The Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 24, verses 13 to 35: "Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.”And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread."
Why is the Holy Hour so important in our Christian daily lives? Let me draw a list of ten reasons:
1. We need to expose our weaknesses, problems and sickness to Jesus and His healing power. We need Him, our spiritual doctor and counsellor. We need to maintain perfect spiritual life.
2. The Holy Hour is the basic answer to all our problems and the best way to restore our inner health and strength.
3. We need to set aside time for silent personal encounters with Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist. We need to see Him and converse with Him. He is our best medicine...
4. In the Holy Hour we discover how Jesus is close to us in our daily paths and deeds. Even if we do not recognize Him, He is with us always. Just as He was with those two disciples on their way to Emaus and revealed Himself to them in the Eucharist...
5. We need healing, we need to feel safe in the presence of the Lord. Stay with us, oh Lord!
6. Jesus Himself initiated the Holy Hour on Holy Thursday night when He asked His disciples in sadness why they were unable to stay with Him for just an hour... It is His initiative, very important for our inner well being and ability to follow Him closely and faithfully.
7. In the Holy Hour we understand better the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, His mind and His Will and thus we are better prepared to answer properly people's needs with love and generosity. It is an Hour of Truth and we will see ourselves in the full truth without hiding anything from the Lord. Thus we will be able to be cured completely...
8. The Holy Hour helps us to set a right balance between divine and earthly matters and duties. It unites our spiritual and daily lives. We understand better and are empowered to do the Lord's Will. Also, we get power to confess our sins, restoring our intimate relationship with God. We are no longer mesmerized and drunk by the temptations of the world. We gain extra power to fight attacks of the Evil One in our lives.
9. In the Holy Hour we are immersed in the Wisdom of God and are enabled to see things and judge things as God does, thus we are able to practice what we believe, to preach what we believe and to defend what we believe...
10. Jesus in the Holy Hour makes us obedient, faithful, happy and at peace doing His Will in His Holy Church. He makes us draw people to Him by our sanctified lives, love, peace and genuine piety.
Once the Holy Hour finds a proper place in your life, not only on the first Thursday of every month, but, possibly, every day at an opportune time, when you can go to empty chapel or church and commit one hour or a bit less, under circumstances, for the silent adoration of the Lord in the Eucharist, your life will transform into something amazing and exceptional. You will never be the same...
The Lent time is an opportune time to start practicing this wonderful devotion. I wish you and pray that the Holy Hour turns you into genuine fearless, joyful witness of Risen Lord....
No comments:
Post a Comment