It finally feels like Spring is here. As I write this on Thursday the weather says it will be good for St. Mary’s graduation on Saturday but may rain on Notre Dame’s on Sunday. Hopefully they will get through their graduations without too many graduates getting wet. Congratulations to all our graduates! May God bless each and everyone of you.
As we continue to celebrate Easter, our Gospel is taken from the Last Supper. There Jesus told his disciples and us, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus tells them that he will be with them for only a short time. His death, resurrection and ascension are just around the corner, so he tells them and us how to show his presence by loving each other.
In our second reading, St. John’s vision in the Book of Revelation continues as he sees the new Jerusalem descend to earth at the end of time. He reveals a great mystery to us, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God.” This is even true today through the sacraments. Jesus is present among us when two or three gathered in his name.
In our first reading from Acts, we see how quickly the Church grew. Paul and Barnabas did a lot of missionary travel in those early days and the Church grew to such an extent that they had to appoint leaders for the various communities. The Church continues to grow today. There are human problems in the Church because we are all human, but the Holy Spirit nudges us along to that new Jerusalem.
On Tuesday, the Church celebrates some modern martyrs from North America. St. Christopher Magallanes and 21 diocesan priests and three laymen were either shot of hanged (1915-1937) for their association with the Cristero uprising which opposed the anti-Catholic Mexican government in the 1920’s. The Cristero motto was: “Long live Christ the King and the Virgin of Guadalupe!”
In May 2007, Pope Benedict XVI asked that May 24 be a day of prayer for the Church in China. Please say a prayer for the Church in China on Friday.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.