In God's Presence

In St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, there is a window that few people observe. It is the image of Christ seated at table with the two disciples at Emmaus. The two were traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the third day after the death of Jesus. They were downcast but also confused because they had heard reports that he was alive. Jesus spoke with them about the Scriptures and then went in to eat with them when they reached their destination. Their destiny, however, was much greater than the city; at that very meal, Jesus “took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened, and they recognized him…” (Luke 24:30-31). The two men realized that their hearts were burning even during the time of conversation.

Our Lord desires to continue to open our eyes to his presence and fill us with his grace. May he continue to enflame our hearts as he speaks to us through the Scriptures and through our time of adoration and prayer. Allow the meditations collected in this book to speak to you time and again on the journey to your personal Emmaus.

—from the Preface by the Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of Columbus

Fr. Paul Jerome Keller, OP

Fr. Paul Jerome Keller, OP, was ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 1993 in Washington D.C. for the Dominican Province of St. Joseph. He obtained theology degrees at the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and his doctorate at Sant’Anselmo in Rome.

In his current role, Fr. Paul is the Director of the Office of Divine Worship for the Diocese of Columbus. Previously, he has served as parochial vicar, college and seminary professor, retreat master, and as the past president of The Society for Catholic Liturgy, a multidisciplinary association of Catholic scholars, teachers, pastors, and professionals. He has authored journal and magazine articles, as well as the books 101 Questions & Answers on the Sacraments of Healing: Penance and Anointing, A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ and Saint Thomas Aquinas, A Year with the Eucharist, and edited The Cross of Jesus.