The Journey Podcast The Journey hosted by Jude Hennessy

On The Journey This Week: Fr Mark De Battista says being pruned by God is necessary if we are to grow in our faith. Mother Hilda tells how to see the sun shining in the faces of all we meet. Plus, Fr Tony Percy says that we are not called to be busy but to be fruitful. Michelle Vass says Mafalda’s prayer is a great way to test when and how we see the risen Christ. And Mark Raue on being the face of God, being Jesus’ feet, hands, eyes expressing compassion and love to all we meet.

Fr Mark De Battista says that the thought of bearing the pain of pruning isn’t attractive, but Jesus says it’s necessary to grow in discipleship and for us to bear more fruit for the Kingdom of God.

Mark Raue says the expression “The Face of God” is attributed to St Therese of Avila means to be the face of God in whatever circumstances we find ourselves with all those we encounter. To be Jesus’ feet, hands, eyes expressing compassion and love to all we meet.)

Michelle Vass asks, “How do WE know that Jesus is risen?” Mafalda’s prayer is a great way to test when and how we see the risen Christ as we openly share God’s love with all, not just those close to us.

Fr Tony Percy says that we are not called to be busy but to be fruitful, and that requires blooming where we are planted. We are going to have to lose some branches and let ourselves be pruned: For the Father – the majestic Vinedresser – is constantly at work.

Mother Hilda says that Thomas Merton’s story of spending time watching peoples’ faces and his observation that our face shines like the sun can be experienced by us as well.