TO KNOW HIM IN THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD: As we celebrate First Communions this weekend and take joy in the present that Jesus gives to our young people, might we also seek anew a strong Eucharistic fervor in our own hearts? As he passed from this world to his heavenly kingdom, Jesus left us two important gifts: his Blessed Mother and the Eucharist. We walk through this life as through a valley of tears, but we are never left alone or forsaken. Christ is with us! The Eucharist is his true and abiding Presence. We are loved.
LESSONS FROM THE SILENCE: I so appreciate the prayers that you offered for me during my recent days of retreat. They were blessed days indeed. What a gift it is to spend quiet time with Jesus. Stepping out of the world for a while allows us to see the things of the world in a deeper and more profound way. Allow me to share several inspirations that the Lord put on my heart as I communed with him in the silence: (1) Although I quantitatively did less each day of retreat (no work lists or difficult decisions to make), there was a sense that at the end of the day, good things had been accomplished. Why? When we simply be, as opposed to always doing, a rich harvest is brought forth in our souls. (2) Sitting outside one morning, my eyes were drawn to a stack of firewood, and the colors and textures of individual logs piled upon each other. What I saw in those logs was striking and unexpected beauty. When we slow down and step away, the sheer magnificence of God’s creation suddenly appears - unhidden and wonderful. (3) My “attitude of gratitude” grew more intense throughout the retreat. I was thankful for the times of prayer, thankful – in a wonderful way – for the warm meals, and even intensely thankful that I could walk (knowing many cannot). Silence engenders thanksgiving. (4) Finally, my memory was stirred to think of people and events long distant and easily forgotten. Certainly, some memories are a cause for grief, but memories can also be an impetus for healing and renewal. Sometimes, too, long forgotten memories are absolutely a cause for sheer joy. Maybe we become so caught up in the perceived urgency of our duties and responsibilities now, that we fail to see the tapestry formed by our years and our journeys and our lives as a whole?
HOSPITALITY AS EVANGELIZATION: Our purpose as a parish is to see lives turned upside down through an encounter with the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. This is why we exist. Evangelization – the sharing of the “Good News” of Christ - does not just happen, though. Bringing a brother or sister into an encounter with Christ normally requires a purposeful commitment on the part of the Christian disciple. Each one of us is called to be exactly such an authentic disciple and witness. A nonbeliever or a fallen away Catholic should see Christ in you and me! The manner in which we welcome and offer hospitality plays an essential role in this. This is especially true for those who greet guests as they enter our churches for a weekend Mass, a funeral, or a special event. On May 23 @ 6:00 pm, outside around the firepit, I look forward to gathering our Hospitality Ministers (and those who are being called to this ministry anew), for an evening of friendship, discipleship and formation. If you want to be the smile of Christ for each person who walks through our doors, I invite you to join this gathering. Scripture exhorts us as follows: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Heb 13:2).” May everyone who encounters a Holy Redeemer parishioner encounter Christ himself!
THE MONTH OF OUR MOTHER MARY: Finally, please remember that May is a month particularly dedicated to our Lady. The First Communicants will be crowning her during Mass this weekend. The rosary and other forms of Marian devotion are warmly recommended.
Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us!
Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!
St. Anthony – Pray for us!
St. Joseph – Pray for us!
Fr. Steve