Fourteen young second graders will receive their First Holy Communion this Sunday afternoon at St. Malachy Church. As witnessed last Sunday afternoon with First Communion at Sacred Heart, families are the foundation of faith. In the homes, these children receive support for their Catholic faith, our teachings and virtues, through shared prayers, values reinforced, and participation in the Sacraments of our Church. Again, thank you parents for providing this foundation, giving your child the gift of faith and the opportunity for a lifelong relationship with Christ Jesus. Of all the blessings one receives in life, and the unexpected circumstances encountered, faith will be the guiding compass as these children grow into adulthood. Within this secular world our Catholic-Christian faith, as the foundation of our character, nourished through prayer and our Sacraments, will hopefully not be take for granted. Alongside the parents, thank you to the catechists and prayer partners who guided these children toward their First Holy Communion, reinforcing their relationship with Christ Jesus. Prior to Holy Week the diocese approved our two Ascension Parish Directors: Gaylia Ostermeier and Tom Venner. Both had been serving as parish directors for St. Malachy and Sacred Heart respectively until the diocese brought us together as one for Boone County Catholic Community. They are ex-officio members of our Finance Board alongside Keith Kudej, Nick Lenz, Rita Phillips, Pete Thompson, Eric Seeman and Greg Grimm. Also present on the Board is Sacred Heart school principal, Sue Eldridge and school board representative Josh Jacobson. Our bookkeeper Alayna Longhorn attends each meeting with the financial reports. Terms for board members are three years, staggered. (Of course, some have graciously shared their abilities beyond three years.) Within the near future we will form a Pastoral Council for Ascension Parish, coming together by summer’s end. One of the most indelible ‘post-Resurrection’ scenes in the gospels is the Walk to Emmaus we heard today. Intrigue defines this passage with dispute about where exactly was the ancient village of Emmaus. Some scholars have placed it seven miles from Jerusalem; others Intrigue. Such is a defining word for the background within today’s popular post resurrection appearance of Jesus. Trying to determine where exactly Emmaus once existed as a village has not been agreed upon by scripture scholars, with four possible sites considered ranging from a few miles west of Jerusalem to eighteen. Likewise, the two disciples Jesus encountered on their walk shortly after the Resurrection. One ancient Christian tradition contends the disciple named “Cheophas” in Luke’s Emmaus passage was the brother of St. Joseph, and later stoned to death for his belief in Jesus as the Messiah. And his wife was “Mary of “Cleophas” who stood at the foot of Jesus’s cross during the crucifixion. Though there have been different educated suggestions for the other disciple, one contention holds it was “Cleophas’ son Simeon (who purportedly lived to be 120). But as one researcher concluded, “Perhaps the elusive nature of Emmaus offers its own lesson — that what happened on that day is more important than where it happened, and that encounters with the risen Christ are not confined to one time or place.” Pondering our short walks to the garage, to the garden, from our car into the store, or into school or church, across the street or (as in days of old), cutting across a lawn, taking a shortcut —each could be a moment of grace however short. More likely, if we take the time for a ‘formal’ walk, could we within the recognizable surroundings encounter a spirit of Emmaus, within our thoughts and distractions, and the essence of nature however plain? An encounter with Christ is not only possible, but likely if our goal is not limited by physical exercise, number of steps accumulated. Consider the possibilities in the words of others who dared to likewise take an ‘Emmaus walk.’ “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks (John Muir).” “Walking is a man’s best medicine (Hippocrates).” “Walking takes longer...than any other known form of locomotion except crawling. Thus it stretches time and prolongs life. Life is already too short to waste on speed (Edward Abbey).” “Walking is the exact balance between spirit and humility (Gary Snyder).” “The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone. (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe).” “But the beauty is in the walking -- we are betrayed by destinations (Gwyn Thomas).” “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness( Martin Luther King, Jr.).” From his hometown of Nazareth to Jerusalem the distance Jesus walked was 85 miles. As with many who lived in Palestine at the time of Jesus’ earthly life, the average distance walked in a day’s time would have been 12 to 20 miles. Some scholars believe Jesus walked over 3,000 miles during his three years of ministry leading up to the crucifixion; and over 21,000 miles within his lifetime on earth. Imagine the many and various individuals he crossed paths with during his walks, the prayers held, the simple beauty encountered, the peace attained. God Bless, Fr. Tim FYI: “As you walk down the fairway of life, you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.” (Ben Hogan, golfing great)