Jesus returned in the power the Spirit
What a profound and sacred weekend it has been!
On Friday, I had the privilege of serving at the reopening of the beautifully renovated St. Joseph R.C. Church, a house of worship with over 200 years of rich history. The occasion was made even more special with the dedication of a new altar—a ceremony filled with deep spiritual meaning.
The liturgy was a powerful reminder of the sacredness of a church altar, the very heart of our worship and the meeting place between heaven and earth. Participating in this holy moment was not just a highlight of my diaconate but a deeply transformative experience that will guide me in my ministry.
Saturday was another sacred moment in a truly special weekend. We gathered as a family to support our granddaughter in her first effort at participating in the National Powerlifting competition. It was a heart warming experience to witness us united in love and encouragement, cheering her on as she embraced this new challenge. Even her aunt in London joined in, watching the event live via streaming online.
Her participation carried echoes of her deceased father’s own involvement in similar competitions, reminding us of the shared stories and legacies that bind a family together. Truly, it was a sacred occasion of love, tender memories, and togetherness.
Later on Saturday evening and again early on Sunday morning, as I read the words from this week’s Gospel, Luke 4:14-21 — ‘Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country’ — I found myself reflecting on the transformative power of Jesus in my own life.
This weekend, in particular, felt like a living testimony to His presence. Every moment seemed animated by His powerful Spirit, from the sacred liturgy at the church reopening to the shared joy and unity of family. This Gospel passage reminded me that His power continues to work within us, guiding and shaping our lives in ways beyond measure, if we only allow Him.
Jesus’ presence is woven through our experiences, filling them with meaning and grace. The power of His Spirit is moving, reminding us that every part of our lives—our worship, our relationships, our challenges—are touched by His love. These moments are encounters with Christ.
As we embark on this Jubilee year, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves, we are comforted to know that Jesus is returning in the power of the Spirit to our lives. He is here, walking with us in our own Galilee. He has not deserted us. His presence brings hope, healing, and renewal, reminding us that we are never alone.