Prayer
Ponderings of Grace Archives

Ponderings of Grace - Third Sunday of Easter

DO YOU LOVE ME?

There are no geographical borders to God's grace. This week God's graceful presence arrived in an email from the Afghani desert, from a soldier 7400 miles away.

"The Little Black Book you gave me from Bsp. Untener has been wonderful. I read it each morning. Thanks. No catholic priest able to minister in my current location. I am trying to put something together for an Easter sunrise get-together...We will climb on top of our building...some mountains in the background that create a great setting. Various denominations present (maybe - or maybe just be me and God). Is there anything you would recommend by way of talking points or scripture? My intent is to reflect, spend some quiet time by ourselves in thought. Any advice, feedback would be welcome."

On Easter Sunday, on an Afghani rooftop, the soldiers shared scripture, prayer, an Easter sunrise, and 10 minutes of silence together, calling "It simple and good." In this homegrown liturgy, this Army Captain answered Jesus' relentless question: "Do you love me?" His deep faith graced him to share this question, Easter feast and liturgy, with his fellow soldiers.

We, on the other side of the world, experienced Easter liturgy in safe, familiar settings, answered Jesus' question, too. We feasted on presence of the Risen Christ because others, in a world away, willingly protect us and the peace.

Jesus' relentless question, "Do you love me?" is posed to those on the gospel's sandy beach, on the rooftops in the Afghani desert and to all of us. As we answer him, one thing is certain: there are no bounds to Christ's grace. On your next beach walk, take a moment to thank the Risen Christ for gracing you to live in future peace forever, and for those who grace us to live in peace here and now .

--Janis McQuade, SSJ