Emmaus Spiritual Director
Two or three weeks ago, I got a call from Ronnie Martin asking if I would consider being the Spiritual Director for the community this year. With virtually no hesitation, I said yes. This is unusual for me, as I generally need to think about things for a bit. However, I figured if Ronnie had the nerve to ask; I had the nerve to accept. So here we are.
As a way of being introduced to the community it was decided that I should serve communion at the candlelight service last week. I was amazed at the crowd in attendance for the candlelight and the general warmth and friendliness of those who were there. I sensed the presence of the Lord in that place. I thought, this is the way it should be any time we gather together.
This is what Christianity is all about. The relationships of men and women who are seeking to be salt and light to a dark and hurting world is an example of a sermon that can be seen if not heard. Just like the sermon topic that evening, it was an example of a mountain top experience. As in the rest of life, we have to come down from the mountain to face the harshness of our everyday world.
If we can do that through the leading of the Holy Spirit, then we will face that world with new eyes and a new determination to tell what God has done in our lives. Agape love will be transmitted even outside the confines of an Emmaus event. How great would that be?
Let me ask all of you to be in prayer for me and this community as we face the challenges and opportunities of a new year. I may have been a little rash in accepting this job so quickly, but with your prayers and the guidance of God, we will do our part to help make this a banner year of spiritual growth and expression of the unmerited love of God to each new group of pilgrims and the world at large.
Decolores,
John