7 Lessons from Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa

Last weekend, my family and I were blessed to attend the “Awakening the Domestic Church Conference” in Norfolk, VA .  There we were privileged to hear Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, who has been the preacher to the Papal Household for the past 30 years, deliver three powerful teachings. I have read many of Fr. Cantalamessa’s books and articles and have learned so much from him. Being able to hear him in person, and to witness the joy and love of the Lord on his face, was such a blessing. Below are seven things that struck me most powerfully in the talks he gave.  — 1 —The world changes after we encounter Jesus.Fr. Cantalamessa spoke of three scriptural accounts where the recognition of the risen Lord Jesus changed the lives of the people who encountered him.:A despondent Mary of Magdala is seen on Easter morning weeping and pouring out her grief at the Lord’s death to a man whom she initially believed was the gardener outside Jesus’ tomb. This “gardener” spoke her name, and she immediately recognized him to be Jesus. Her sorrow disappeared and she instantly ran to joyfully share the good news with the Apostles. Her world is changed. (John 20:11-18)On the road to Emmaus, two disciples, forlorn after the Lord’s death, spend hours walking with the Risen Jesus and hearing him explain the scriptures to them, without actually recognizing him for who he truly is. It was only when Jesus blessed and broke the bread that they realized who he was. Their joy at this encounter led them to immediately return to Jerusalem, in spite of the late hour of the day, and seek out the Apostles to share what they had seen. (Luke 24: 13-35)  Their world is changed. The Apostles, who have returned to fishing after Jesus’ death, see a figure