Wednesday within Easter Octave : 12th April 2023

We are often upset if our wishes are not granted or if God has not responded to our prayers. But perhaps we do not know what to ask for – perhaps we even ask for too little. The crippled man in the temple wanted money from the apostles but did not receive any. Peter said he had no silver or gold but something far better: healing and restoration. The man’s joy knew no bounds when he was made whole.

Maybe we should ask God to give us what we need and allow Him to fill in the blanks. Life can send many crushing heartbreaks and disappointments our way. Sometimes it seems too much to bear.

The two disciples were crushed by the death of Jesus, but then He walked and talked with them. They could not understand why the Messiah had suffered and died. Jesus then opened the Scriptures to them. As He shared a meal with them, He disappeared from their sight. Jesus walks beside us in disguise and opens the Scriptures and the meaning of our lives for us.

Suffering is part of life and part of our formation. Life is not just a series of cruel accidents but God’s loving plan.

Lord, open my heart and mind and teach me.