Fifth Sunday of Easter (First Communion)

Fifth Sunday of Easter (First Communion)

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 6:1–7 | 1 Pt 2:4–9 | Jn 14:1–12

We are sheep, and Christ our Good Shepherd

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

Whose voice have you listened to lately?

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

Where are you being called to be merciful?

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

Easter: The Most Magical Time of Year

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