Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Happy Easter to one and all! Today we celebrate the Octave Day of the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of our own resurrection. Jesus showed us the way to resurrection runs through the cross. Alleluia! Easter is so important in our liturgical year; we will celebrate it for 8 Sundays ending with Pentecost. Jesus has risen from the dead and promised us that if we live close to him in this life, we will live forever with him in heaven when we die. Alleluia!
Today’s Gospel gives us the events of Easter night and the following Sunday night, what we call the Second Sunday of Easter. Jesus appeared to his disciples in a locked room both times. “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” These words are for us, too, but his second appearance especially for Thomas, who wasn’t there Easter night, are also especially for us: “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” That is us! We have not seen the risen Jesus in person but we believe in him through the preaching of the disciples and the sacraments. Alleluia!
In our first reading from Acts, we see God providing many signs and wonders to get the Church started. There are still signs and wonders today as well, but sometimes it is just harder to see them. There are over a billion Catholics in the world. That is a miracle in itself.
Our second reading from the Book of Revelation, tells us that Jesus has died and has risen. He tells John to “write down, therefore, what you have seen, and what is happening, and what will happen afterwards.” The Book of Revelation is John’s vision.
At our last Parochial Council Meeting, we discussed at length the make up of the Council. The Council meets once a month after the 10:30 AM Mass to discuss what’s going on in the parish. The Council advises me, the pastor, on what is happening and on things we might try. The meetings usually last from 12:15 – 1:45 PM. Sometimes they don’t even last that long. We are looking for some new members. If you are interested, please talk to a Council member about this. The list is on the front of the Bulletin. If enough people show interest, we will probably have some new appointments to the Council and maybe even an election later in the year. Remember any
parishioner can attend any Council meeting.
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.