# Easter Thursday – Touch Me, See Me
*2016-03-31*

> Bill reflects on signs of God’s presence, shares a recent miracle with a rose, and explores Luke 24:39 in light of the Eucharist.

## Signs and Wonders

Yesterday’s episode was titled “Signs and Wonders.” After the Ascension, Peter followed Christ’s example by healing the sick, and the disciples were amazed when a crippled man walked and jumped. We know that God, Mary, and the saints continually give us signs, yet many priests are hesitant to speak about personal experiences for fear of misunderstanding. Still, sharing such moments can strengthen faith.

## A Rose‑Filled Miracle

A few years ago we marched for the pro‑life cause near St. Maximilian’s Church. It was also the feast of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the “Little Flower.” Each participant received a fresh rose to hold while praying the rosary. After the rosary, a parishioner from France mentioned she had never noticed the rose petals on the shrine. Suddenly, a passing car tossed a hard‑boiled egg that struck one of the roses. The petals and leaves flew off, leaving a bare stem that was otherwise undamaged. When I shook the rose, the remaining petals did not fall off, which seemed miraculous to me.

## Science, Faith, and the Eucharist

I recently listened to a Catholic News Network interview with Dr. Rizzle, a physicist who explained how the Church’s doctrine of transubstantiation is consistent with scientific principles. He argued that the body and blood of Christ truly become the Eucharist, even though physics may seem to contradict it. This reminds us that when we proclaim the Good News, we should not be deterred by skepticism.

## The Gospel of the Risen Christ

Today’s Gospel is Luke 24:39: “Touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” The disciples, frightened, thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus invites them to touch Him, confirming His bodily resurrection. Father Eugene notes that the disciples offered Him a piece of boiled fish, which He ate, underscoring His real, physical presence.

## Eucharistic Presence

Father Eugene further explains that the Gospel invites us to extend that same nourishment to others. In the Mass, when we receive Holy Communion, we sit at the same table as the risen Christ. The body, blood, soul, and divinity of the Son of God become truly present. As I say in prayer: “Lord Jesus, every time I receive Holy Communion, it is Easter for me again. May each Sunday be a mini‑Easter in my life. Alleluia, Amen.”

*Receiving the Eucharist makes every Sunday a personal Easter, a tangible encounter with the risen Christ.*