Father Bill says...the Sixth Sunday of Easter

to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench

May is the month of Our Lady, Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Mother’s Day – we like to do something special here at St. Mary’s on Mother’s Day to honor the mothers of the parish – so I bring them up to the front for a blessing and a little gift. I find it interesting that some of the mothers are a bit shy – but I drag them up – it is important for me to honor them – it gives me an opportunity to honor the memory of my own mother. So Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mothers out there – you are special – and the world is a better place because of all of you caring mothers.

This Sunday here in the parish is also Confirmation Sunday – our new Bishop, Bishop LaValley, will be here to confer the Sacrament on young people from all of the parishes of the deanery. Confirmation is such an important Sacrament – a unique opportunity to touch the lives of our young people – and truly to honor them – and also to impress on them how important they are to the Church – it is our hope that Confirmation is the beginning of their active participation in the life of the Church.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Controversy in the early Church – right a the very beginning. This Sunday’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles – describes this controversy – the question – did Jesus come to bring salvation to all people – or – only to his own people, the Jews. Paul and Barnabas convince the leaders of the Jerusalem Church that many Gentiles have accepted the message of Jesus and want to follow in that movement – and they should not be required to become Jews and follow the Jewish Law as some would demand. So the Catholic Church becomes something unique and special – and such it remains.

Peace – this Sunday Gospel reading from John’s Discourse at the Last Supper – Jesus teaches his apostles and us as he prepares the apostles for the time that they would soon be without his presence – and his message is peace – be a people of peace and realize that God’s greatest gift to those who follow in the path set by the Savior is peace. Jesus reminds us that his peace – is not like the world gives – for peace is much more than an absence of war, more than some feeling of tranquility – rather a peace that brings an inner calm – a peace that is founded on a right relationship with God and with others – a true gift from God that helps us to make our part of the world a place of joy and love as all live in peace. Jesus tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” As we draw near to the celebration of the Pentecost – we pray to the Holy Spirit that the peace of God will transform our lives – that we may be a people of peace.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – touch my life with your love that I may find your peace – and live in your peace – stay close to me, my Lord – that I will not be afraid – but may bring your peace to all those who are part of my life. This is my prayer. Amen.

Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer.