My dear parishioners, I give you the joy of our savior’s resurrection from the dead! In each of our lives, there comes a time when we meet God unexpectedly. We encounter him in an entirely new way. An experience like this is unusual because of its intensity, its simplicity, its compression of human past, present and future into an exalted present moment. Meeting God in a life-changing way invariably confers upon us a measure of divine knowledge quite outside the norm of human social interaction. We come away from such an encounter with a new understanding of grace, a new depth of conviction. We are blessed with a peace and serenity that only God can give. And very often we, like the Blessed Virgin Mary, reserve all these things to prayerful contemplation, pondering them privately in our hearts. Indeed, the resplendent celebration of Easter is itself a singular intervention in the Church's liturgical year, a glorious radiant light shining in a darkened world. Humanity is delivered from slavery to sin and dread of the future. By the mystery of Our Lord's resurrection, mankind’s hope is renewed, and trust springs forth from humanity's withered root. [cf. Isa 11:1] Jesus Christ the Morning Star is the wellspring of grace. [cf. Rev 2:28] On the day of his resurrection, our savior gave to humankind a very dear possession, a fountain of life-giving water welling up to eternal life. [cf. Jn 4:14] Therefore, we who are called Christians baptize our children and prepare the next generation to receive the Good News of Jesus Christ. We bathe ourselves in life-giving waters of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as often as we can. It is never too late to purify your mind and heart to receive Christ, the “living bread which comes down from heaven”. [Jn 6:51] Believe in the name of Christ! Hide yourself in the sacred heart of Jesus! Let his glory, his beatitude, his holiness embrace your wounded soul. Ask for the very first grace to accept Jesus Christ as your redeemer and high priest who, in the breaking of bread, is worthy to be entrusted with your broken heart, your wounded spirit, your fragile dreams, and your most cherished hopes. The unexpected altar may be anything, but this much is certain: you will discover it on the arduous path that leads to God or on the broad highway you take running away from him. Pray for the strength to humble yourself. Kneel down and bow your head in silent wonder. As Roman Catholics, we highly value the virtue of meeting God in the ordinary events of prayer, worship and Christian fellowship in the midst of our faith community. Remarkably, as well, God has willed to give us the extraordinary sacraments to be used in our ordinary lives. One can go anywhere in the world for something to eat, but only to the Church can a person go to be fed with the living Body and Blood of the Lord. Cultivate the virtue of perseverance to assist our good intentions. Encounter God in the simple but noble ways of religious practice and devotions. “God, You have shown us the paths of life; you fill us with joy in your presence.” [Acts 2:28] “Are not our hearts burning inside us?” [Luke 24:32] Sincerely in the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Your pastor, Reverend Richard Barker +++
My dear parishioners, I give you the joy of our savior’s resurrection from the dead! In each of our lives, there comes a time when we meet God unexpectedly. We encounter him in an entirely new way. An experience like this is unusual because of its intensity, its simplicity, its compression of human past, present and future into an exalted present moment.