In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus say: “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!” In these weeks after Easter the reaction of the followers of Jesus to the news that he is risen is repeated several times. For many of them, it cannot be.
They saw him scourged, nailed to a cross and die on the cross. How can he be risen? These verses of Scripture are meant to help us have a stronger faith just as they were meant to help the members of the early Church. To those who were present at the cruci xion or heard about it, they were in deep sorrow and confusion. The last thing that they expected to hear was that Jesus was not dead, but was still with them. He would not abandon them and he will not abandon us.
The Archdiocese of New York is sponsoring mini-missions throughout the Archdiocese. We will be hosting one May 15 to 17, Monday through Wednesday in the evening. Each evening will have a prayer service of music, Scripture, and a guest preacher. The title of the missions is “Revive: Faith Every Day.” Since we are the host church, parishioners from neighboring churches will be join ing us for these evenings. There will be more information coming.
Many thanks to all who were so generous in the Easter collection. Also, thanks to those who have given to help pay for the new windows in the Education Building next to the church. These windows had been there for years and were in danger of falling out or falling in. The total cost was $33,000. These old buildings always have their challenges.
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.