The Catholic Cafe

When Jesus gives us the Great Commission to go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, he dramatically ascends into heaven. The disciples hardly know what to do. They are stunned. Two angels give them very practical advice. Stop looking up in the sky and get busy doing what Jesus just commanded.

It seems that the world is stressed out. So many people suffer from anxiety and worry. Perhaps a reminder, subtle though it is, can help. God is in charge. When we try to do everything ourselves, we quickly discover that we cannot. That is why we need to just let go and let God do the heavy lifting in our lives.

In chapter 6 of the Acts of the Apostles, we hear of Saint Stephen and six of his companions being called to a special vocation of service to the Church. These seven men would be the first Deacons of the Catholic Church, called to service to the Word, Altar, and Charity. 2000 years later, God still calls men to the vocation of the Diaconate.

Good Shepherd Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, is when the Universal Church celebrates our shepherds, the priests, bishops, and pope who all act in the person of the One Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. God the Father knew we would need Shepherds like Jesus and His priests in order to help us get to heaven.

In the well known biblical account that takes place on the Road to Emmaus, sometimes people overlook the detail when Jesus shares the meal with Cleopus and his traveling companion. The story tells us that Jesus takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them. Perhaps there is more to the story.