Easter

Fr. Anthony offers the homily on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 1:1–11 | Eph 1:17–23 | Lk 24:46–53 

When we praise God in the midst of our storms, we’re declaring that He is still in control – that darkness has not overcome the light. Praise pushes back against the darkness and becomes both a weapon and shield, guarding our hearts from anger, hate, resentment, and the desire for revenge or retaliation. It’s okay to cry out or be angry with God; He can take it. Even Jesus sweat blood in His anguish. By reaching out to God in our pain, we’re reminded that we are not alone.
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 15:1–2, 22–29 | Rv 21:10–14, 22–23 | Jn 14:23–29 

When you find yourself confronting something new or something seemingly out of control, and you wish your life was different or that things could just continue like they always have — resist that thought. Resist. Remember: God has known about this time and this situation from all eternity, and He’s known about you from all eternity, and He’s chosen this time and this place for you – from all eternity.
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 14:21–27 | Rv 21:1–5a | Jn 13:31–33a, 34–35

Fr. Anthony preaches the homily on Good Shepherd Sunday.
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 13:14, 43–52 | Rv 7:9, 14b–17 | Jn 10:27–30

Fr. Bill speaks to the children celebrating their First Communion about how Jesus accompanies us every day, everywhere, through the Eucharist.
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 5:27–32, 40b–41 | Rv 5:11–14 | Jn 21:1–19 

The first and most important job of the Pope is to help us walk together, as brothers and sisters of the Lord. St. Augustine is our guide here. He said, “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. And in all things, charity.” So, pray for the cardinals this week. Pray for an open and gracious heart. And pray, too, for our new Pope, whoever that will be. Being Pope is a weighty burden. Let’s help our new Holy Father to carry it with our prayers and affection.
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 5:12–16 | Rv 1:9–11a, 12–13, 17–19 | Jn 20:19–31

Because of Jesus, no day is wasted. In Jesus, every season of life — whether it be joyful or painful — can become an opportunity for meaning and transformation. When we unite our experiences to those of Christ, life itself takes on new perspectives and meaning.
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 10:34a, 37–43 | 1 Cor 5:6b–8 | Jn 20:1–9

None of us goes through this life without our share of disappointment and frustration. It’s our belief in the life to come that allows us to be okay with this. Recall this quote that Fr. Dave introduced a few years ago, from Fr. James Martin, S.J.:
"This isn’t heaven. You’re not God. Don’t be a jerk."
Repeat this to yourself when feeling frustrated or discouraged, to reframe your perspective and help you bear the day's burdens as we await the Great Day to come.