GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE
April 19, 2026
3rd Sunday of Easter
Luke 24:13-35
When I first read Homer’s Odyssey as a teenager, one scene captured my imagination: Odysseus finally returning home after 20 years, yet no one recognized him. Disguised as a beggar, he speaks with his wife, his son, and even his enemies. He is fully present, yet hidden. Only at the right moment does he reveal himself, and everyone realizes he has been with them all along. I
was struck by the mystery that he could be so close to his loved ones, and yet they simply could not identify him.
A similar mystery is at the heart of today’s Gospel. Two disciples walk the road to Emmaus with Jesus, but “their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.” (Luke 24:16) He listens, teaches, and eats with them, yet they remain blind until he breaks the bread. Suddenly their eyes are opened — and at that very moment, he vanishes. His disappearance is not absence. Rather, it is revelation. The Risen Lord is now present in a new way, in the breaking of the bread and in the life of His Church.
Faith is this shift of vision. Instead of searching for a visible Jesus as if he were absent, we learn to recognize him unveiled in hidden ways — in Scripture proclaimed, in the Eucharist, in the sacraments, in the very life of the Church.
And what is true of him is true of us. Just as he disappears into the mission of his Body, we too are meant to be hidden in him. When we live hidden in Christ, we are seen for who we really are.
— Father John Muir
Blessing for Spring
Dear Lord,
As this new season begins,
bring new life to our hearts as well.
Prune what has grown despondent,
brush back that which darkens and clouds.
As the flowers bud and bloom,
bless us with new wonder, new hope, new promise, new joy. Amen.
EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP - RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS
Mean What You Say
Missouri is known as the “Show Me” state. There seem to be differing points of view as to how this motto came into existence, but today it is said to speak of a people who operate with common sense and are not easily fooled by slick-talking or show. We would be prudent to adopt such a disposition ourselves. To be this way is not really like St. Thomas in the Gospel when he doubts what he clearly sees right in front of him. It is more about holding ourselves to a standard explained in another motto: “Say what you mean and mean what you say.”
If we claim to be Christians, disciples of the risen Jesus, then those around us should be able to tell by our actions. Can someone truly be a disciple of Jesus and not be a good steward of all he has given? Jesus makes himself known to us continually in the Holy Eucharist. When we come together to break bread at Mass, Jesus shows us his love by becoming truly present to us. He is willing to show us. What are we in turn willing to show him?
Every day, Jesus calls us to respond in some way. Our response shows whether we are who we claim: his disciples. I am pretty sure Jesus is not from Missouri, but I know he is not fooled by our half-truths and misguided intentions. He also means what he says and says what he means. Shouldn’t his disciples do the same?
—Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
St. Anselm | April 21
St. Anselm of Canterbury left his home in Italy to travel as a young man and ended up at the monastery in Bec, France, which was known for the teachings of its leader, Lanfranc. Anselm rose quickly to become abbot of the community and his writings are now compared in importance to those of St. Augustine.
In 1093 Anselm was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by William II Rufus, the son and successor of William the Conqueror. However, at the time there was a controversy in Europe over whether kings or the pope had the power to invest bishops. Anselm, who believed only the pope should have the right to invest an ecclesiastical authority, spent much of his time as Archbishop exiled in Rome.
St. Anselm’s teaching and works of theology are his most important contribution to the Catholic faith. He is considered of the fathers of scholastic theology and his chief achievement in philosophy was the ontological argument for the existence of God. His work Cur Deus homo? taught that atonement for sins could only be achieved through Christ. He was canonized in 1494 and named a Doctor of the Church in 1720.
WELCOME ONE AND ALL TO NORTH AMERICAN MARTYRS PARISH
Our Mission Statement:
We, the North American Martyrs Parish, a strong community of faith, Nourished by the Holy Eucharist, Guided by the Holy Spirit and Trusting in the grace of God, Dedicate ourselves to live God’s Word and Let the light of Christ shine through our Community. We strive to provide sound religious formation for people of all ages; To care for the spiritual, social well-being of one another With particular attention to the stranger and the poor in our midst.
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ John 20:21
Upcoming Events
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
KEEP KIDS SAFE-ABUSE AWARENESS TRAINING
Did you know? The Diocese of Manchester requires all those who work with children and youth in our parishes, schools, and camps to complete "safe environment" training. This training teaches adults to recognize, and report suspected abuse and boundary violations. Training is offered free of charge to all NH Catholic adults and is available online at https://mancheser.cmgconnect.org
For more information about child safety, visit www.catholicnh.org/safety
- Prayer for Victims of Abuse
Christ calls each of us to reach out to victims of abuse in their time of need. Sometimes it is difficult to know how to help, but one effective way of expressing care and concern is through prayer. Please commit to praying on a regular basis for victims of abuse, particularly those abused by clergy or others representing the Catholic Church.
Prayer of Healing for Victims of Abuse
God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son to save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear our cries as we agonize over the harm done to our brothers and sisters. Breathe wisdom into our prayers, soothe restless hearts with hope,
steady shaken spirits with faith:
Show us the way to justice and wholeness, enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds
and transform our brokenness.
Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace, so that we may act with justice and find peace in you.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
If you have experienced abuse by someone representing the Catholic Church, you are encouraged to contact the diocesan Coordinator of Healing and Pastoral Care at 603-669-3100.