Dear Friends,
Divine Mercy Sunday provided us with a stunningly powerful confession of faith, “My Lord and my God,” by the apostle commonly referred to as “doubting Thomas.” But Thomas was able to make the leap of faith from doubt to belief in the Risen Lord through his profession of one of the most profound and significant faith statements found in Sacred Scripture. We, likewise, can find ourselves in similar situations of disbelief. During these troubling times, as we continue to endure the unknown elements related to the COVID-19 crisis, let us not lose sight of the fact of the Resurrection … our “wellspring of hope, renewal and triumph.”
Our Scripture readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter provide us with yet another important passage from the Gospel of Luke (24:13-35), placing before us the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The experience of the two disciples represents that of our faith journey, oftentimes fraught with periods of delay, frustration, distraction, pain, and disappointment, when we tend toward giving up on God and returning to our former ways. But Jesus continues to accompany us, just as He did so long ago, to walk with us, to open our hearts and minds to the Scriptures, and to invite us the table of the Eucharist, our wellspring of life. The tables of both the Word and the Eucharist are the lifeline of the Catholic Church, two gifts essential to our identity. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus did something noteworthy; when they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread, their hearts began to burn within them. Eucharist is one of the distinguishing marks of Catholicism – without it, we cannot exist.
What did the disciples do when they recognized Jesus? At once, they set out and returned to Jerusalem to join the other disciples. We can certainly learn a lesson here. The Coronavirus pandemic has necessitated the use of media and technology to access livestreamed Mass, but it will never replace our gathering to break bread together as a community of disciples. Please understand that this separation is only temporary; it will never be able to replace the physical presence of a community gathered to celebrate the Eucharist. May this time of deprivation and desolation fuel in us a sincere longing for the Eucharist, one that was possibly lost in the pre-COVID-19 era hustle-and-bustle of life where so many other “longings” compete for our attention. May our hearts burn within for that day when we will truly value the preciousness of the gift of the Eucharist. And then, like the disciples of Emmaus, may us begin to “recount” the wonders that God has done for us!
I take this moment to thank you all for your extraordinary generosity in supporting our parish through your donations. Without you, we cannot keep our church up and running. Some of you have even offered to share your stimulus package, either partially or in its entirety. You are a true blessing! For those who have been wondering how to support us, please use any of the three methods available: giving online, mailing in your contribution, or dropping off at the office. Thank you again for your support and generosity!
I am very glad to announce that Cheryl Cominsky, one of our own, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of The Children’s Hunger Project. We have been partnering with them for many years to eradicate hunger in our county.
Congratulations Cheryl!
WE truly hope that life will return to normal soon so that we might experience the joy of having you physically present to worship the Lord of the Eucharist.
With Love,
Fr. John Britto Antony C.S.C.