Yes, it is already the Third Sunday of Easter. We are less than a month away from the Lord’s Ascension and then Pentecost. For the next few weeks we will see how Jesus appeared to his disciples during that time.
Next Sunday is Mother’s Day. Do something nice for your mother. Next Sunday is also “World Day of Prayer for Vocations”, and the Gospel then tells us that Jesus is the shepherd and his sheep hear his voice. Pope Francis puts it a little differently. He says the shepherd should smell like the sheep. We are a Eucharistic People who need priests to celebrate the Eucharist! Please pray for all priests!
Today is also Cinco de Mayo! This celebration commemorates the Battle of Puebla in Mexico when the Mexicans defeated the French for their second independence. It is a big celebration in Puebla and has become a big celebration for Mexican Americans in this country. Viva Mexico! Viva Guadalupe!
We have been blessed to have a new hand painted icon of Father Tolton. I want to thank the Behrens family for gifting the parish with such a beautiful gift.
In our first reading today, we see a real change in Peter and the other apostles. Instead of locking themselves in the upper room, they are preaching Christ crucified and risen and they are doing it in public in the Temple, even after the Jewish authorities had forbidden them to do so. “They left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.”
In our second reading St. John continues to write about his vision of heaven. He sees Jesus as the Lamb. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing.” He hears every creature cry out in praise of Jesus! We, too, say Amen!
In today’s Gospel we see Jesus appearing to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. Peter and the others have returned to fishing and Jesus appears on the sea shore and gives them breakfast. He then takes Pete aside and asks him three times if he loves him. The three times mimic the three denials Peter made before Jesus’ crucifixion. Peter says he loves him and Jesus says “Follow me.” Peter certainly did follow Jesus even to death in Rome. Peter still follows Jesus today in the person of Pope Francis. Hopefully, we too follow in the same way.
On Friday the Church honors Saint Damian of Vuester. In 1873 he began his work on Moloka’i, known as “Devil’s Island” because it was a colony of over 800 lepers. He himself died of leprosy after serving there for many years. “I make myself a leper with the lepers to gain all for Jesus Christ.”
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.