It Is Good For Us To Be Here

By Deacon Andy Davis

This past week, I have been spending time re-listening to Bishop Woost’s talk, “The Real Presence: It is Good for Us to Be Here”. We heard this the first time in the church at his recent visit, and I would encourage you to listen to it again or for the first time – the video is available on our parish website. Bishop Woost is one of our shepherds, and he was trying to expand and deepen our encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. Mass for Roman Catholics sometimes can become routine, but it can be transformative!

He starts with the Gospel account of the Transfiguration, and Peter’s response, “It is good for us to be here...” How often would we say to one another at the end of Mass, “It is good for us to be here, let’s stay longer...” As Roman Catholics we often might look at our watches and have other activities on our mind at Mass. (Bishop got a chuckle).

When we encounter Jesus, it is like the Transfiguration, but it is we who are changed. Our hearts are opened up, and our eyes are un-blinded to see Jesus for who he really is, both a human and the God of the Universe. When we come to Mass or spend time in Adoration we can be transfigured, and also share in the divine life.

We also encounter Jesus when we keep his word, as stated in today’s Gospel. Keeping Jesus word we love Jesus. We encounter love and become love. When we love one another, we are encountering Jesus, and when we serve another person we encounter Jesus. Many of Jesus teachings were about serving the poor, bringing healing and care for those in need. While this helps the person in need, it also helps us, it is a very important way we encounter Jesus in the other person.

Today we pray and support our Confirmandi, that they too would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as at Pentecost and encounter Jesus in this sacrament, and in sharing the Eucharist. That they too would know the living Lord, and their hearts would be enflamed with love!