The Feel Good Factor. 2/5/04

· There is nothing like a pat on the back to boost one’s ego! A little adulation never did anyone any harm and indeed the reaction to even a little recognition often does more good than people imagine. ‘Puts a spring in your step’ my grandfather used to say. I’m sure he was right – but then were not parents and grandparents always right when we were young – note the word ‘WHEN’!

· Each Sunday during the Easter Season we joyfully celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. His death was not what we would call a ‘rallying boost to our faith’ at the time but time and circumstances would alter our thinking. Not only are we celebrating his rising from the dead, we are celebrating the fact that by our Baptism we are called to live as ‘EASTER PEOPLE’.

· The readings in today’s liturgy evidence the fact that there is much to be ‘JOYFUL’ about and we should not allow ourselves to become despondent. For the new Christians of the day it was imperative that they be encouraged and assured that Jesus’ death was really the beginning of a love match in which we each plays a part. His death was one thing his resurrection another. Once word got out that he had done as he promised – ‘… I will build it up in three days’ – there was a complete transformation in the way people reacted and responded to the promptings of the Apostles. They too benefited greatly and were encouraged by the graces bestowed upon them in the conferring of the Holy Spirit. That was the encouragement they needed, the boost they wanted, and they grasped it with both hands. We are told they preached the Gospel fearlessly and courageously to all and sundry.

· Another encouraging point taken from the psalm is manifest for all to see – a GLIMPS or some would say a VISION, of a heavenly scene, where the redeemed are gathered around the LAMB – the throne of God. God knows we are all curious about HEAVEN and what we are to expect. If we really LISTEN to the psalms, as we read them, we will be pleasantly surprised how well informed we can become. Heaven for those who believe is a real panacea – a place where there is perfect happiness and total tranquility. So anything that boosts our expectations is worth all our curiosity and interest. Never let us lose sight of our ultimate goal – membership of the most exclusive heaven club in eternity – it is called ‘The Beatific Vision Club!’

· The last point one should take from the readings – especially the Gospel is how JESUS is presented to us as the ‘GOOD SHEPHERD’ who interestingly enough calls each of us by name. Now that is a real MUST for us a – real BOOST to our Ego that God himself knows each of us intimately and calls us by name. That in itself should have us walking on cloud nine – it should have us dancing in the aisles and have us performing cartwheels in appreciation. God the Father has called each of us out of darkness into a marvelous light. Let us be certain as we offer our prayers to the Father that we TRUST his graciousness and present our petitions in good faith.

· Already I feel good. I feel we all have turned a corner this Easter and that the future is assured. Despite our problems and difficulties we know that God is there constantly for us and for our good.