Easter

We are sheep, but Christ is our good shepherd and we can follow Him — and that is all that matters. That is what it means to be a disciple. To follow the Good Shepherd. Nothing else.
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 2:14a, 36–41 | 1 Pt 2:20b–25 | Jn 10:1–10

Faith is a very personal, very particular, and very intimate relationship that God wants with each of us. And it makes all the difference, not because it removes all difficulties, but because it shapes the way we see those difficulties and the way we walk into them. When I find myself short on patience, anxious, angry, or eager to judge, I ask myself: "Whose voice have you been listening to lately, the serpent’s or the Lord’s? What’s been shaping your heart: prayer, scripture, and the Liturgy; or the news and internet, my ego or insecurities?". Who we listen to shapes how we see other people, the world around us, the events of our lives — even God Himself.
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 2:14, 22–33 | 1 Pt 1:17–21 | Lk 24:13–35

The good news of mercy is that we are being given what we don't deserve, and aren't being given what we do deserve. That's mercy. Given such a gift, we are invited to give it away to others. In a way, love demands mercy, again and again. In marriage, in family, in friendship: love doesn't survive without mercy. Mercy doesn't ignore wrongs; it forgives even when it costs you something. It means letting go of resentments and vengeance. So ask yourself honestly: where is God calling you to be merciful?
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 2:42–47 | 1 Pt 1:3–9 | Jn 20:19–31

Today we encounter the risen Lord in the Word, and our hearts burn within us. We encounter Him in the breaking of the bread. Christ is here among us, the deepest and most magical reality of all. We are not alone. We have been saved, and in Him we have been raised up. 
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 10:34a, 37–43 | 1 Cor 5:6b–8 | Jn 20:1–9

Using milk and chocolate syrup, Fr. Bill illustrates our need to stir up the Holy Spirit inside each of us and go out to make a difference with our God-given gifts.
 
Readings at this Mass: Acts 2:1–11 | 1 Cor 12:3b–7, 12–13 | Jn 20:19–23

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