04.21.2023 | Second Friday in Paschaltide

It's a cloudy, chilly Second Friday in Paschaltide here in the Carondelet Garden this morning.  It should warm up a bit this afternoon, but we are in for a bit of a cooler weekend weatherwise.  I sure hope the frost stays away.  My Hostas are looking lovely right now.  

As I sit in meditation this morning, quietly becoming aware of what is in my heart I am immediately struck by how often Jesus "withdrew."  "He withdrew again to the mountain by himself."  John writes in Chapter 6 of his Good News.  I am struck by the word "again."  This wasn't something unusual.  Jesus withdrew often to be by himself to renew, to pray, to relax and be alone.  

As an introvert, I understand the need to withdraw.  It can be exhausting for me to be in a crowd or even a small party can be difficult.  I have worked hard over the years to overcome some of the anxiety yet when it is all over, I need my alone time.  Jesus needed to be alone to renew his energy.  So many times, we read of the crowds gathering and everyone wanting his attention all the time.  Here we recognize the human Jesus. The Jesus who gets tired and needs refreshment.  We often forget that Jesus was also human.  He felt the same emotions.  He had the same needs.  We need to remember that part of the story as well.  Jesus was real and walking around feeling, needing, moving just like me.  Yet, he was able to do the will of his father without question. I, on the other hand, question everything sometimes.

As I take a moment in prayer, in blessing to share these thoughts. I am not alone. My questions are okay to ask.  I am loved and cared for in dramatic fashion. Don't stop searching and praying.  Don't give up. The feast is more than a feast; it's a promise for those who seek and want to believe.  Amen.