Easter

No matter how deep your darkness gets, no matter how deep you feel buried by your sins, Jesus loves you and wants to dig you out. Jesus’ Resurrection proves that he is more than capable to rescue you. He desires that each one of us would be with him in heaven for eternity. That is not just good news - it’s the greatest news ever.
 
Watch the original footage of the tree well rescue that Fr. Bill talks about in his homily (contains occasional use of strong language).

When our focus is on God, then it's possible for us to be united together with all kinds of differences in our midst. That is what Pentecost is about: the coming down of the Spirit, renewing us and helping us to stay focused on God so we can be united.

Invite Jesus in to your life and ask Him what He wants you to do. As you begin to sense that He is telling you something, you have to respond. Little by little, you will begin to see Him moving within you – and, in that movement, you’ll experience the joy that comes with having Jesus in your life.

Jesus promises us that, yes, we are going to have suffering and crosses that we will have to deal with - and that he will work with us in those moments and bring good out of it. Oftentimes, we don't see it; but God will never let go of any of us, and he is working especially in the challenging moments of our lives. 

Church isn't a refuge; it's a raid on the kingdom of the enemy, designed to undermine his power. Every time we meet adversity, misfortune, misunderstanding, and hostility with patience, trust, forgiveness, and the strength that comes from God, Jesus' victory on the Cross spreads a little further.

God is love, and He loves us far more than we will ever comprehend, far more even than we can love each other or our own children (and that's a lot).

Fr. Dave reminds us that every time we receive Holy Communion, no matter what age we are, Jesus is saying directly to each of us: "Everything's okay, because I am with you." 

More than a few of us are likely often tempted to ask the Lord if He's really there. While He isn't likely to appear to us as He did with the apostles, you can be assured that He is calling out to each and every one of us. Take your doubt to Jesus and begin a conversation with Him. Just as He did with Thomas, He'll meet us where we are at any given time - even (and perhaps especially) in our doubt and unbelief.