From our meeting on April 3rd

Today is Wednesday, April 7.  A very HAPPY EASTER SEASON to all!

Notes from our meeting this past Saturday, April 3rd:

Well attended for the day before Easter!  10 of us in attendance and TWO KEYS thanks to Jim !

The discusstion was lively as always, focusing first on the Gospel of John and the story of discovering Jesus' tomb empty on the day of resurrection.  We discussed how important it was that this story was NOT written from a first person Point Of View.  Rather, by describing himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," John allows us to insert OURSELVES into this position of discovering the empty tomb of Jesus.  What do WE think about that?  How do WE react to the discovery that his tomb is empty?  Do we ACCEPT and CELEBRATE the absolute FACT of His Resurrection?  Interesting to consider during this Easter season!

We talked a bit about how the early disciples were killed and how they endured in their faith for the survival of the early church.  Would YOU have the resolve to suffer in the name of Christ?  Consider what they went through:
DO YOU KNOW HOW THE APOSTLES DIED?  Here is a link :  http://www.shrinesf.org/apostles.htm

I found several other links - if you search you will find a number of them as well.  And Norm forwarded me an email with some more detail that I will send to you all later.  Thanks Norm!

The next topic was centered around the Shroud of Turin.  SOOO much information about this topic.  I think I may do a separate posting about the Shroud later in the week.  It will be on display in 2010, although I couldn't find specific dates, I beleive it will be displayed next month.  Jim Dunn also indicated that he may hold conduct a presentation at church about the Shroud.  It's a fascinating topic to be sure!  There exist a number of websites.  Try:  http://www.shroud.com/

Our last topic, which definitely merits a separate posting, was about Eucharistic Miracles.  We were all very impressed  (again!) with Jim's knowledge and passion about this topic.  Look for a posting on this soon!

As usual, this past Saturday was filled with discussion inspired by the Holy Spirit.  I am always amazed how we are led to discuss certain things.  Never are we at a loss for a topic.  I can't wait until we meet again!

-Eric

The "Good" in Good Friday

I have heard a number of people asking lately why Good Friday is named as such since it is the day commemorating the Crucifixion.  What could possibly be "Good" about that?

The good that comes out of Christ's sacrifice is apparent on a number of fronts I think.  Consider:

• Think of the fact that Christ opened the door to Eternity with the Creator of All with his sacrifice.  This is the ultimate gift of gifts. 
• Christ's suffering was in perfect union with the scriptures of the old testament.  In particular the prophet Isaiah.  I encourage you to read chapters 52 and 53.  Awesome when you consider the detail.
• The suffering of Christ brings us knowledge that our sufferings in our daily life have purpose.  His suffering was for the SOLE purpose of our salvation.   Our sufferings, whatever they might be, are to be seen as a blessing.  A hard viewpoint to accept, but unwaveringly, God provides answers to why we suffer the things we do.  Good invariably comes out of this

The other point I am considering today is the human aspect of Jesus and how difficult it must have been for Him as a MAN to know absolutely the pain He would endure today and that He was marching towards His death.  Take strength from His resoluteness.  NOTHING is insurmountable with the Love and Grace of our wonderful and most glorious God.

-Eric