Monday Message, April 20, 2026

KNOW

Please RSVP to the meeting about Confirmation dates, which will be held on April 28th at St. Francis in Weston. Dinner will be provided beginning at 5:00 pm. Read all about the meeting here. If your parish is not represented, the Confirmation date(s) will be assigned. Email the Institute to respond.

Please RSVP for our quarterly in-person meeting featuring Dr. Joseph White. For complete details and to sign up, see this page. It will make for a great day, we promise.

Preparing children for their first Holy Communion? See this page for great resources.

If you have catechists who wish to learn more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd or want to sign up for formation, see this page.

Got Scouts in the parish? See this page.

REFLECT

I have been thinking about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. So much has been written about the two men and how “he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”

I imagine Jesus having a great time knowing he wasn’t recognized. He converses with them, chides them, and even plays the fool so their doubts are made clear, paving the way for the teacher to invite the students into a greater understanding of the Truth.

But one thing always bothered me about that story. As a young man, I was always a bit dumbfounded that Jesus didn’t introduce himself.

As a parent, I realize that He seldom does.

Instead, we find God in the laughter of children who are still young enough to experience joy, while the adults around them settle for happiness.

We find God in the man on the corner asking for money – but only if we are aware enough that the children are watching and switching lanes carries as powerful a message as rolling the window down and offering what we can.

We find God in the springtime when we are surrounded by new life, but only if we pause from medicating ourselves against the pollen.

We find Him in holding hands, a good night kiss, a blessing on the forehead, and a hug instead of a shout.

We find Him in the messiness of house and home.

We find Him in the busyness of work.

And we find Him in the people we love – and those we struggle to love – if only our eyes are open.

Open my eyes, Lord. Help me to see your face.

LAUGH