May 17, 1998Sixth Sunday of Easter |
The Gospel for this Sunday continues the address of Jesus to His Disciples, and the first reading also continues with its narration of the early Church, and how the early Church, with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and the good will and work of the apostles, resolved questions about how those coming to the Church from the Jewish faith were to be received. The words of Jesus in the St. John’s narrative - “Peace is my farewell to you, my peace is my gift to you” - seem most apt and important. How many people constantly chase after peace, but never find it. The “world” and contemporary “Western culture” offer all kinds of ways to come to peace.. but they never seem to satisfy..... leading only to restlessness, addiction, and at times, sin. As Jesus was preparing His apostles for His departure, he told them he would send the Holy Spirit, and he would offer them His peace. Do we truly avail ourselves of what will bring us peace: a right relationship with the Lord, which is offered to us through His body, the Church? That true gift of peace is a challenge, and may not come easily.... involving sacrifice, perhaps suffering, and the right ordering of priorities. But it is a sure way to a right and just life, and eternal life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us some food for thought when it defines peace as not “merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be obtained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is “the tranquility of order.” Peace is the work of Justice and the effect of charity. Finally the mention of the Holy Spirit begins to prepare us for the celebration of Pentecost a few weeks hence. More on Pentecost to follow!
CELEBRATE MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS
Set aside some family time to read one of the stories in Luke's gospel that mentions Mary. Then talk about the kind of person she was when she lived, and how she models Christian values for today. A family trip to a large art museum may be an excellent way to see how Mary was depicted by artists, especially during the 15th and 16th centuries. If there is a shrine or church dedicated to Mary near your home, make a visit to it with your family during May.
Read a recent book or magazine article about Mary's place in salvation history. Share what you have learned with family members.
You might have been curious as to why Fr. Rick, Fr.Len, and I have the initials S.C.J. after our names. This is the name of our religious congregation and they stand for the words Sacerdotes Cordis Jesu (Priests of the Heart of Jesus). The word Sacerdotes (Priests) does not mean an ordained priest, but rather it means anyone who offers sacrifice to God. In that sense, we are all priests. And this is what the founder of our congregation, Fr. Leo John Dehon, SCJ had in mind.
God be with you.
Ustedes provablemente tienen la curiosidad de saber porque Padre Rick, Padre Len y yo, tenemos las iniciales de S.C.J. después de nuestros nombres. Este es el nombre de la congragación religiosa a la que pertenecemos, y éstas se derivan de las palabras del latín: Sacerdotes Cordis Jesu(Padres del Corazón de Jesús). La palabra Sacerdotes, no es la palabra ordinaria que conocemos, pero si significa: "El que ofrece sacrificios a Dios". En ese sentido todos somos sacerdotes. Y esto es lo que el fundador de nuestra congregación, Padre Leo John Dehon, S.C.J. tenía en mente.
Dios este con ustedes.
