Greg Friedman, OFM

Do we realize the implications of bearing the name of Christ in our world today? Do we believe in the power we were given at baptism, when we were named and signed with the cross of Christ?

Today we look for signs of Christ’s presence in communities where the gospel is preached. The lives of believers should exhibit the power of Christ at work.

In prayer we relate to God with the intimate friendship described by Jesus. We come to prayer with all the confidence that good friends bring to a relationship.

The story about Saul and the Jerusalem community reminds us how important it is to affirm one another within our contemporary parish settings. We must welcome and integrate those who are new to the community.

The relationship Jesus offers us is one characterized by the dignity and worth he sees in each of us. He knows each of us by name.

Jesus reassures the disciples that he is the one they knew before the crucifixion. He’s not a ghost; he is truly alive. And he shares a meal with his friends to prove it.