come ALIVE in us again and again through the Holy EUCHARIST!  O Mother of Priests, pray for us and embrace all who have answered the CALL to the Sacral Vocation of Holy Orders.  Amen.