It is written

At present, I am attempting to write a second short story. My first got favorable reviews from my friends, proving the importance of friends to encourage us along the way. This story is about a pilgrimage Sandee and I took in 2010 that turned into an adventure. Writing it helps me interpret my memories in a different light.

So when I read in this week’s Gospel Luke 24: 46-53 ‘You see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.’ I appreciated Jesus’ teaching on the importance of scripture reading and study to help us understand our faith.

As part of my diaconate formation, I studied the process in which the Gospels were written. I learnt that they came out of a gradual development within specific faith communities. Witness statements were handed down, interpreted and retold over and over until they were finally written as the Gospels we read today.

This understanding deepened my appreciation for the way personal stories, too, can carry meaning when shared, reflected on, and shaped in light of the Gospels. Just as the early Christian communities made sense of their encounters with the risen Christ through storytelling and interpretation, I find myself making sense of my own faith journey by revisiting memories and giving them new voice in writing.

I encourage us to read and study the Bible together, especially by practicing Lectio Divina in small groups. This prayerful and reflective approach helps us not only hear God’s Word, but also interpret our own lives through it. And personal journaling can enrich this process even further, giving us space to reflect, connect Scripture with our lived experiences, and trace how God continues to speak to us over time.

In this week’s Gospel Jesus is telling us that his death and resurrection was foretold in Scripture and forgiveness of sins in his name will be preached throughout the world. This preaching will be through us, his disciples.

They are a personal commission. As his disciples today, we are called to carry this message into our homes, workplaces, communities, and beyond. Whether through our words, our actions, or simply the way we live with integrity and love, we become the vessels through which others encounter Christ.

This is not a task for a select few, but a shared mission entrusted to the whole Church. Each of us is sent—empowered by the Holy Spirit—to be a witness of hope, healing, and forgiveness in a world that longs to hear Good News.

I encourage you to visit my website and explore the three communities dedicated to spritual growth (by clicking on the following link). My website Link