“We hold the Jewish people in special regard because their covenant with God has never been revoked, for ‘the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.’The church which shares with the Jews an important part of the sacred Scriptures, looks upon the people of the covenant and their faith as one of the sacred roots of her own Christian identity. As Christians, we cannot consider Judaism as a foreign religion; nor do we exclude the Jews among those called to turn from idols and to serve the true God. With them, we believe in the one God who acts in history, and with them we accept the revealed word.

Dialogue and friendship with the children of Israel are part of the life of Jesus’ disciples. The friendship which has grown between us makes us bitterly and sincerely regret the terrible persecutions which they have endured, and continue to endure, especially those that have involved Christians.”

John’s Gospel says: “I am the true vine and you are the branches.” Perhaps we’ve never considered our relationship with the Lord in these terms, but it points out the important “connection” that the Lord has with us and we have with him. He also says: “Remain in me, as I remain in you,” and “without me you can do nothing.” It is a very important “connection” that we have and any attempt to go off on our own might not prove to be wise. The purpose of our being “connected” with the Lord is that we may “bear fruit” and become his disciples. This Easter season reminds us of our becoming joined to the Lord Jesus. Every time that we are sprinkled with the Easter Water, we are reminded of our becoming part of the Body of Christ at Baptism. Let us be thankful for this blessing!

This Tuesday we continue with the 13 Tuesdays in preparation for the Feast of St. Anthony. It happens that this Tuesday, May 1, is also the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. In 1955 Pope Pius XII established the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the same day as May Day or International Workers Day. The Holy Father wanted to emphasize the importance and dignity of work and the value of having a decent workplace. The day to day work of St. Joseph the carpenter serves as a model to workers. Come and celebrate St. Joseph!

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.

“Commitment to ecumenism responds to the prayer of the Lord Jesus that ‘they may all be one.’ The credibility of the Christian message would be much greater if Christians could overcome their divisions and the church could realize ‘the fullness of catholicity proper to her in those of her children who, though joined to her by baptism, are yet separated from full communion with her.’

We must never forget that we are pilgrims journeying alongside one another. This means that we must have sincere trust in our fellow pilgrims, putting aside all suspicion or mistrust, and turn our gaze to what we are all seeking: the radiant peace of God’s face. Trusting others is an art and peace is an art. Jesus told us: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’ In taking up this task, also among ourselves, we fulfill the ancient prophecy: ‘They shall beat their swords into ploughshares.’”

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday and the Gospel from St. John begins “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.” Even though I grew up in the country, there were few sheep and no shepherds. The Gospel offers a job description of what a “good” shepherd should be. Of course, this is Jesus. It is worthwhile reading over this Gospel several times, allowing the content of the reading to speak to you. The second reading is also filled with positive thoughts: “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called children of God.” And then it adds:“Yet so we are.”This is what God thinks of us, each one of us in our uniqueness and individuality. We are indeed blessed by God. Let us be grateful!

There are two Pilgrimages that you might enjoy:

1. May 12-13 to Boston. Visit and Mass at St. Anthony’s Shrine, visit to Holy Cross Cathedral and visit and tour of the Kennedy Library. Check the Front Desk to sign up. Spaces still available.

2. Pilgrimage to Poland, and Easter Europe Nov. 5 to 16. Information and registration forms are available at reception desk. Spaces are still available, although they are going fast.

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.

On this Third Sunday of Easter two of the disciples encounter Jesus whose greeting to them is “Peace be with you.” They are still trying to grasp all that has happened to him and the fact that he keeps appearing to them. He says to them, “Why are you troubled? … Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.” They are still overcome with fear that the Jewish leaders and the Roman soldiers will come after them and do to them what they did to Jesus. Jesus spends time with them, helping them understand that what the Scriptures had foretold has indeed taken place through him. He says “You are witnesses of these things.” This word “witness” is important for us because we too are “witnesses” of Jesus.

Monday, April 16, is the date in 1209 that Pope Innocent III approved the First Rule of Life for St. Francis. This is regarded as the date for the founding of the Franciscan Movement. We, Friars, generally renew our vows on that day.

This week I will be celebrating Mass for the Sisters of Divine Providence at Jeanne d’Arc Residence a few blocks away from here as they celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the founding of this residence for young women. When you think of all the women that they have served for these 120 years, we certainly can offer them a whole hearted “Congratulations” and a big “Thank you.”

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.