Dear Friends,
From our Gospel, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Who does not long for peace? What is the peace we long for? Certainly, our hearts continue to cry to God for peace in Ukraine and the troubled spots of the world. A peace that brings an end to violence, suffering, devastation. That is one form of peace that our human family longs for. We also long for peace in our families, our neighborhoods, our workplaces.
Jesus continues, saying, “Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” Jesus is talking of another peace, a peace that comes from God and remains within us through all of this world’s adversities, challenges, and distress. How do we receive this peace of which Jesus speaks? “Whoever loves Me will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him.”
The path to enter into Jesus’ peace is through Him, being in prayerful relationship with Him, keeping His word, obeying His commands, surrendering to His grace, walking in His footsteps. God has made us for Himself, Jesus has won redemption for us, giving us access to God’s saving and life-giving grace.
So, Jesus tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Perhaps that sounds like a tall order indeed. But when God has created us in His own image and likeness, and sent His only Son to redeem us, then pours out His Holy Spirit on us through Baptism and Confirmation, we must come to know and accept that we are loved beyond all measure, beyond any and all doubts.
Pray to the Holy Spirit, our Advocate. Pray for the ability to surrender your will to the Father, to willingly pray and sacrifice, knowing that what you offer up, you offer up with the Sacrifice of Jesus. The Father will accept it for your good and the good of the world. Come, most Holy Spirit, come!
This Thursday is Ascension Thursday, a holy day of obligation. Masses are at 6:30, 9 AM, 12:05, 7 PM. Next Sunday, Father Andrew Auletta will return to celebrate the 12 Noon Mass. We will have a small reception for him after Mass. Pray for our newly ordained priests and all priests experiencing a change in their assignment.
Perhaps you have noticed a few trees have been removed near the Memorial to the Unborn. We have developed quite a gully or deep hole in the ground there. It is unsightly and perhaps a bit dangerous. The plan is to fill it in, add topsoil and grass to extend the beautiful front lawn facing Sixth and Locust. We hope it offers inspiration as folks drive by.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
