Easter

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.

Receiving the Eucharist is an invitation as well as a commandment. Jesus told us to "remain in [His] love," to “take this and eat it for this is my body,” that all who struggle will be refreshed if they come to him. Jesus loves us deeply. He is a friend who wants to be with us always, through the good and the bad. So whenever you feel misunderstood, lonely, sad, or unloved, come to Mass and receive Jesus who loves you more than anyone else in the world, for the Eucharist is the most powerful way to be close to Him and His love.

We are the branches grafting to Jesus, the vine who pumps into us that sap/the spirit which is the nutrient to stay healthy, grow and bear fruits of comfort, familiarity, and peace so that we live and move, and have our being rooted in Christ, our love and anchor.

In the midst of an increasingly secular world, God continues to show up for His faithful people, calling them and accompanying them towards eternal life.