Fourth Sunday of Easter
“He is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.” Acts 4:11
“The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.” Ps. 118, 1.
“Beloved, we are God’s children now,” 1 Jn 3: 2.
“I am the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10: 11-12.
“There will be one flock, one shepherd.” John 10:17.
I was attending Sunday Mass in our Abbey Basilica and a moment of accidental grace invaded our space. Conception Abbey is known for its solemn and beautiful liturgies. There is much work put into preparing the music and setting the Sanctuary for every Mass. I can say with modest pride that our liturgy is in all ways ornately beautiful. Every minute detail is controlled and prepared to create the most splendid atmosphere for Christ to come in the Sacraments. This Sunday, which was one of the most attended Masses because of college’s Family Weekend, turned chaotic in a moment. An elderly monk opened the hydraulic doors during Mass and came in with his walker, completely unaware that anyone else was in the Church. He slowly, and loudly, pushed his way across the brick floor. The Abbot launched from his choir stall and ran to catch up with the wandering monk. When the Abbot caught him and redirected him, he screamed so loud that the whole congregation heard.
The point is grace. God’s infinite and beautiful grace will come into our lives at times when we least expect it to. Routine and everyday life will be interrupted and made beautiful by the grace God chooses to impart to us in these moments. When an unexpected occurrence happens in our midst, there is grace involved. How blessed we are that Holy Mother Church grants us 50 days of Pascal celebration after the forty days we observed Lent. The Pascal Season is a time of gratitude to God and of reflection on the Eternal. Jesus walked among His people in Easter glory, having new life both in body and spirit. Let’s walk this walk with Him and celebrate the “accidental grace” we find today. As we say in the monastery, turn the tedium of life into a Te Deum. Praise God for the ordinary, for His glory makes it extraordinary. This is my challenge for you, see God’s glory through the hue of blue that is daily life. Amen.
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections