Cleansing bath
Each of us has experienced such a situation in life, it seems to us that everything is too much for us. Some people experience it as a permanent state: in constant tension and constant stress, they look for opportunities to wash off themselves from anything that makes them feel overwhelmed or dirty. Bathing in the waters flowing from hot springs, which relax people, has become popular. We go to such places when we have enough of everything.
Emmaus, to which Luke and Cleopas went after Jesus' crucifixion, in Hebrew means "warm bathing places." Archaeologists have identified three possible locations of this town in the Holy Land. They are guided in this search by the name.
Why did the disciples depart from Jerusalem to Emmaus? They probably wanted a warm bath, or they probably had enough of everything.What they went through in Jerusalem proved to be too difficult for them, it exceeded them.They were looking for a place where they could forget about everything. But what to forget? What were they running from?
They did not run away from the drama of the cross. When they meet a stranger on the way, they can tell him about Jesus' death. They call him the great prophet. It was not the way of the cross that terrified them, but something else: the message given by the women. For they were at the tomb and did not find a body, but had visions, angels convincing them that Jesus was risen. Moreover, the men, then went there, confirmed the story of the women.
Not the fact of Christ's death, but the possibility of His resurrection, proved impossible to bear. In their opinion, the resurrection had to mean that everything would have to be started anew. It is the same with us.We became accustomed to the cross of Jesus, but we did not allow ourselves to be transformed by the resurrection. Resurrection, instead of hope, makes us fear.
Man may be, and sometimes is, tired of his own sin. Especially if it is related to some kind of addiction. He is fed up with being unable to break the streak of his own failures. But also, a person can be tired of the call to conversion coming from all sides. And this is a summons often spiced up with cheap consolation: see, try it, you will surely succeed. A person has moments when it all flows next to him. He only feels the urge to run away, where he takes a warm bath, to forget about everything, to free himself from everything for a while. Where no one will tell him to choose anything.
But this is an escape into apparent solutions.Luke and Cleopas were tempted by it, and we also sometimes want to escape to it. In thoughtlessness, in suspension, in capitulation;let happen what will happen, as long as it does not concern me; I do not feel like doing anything anymore. Meanwhile, Jesus is catching up with the disciples on their way to Emmaus. After all, He rose from the grave to give the life to the dead. But it is the man himself who must receive such a gift from Him.A gift that terrifies and sometimes pushes to run away, so as not to have to decide to start all over again.
It is not difficult to understand these two disciples. Many times, I am tired not only of my sin but of hearing that I can arise out of it. I do not know what scares me more: death in which I am stuck (and which I somehow tamed), or the prospect of a possible change and upheaval in life. From what do I want to rest more: remorse or a call to conversion?Maybe from one and the other! If only it could be possible! Immerse ourselves in a warm pool…, get a bath with hot water…, postpone any decisions. To run away from ourselves and from others, from the need to choose. Jesus did not let them get away. He caught them on the way to apparent solutions.
Jesus, do not allow me to run away. Find me on my way to Emmaus. Take fear from my heart and my life will begin anew.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george
Novena to The Divine Mercy - Sixth Day:
Today bring to Me THE MEEK AND HUMBLE SOULS AND THE SOULS OF LITTLE CHILDREN, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.
Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet