What are the signs of Jesus' presence in our lives?

 

There is a word that stands out in both readings today, the word signs. In the first reading from Acts 6:8-15 we are told that the deacon Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people. In the gospel, after Jesus had fed the multitude, he accused the people of looking for him because of the bread they had eaten and not because they had seen his signs. (John 6:22-29). So what are signs of the presence of the Jesus in our lives? We know that his presence in the Eucharist, in his Word and in our personal prayer is important. However, at Mass with the Spanish speaking community yesterday, we reflected on the presence of the Risen Jesus to Peter and some of the other disciples. When the beloved disciple said the all important words, ''It is the Lord," we realized they were not in the temple or synagogue, but were on the lake fishing.

 

When Peter dived in and swam ashore, Jesus did not expect him to fall on his knees and worship him, because he was busy cooking their breakfast and asked him to bring some of the fish they had just caught. As we shared on that, Alexandra said how preparing a meal together and then sharing it brought the family closer together. Alfredo agreed and said how he came to Mass today to thank God for being with him and supporting him in his recovery after a recent heart attack. So when the final song was sung, I was able to sum up our reflection by giving the final blessing and saying, ''Let us go in the peace that we have found here with Jesus and continue to find signs of his presence in all the events of our daily life and in all the people we will meet during the coming week.'' ''Amen,'' the people responded.