Let Jesus Shine on You! 2

From the desk of Fr. Ignatius Waters, cp

Sunday, 2nd June 2018

In Africa, I was always amused to see people carry great big multi coloured umbrellas and not for the rain, but for the sun! And it was very wise indeed, even for Africans! We long for summer sun and when it does come, we can so easily forget that we need sun block and umbrellas far more than Africans do. But there’s a sun break you can take at any time of year and you won’t need any protection from the sun. Neither will you have to travel very far. Just make your way to Mount Argus church any Wednesday or Friday and lie back – well, maybe not lie back! ‘Sit back’ would be better; close your eyes and let Jesus shine on you! You won’t need sun block of any kind. There are no harmful rays. Just get rid of anything that may be preventing you from looking at Jesus and allowing him look at you. Allow yourself to bask in the sunshine of God’s love. This will do you a world of good. It can be an oasis of peace in your week when you can de-stress and get another perspective on your problems. And this is not false advertising. Way back when God was teaching us how to bless one another he gave us these words:

“May God bless you and keep you.

May God let his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

May God show you his face and bring you peace.” Num. 6:24.

We all need times of silence, peace and quiet. But, so often we feel we should be doing something more productive forgetting that much can grow and flow from the moments of doing nothing. Much “is born in contemplation, from moments of intense communion, and from the deep relationship of friendship with Christ, from the beauty and light which was seen shining on his face.” Pope John Paul 2

For many years now, people have been gathering in Mount Argus on Wednesdays and Fridays to be with Jesus present in the Eucharist. Having people gather with us and having a commitment to a definite time can help us to be faithful. There are days we don’t feel like praying at all. Those are the days we probably need it most. Just like there are days we don’t feel like meeting, even with friends, and those are the days we need it most! So why not plan to meet with Jesus, your friend, at least once a week? You don’t have to phone, text or email. He’s always there. He’s always present. Always ready to welcome us. The golden rays of the Monstrance are a reminder that he’s shining and smiling on us.

The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is given to us so that we may become His real presence in the world.