Christ Is Risen: Rediscovering the Heart of Easter

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

I wish each one of you a Very Happy and Blessed Easter. May the Risen Lord fill your hearts with peace, hope, and joy, and may He shower His abundant blessings and graces upon you and your families. Happy Easter!

As we rejoice in this holy season of Easter, let us look back to the life of the earliest Christians, who received this truth not as a distant tradition, but as a living reality that transformed their entire existence. Their way of celebrating Easter was deeply rooted in Scripture, strengthened by the teaching of the Apostles, and preserved in the life of the Church offers us a powerful model for our own faith life today.

From the very beginning, the Resurrection of Jesus stood at the center of Christian life. As Saint Paul boldly proclaimed: “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). For the early believers, Easter was not optional—it was everything. It was the victory of God over sin and death, the fulfillment of Christ’s promise: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

The first Christians gathered on Sunday, the day of the Lord’s Resurrection. As we read in Acts: “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread…” (Acts 20:7). This weekly gathering is what we now call Sunday Mass was their “little Easter,” a continual celebration of the risen Christ present among them.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: “Sunday is the Easter day, the day of Christ’s Resurrection. It is the fundamental feast day of the liturgical year” (CCC 1167). And again: “The Sunday celebration of the Lord’s Day and His Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life” (CCC 2177).

Even in times of persecution, the early Christians held fast to this sacred gathering. The courage of the martyrs reminds us that participation in Sunday Mass is not merely a duty, but a lifeline of grace.

The Resurrection itself was proclaimed with conviction because it was grounded in real encounters. As Saint Luke records: “He presented himself alive to them after His passion by many proofs” (Acts 1:3). The empty tomb, the appearances of Christ, and the transformation of fearful disciples into bold witnesses all testify to this truth.

The Church Fathers echoed this same faith with clarity and power. Saint Augustine wrote: “We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song.” For him and for the early Church, the Resurrection was not just an event, but the defining identity of every Christian.

Saint John Chrysostom, in his famous Easter homily, proclaimed: “Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave!” which is a poetic and triumphant expression of the victory we celebrate.

And Saint Ignatius of Antioch, writing in the first century, testified to the shift from the Sabbath to Sunday: “Those who lived according to the old order have come to a new hope, no longer keeping the Sabbath, but living in observance of the Lord’s Day.”

Easter was also the privileged time for Baptism. The early Christians understood deeply the words of Saint Paul: “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead… we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). To celebrate Easter meant to live as a new creation.

Dear friends, the witness of the early Church calls us to rediscover the depth of our own celebration:

To root our faith firmly in the truth of the Resurrection.

To gather faithfully each Sunday, recognizing it as the heart of our Christian life.

To live as people transformed by grace, marked by hope and charity.

To remember that Easter is not just a day, but a way of living.

As the Catechism beautifully proclaims: “The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ” (CCC 638). Let us then live as true witnesses of this truth.

May the risen Lord renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and draw us ever closer to Him in the Eucharist. And may our lives echo the joyful proclamation of the early Church: Christ is risen!

With Easter joy and blessings, Your Pastor

A Grace-Filled Journey Through Holy Week

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, I want to invite each of you, personally and sincerely, to come closer to the heart of Jesus. These sacred days are not meant to rush past us. They are a quiet, grace-filled invitation to slow down, to reflect, and to walk with Our Lord in a deeper, more meaningful way.

On Palm Sunday, we stand among the crowds who welcome Jesus with joy, yet we also hear of His Passion. It is a gentle reminder of how easily our own hearts can waver. And yet, even knowing our weaknesses, Jesus continues forward out of love for us.

Throughout this week, the Word of God opens before us the mystery of God’s love for you. In the words of the prophet Isaiah and in the Gospel accounts of the Passion, we see a Savior who suffers willingly, who carries our burdens, and who never turns away. I encourage you to take even a few quiet moments each day to read these passages slowly. Let them speak to your heart. (Isaiah 42:1–9; 49:1–7; 50:4–9; and 52:13–53:12).

The Paschal Triduum is the center of our faith and a beautiful opportunity to truly enter into these mysteries:

Holy Thursday invites us to the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus gives us the gift of the Eucharist – a gift of Love and shows us how to love through humble service. Consider staying a little while longer in prayer after Mass, keeping Him company. “Then Jesus came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and He said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?” Mt 26:40.

Good Friday draws us to the Cross. In silence and reverence, we remember the depth of His sacrifice. Bring your struggles, your worries, and your hopes, and place them there with Him as we venerate the Cross.

Holy Saturday offers a rare stillness. The Church waits in hope. In a busy world, this quiet can be a gift and let us make space for it.

The Easter Vigil fills that silence with light and joy. From darkness comes new life. This is our hope, and it is meant for you.

Our Catholic traditions help guide us gently through this journey:

Join in all the liturgies as they are rich, meaningful, and beautiful.

Pray the Stations of the Cross and reflect on Christ’s love for you on Good Friday.

Spend time in Eucharistic adoration, even briefly, on Holy Thursday.

Fast and abstain in a spirit of love, not obligation, on Good Friday.

Seek the healing grace of Confession and experience God’s mercy.

Above all, do not feel that you need to do everything perfectly. Simply begin. Open your heart, even in small ways, and allow the Lord to meet you there.

As you walk through this Holy Week, you might reflect on these questions:

Where is Jesus inviting me to draw closer to Him right now?

What burdens and struggles can I place into His hands?

How can I make a little more space for prayer and silence this week?

What new life might God be offering me this Easter?

Know that you are remembered in my prayers. May this Holy Week be a time of peace, grace, and renewed hope for you and your loved ones.

Preparing the Heart: Why the Church Veils Her Sacred Images

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we enter more deeply into the sacred season of Lent, you may notice that the statues and crucifixes in our Church have been veiled in purple. This ancient practice, observed during the final weeks of Lent, is not merely a change in appearance but a profound invitation into the mystery of Christ’s Passion.

The veiling of sacred images serves as a powerful reminder of the hiddenness of God’s glory during this solemn time. As the Gospel recounts, there were moments when Christ Himself withdrew from public view as His hour approached (cf. John 8:59). In a similar way, the Church invites us to enter into a kind of “fasting of the eyes,” so that we may focus more intently on prayer, repentance, and the saving work of Christ on the Cross.

The purple veils reflect the penitential character of Lent—a season marked by conversion of heart. As we hear in the prophet Joel, “Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning” (Joel 2:12). By covering what is familiar and beloved, we are gently challenged to detach from outward comforts and turn inward, allowing the Lord to renew us from within.

This practice also heightens our anticipation of Easter. When the veils are removed during Holy Week and the Easter celebration, the unveiling becomes a sign of the Resurrection – the triumph of Christ over sin and death. As St. Paul reminds us, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). For a time, what is seen is hidden, so that what is unseen may grow stronger within us.

The Church, in her wisdom, encourages us during Lent to embrace prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (cf. Matthew 6:1–18). In light of this, let us follow a few simple ways to enter more deeply into this holy season:

1. Deepen our Prayer
Set aside time each day for quiet prayer. Reflect on the Passion narratives (cf. Matthew 26–27), pray the Rosary—especially the Sorrowful Mysteries—or spend time in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Allow the silence to draw you closer to the heart of Christ.

2. Practice Detachment
Consider fasting not only from food but from distractions. Limiting screen time, simplifying your daily routine, or embracing moments of silence can help create space for God’s grace to work more fully in your life.

3. Live the Works of Mercy
Our Lenten sacrifices find their fullest meaning when united with charity. As our Lord teaches, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Reach out to those in need, whether through acts of kindness, service, or generosity.

Dear friends, the veiled images in our Church are not a loss, but a gift. They call us to look beyond what is visible and to prepare our hearts for the great mystery of our redemption. May this sacred time renew in us a deeper love for Christ and a more faithful commitment to follow Him.

Let us journey together toward the joy of the Resurrection with hearts purified and ready to receive His grace.

 “Seeing with the Heart”

Dear People of God,

The Word of God for 4^th Sunday of Lent reminds us that God sees very differently than we do.

In the First Reading from the First Book of Samuel (1 Samuel 16:6-7, 10-13a), the prophet Samuel is sent to choose the next king of Israel. At first, he looks at the older and stronger brothers, thinking surely one of them must be God’s choice. But God tells him, “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.” God chooses the youngest son, David, a simple shepherd boy.

In the Gospel from the Gospel of John (John 9:1-41), Jesus heals a man who was born blind. After washing, the man is able to see. But something deeper happens. He begins to recognize who Jesus truly is. On the other side, the religious leaders who believe they can see refuse to believe. Their hearts remain closed.

The message is simple: we can have good eyesight and still miss to see what God is doing.

And the Letter to the Ephesians (5:8-14) encourages us to live as “children of light.”

As we continue through Lent, it is a good time to ask God to open our eyes—to see His presence in our daily lives, our families, and even in difficult moments.

This coming week, on March 19, we celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph. Joseph is a beautiful example of someone who truly saw with the eyes of faith. He didn’t seek attention or recognition. Instead, he quietly trusted God and followed His guidance—even when the path was unclear. Joseph listened, obeyed, and cared faithfully for Jesus Christ and Mary.

Like David, Joseph might not have seemed important in the eyes of the world. But God saw his heart.

In our busy lives, we may overlook the quiet ways God is working around us. Like St. Joseph, we are invited to trust God and follow Him in the ordinary moments of life.

May the Lord open our eyes and help us see with faith this week.

Reflective Questions for the Week

What might God be trying to show me in my life right now that I have not noticed before?

How can I bring more light and kindness into my home or workplace this week?

In what way can I imitate Saint Joseph by trusting God more deeply in my daily life?

May God bless you and your families this week.

On March 1, during a parish visit to the Church of the Ascension in Rome, Pope Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt appeal for peace and unity in a world shaken by violence.

Speaking openly about the renewed unrest and bombings in the Middle East and ongoing war in Ukraine, the Holy Father said, “I am very worried about what is happening in the world… War, again!” He urged the faithful to become “heralds of the message of peace — the peace of Jesus, the peace that God wants for everyone.”

He reminded parishioners that violence is never the right choice. “We must always choose the good,” he said, encouraging Catholics not only to reject hatred but to actively seek unity and reconciliation.

Addressing elderly parishioners, the Pope emphasized that prayer for peace must begin at home. While we pray for distant conflicts — in the Middle East, in Ukraine, and elsewhere — we must also pray for peace in our neighborhoods, families, and communities. He encouraged parishes to raise their voices constructively, calling upon civic authorities to do more to promote safety, justice, and the common good. A faithful community, he noted, can help bring about meaningful change.

In a moving exchange with children, the Holy Father addressed the reality of evil in the world. Yes, evil exists, he acknowledged. But even more powerful is the truth that love exists. “There is good, there is love,” he said. He reminded them that human beings have the freedom to choose between good and evil, life and death. That freedom is a gift — and each of us is called to choose what is right. By choosing good, even in small daily decisions, we slowly transform the world.

He also expressed sorrow for children suffering in places like Gaza and urged young people to reject destructive paths such as drug use, choosing instead lives rooted in hope and dignity.

In a meeting with the parish council, the Holy Father offered a strong warning against an overly individualistic spirituality. Faith is not simply “God and me,” disconnected from others. Jesus did not gather isolated individuals; He formed a community. When He gave us the Eucharist, He gave us communion — not only with Himself, but with one another. Authentic Christian life is rooted in fraternal love, encounter, and shared responsibility.

This message resonates deeply with us here in the United States. We might be tempted to withdraw into private faith or personal comfort. Yet the Gospel calls us outward — toward dialogue, compassion, and courageous peacemaking.

As we continue our Lenten journey, especially on this Third Sunday of Lent with its theme of spiritual thirst, we are reminded that our world thirsts for peace, truth, and unity. Christ alone offers the living water that can soften hardened hearts and heal divisions.

Reflection Questions:

In a world wounded by war and division, how am I choosing good over evil in my daily words and actions?

Do I treat my faith as something private, or am I living it in communion and active love toward others?

Where is Christ inviting me to be a voice of peace — in my family, workplace, parish, or community?

May this Lenten season renew in us a deeper thirst for Christ’s peace and make us instruments of His reconciliation in a troubled world.

Footnote: Pope Leo XIV, Address during parish visit to the Church of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Rome, March 1, 2026.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this Second Sunday of Lent, the Church invites us to reflect on trust, transformation, and our call to holiness.

In Genesis, we hear God call Abraham to leave behind what is familiar and step into the unknown. Abraham does not have all the answers. He does not see the whole plan. Yet he trusts—and he goes. His journey becomes the beginning of God forming a people of faith.

Many of us know what it feels like to be called into the unknown. We face uncertainty in our country, in our Church, in our families, and in our personal lives. We worry about our children and grandchildren. We struggle with division in society. We carry concerns about health, finances, and the future. Like Abraham, we are asked to trust that God is still leading us.

In the Gospel, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. His face shines like the sun. For a brief moment, the disciples see clearly who He truly is. This moment of glory comes just before Jesus begins His journey toward the Cross. The Transfiguration reminds us that suffering, and sacrifice do not have the final word. Glory does. Hope does. God does.

Lent is our time on the mountain with the Lord. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we step away from distractions so we can see Jesus more clearly. We remember that we are not just trying to “be better people.” As St. Paul tells Timothy, God has saved us and called us to be holy. Holiness is not only for saints in stained glass windows. It is for every one of us—mothers and fathers, students and retirees, workers, and caregivers.

In a culture that often measures success by wealth, power, or popularity, the Lord calls us to something deeper: faithfulness, trust, and quiet courage. He calls us to listen to His Son.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us ask the Lord for the grace to trust Him more fully and to allow His light to shine in our lives.

Questions for our reflection:

Where might God be asking me to step out in faith, like Abraham?

What distractions are keeping me from listening more closely to Jesus this Lent?

How is God calling me to grow in holiness in my daily life?

May the Lord let His mercy be upon us, as we place our trust in Him.

February 22, 2026

1^st Sunday of Lent

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have already begun our Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday by going back to the very beginning.

In the Book of Genesis, we hear about the creation of our first parents and how temptation entered the world. Adam and Eve were given everything they needed. They walked with God. Yet the serpent planted doubt: “Did God really say…?” That small seed of mistrust opened the door to sin. They reached for what was not given, and harmony was broken.

That story is not just about the past. It is about us.

Psalm 51 gives us the right response: “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.” Lent is not about pretending we are perfect. It is about honestly admitting we need mercy. And the beautiful truth we hear in St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans is this: where sin increased, grace increased all the more. No failure, no addiction, no broken relationship, no long-standing habit is stronger than the grace of Christ.

In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus faces temptation in the desert. He fasts for forty days and forty nights. He is hungry, tired, and alone. The devil tempts Him with comfort, power, and pride — the same temptations we face today.

Turn stones into bread — satisfy yourself first.

Throw yourself down — make God prove Himself.

Worship me — take a shortcut to power and success.

Jesus resists every temptation, not with arguments, but with trust in the Father and the Word of God. Where Adam failed, Jesus remains faithful. The question is whether we will trust God in the moment of testing.

Lent invites us into the desert with Jesus. In our busy lives, that desert might mean turning off the noise, stepping away from constant entertainment, limiting social media, fasting from unnecessary spending, or setting aside quiet time for prayer. It may mean going to Confession after many years. It may mean forgiving someone we have held resentment toward.

We do not enter Lent alone or discouraged. We enter it with hope. Christ has already won the victory. Our small sacrifices unite us to His greater sacrifice.

This week, I encourage you to choose one concrete practice in each area:

Prayer – Set aside 10 minutes each day for quiet conversation with the Lord.

Fasting – Give up something that creates space for God, not just chocolate.

Almsgiving – Help someone in need, whether through a donation, a meal, your time or just being there and listening to someone in need.

Let this Lent be real. May this holy season draw us closer to Christ, who remained faithful in the desert so that we might share in His victory.

With prayers for you and your families,

Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela

A few years into my priesthood, I hit a wall. I had taken on too many commitments: Masses, meetings, ministries, projects. I couldn’t keep up. I was double-booking, forgetting things, running late, and letting people down. My boss at the time, a wise priest, and our shared secretary, noticed. For my birthday, the two gave me a stack of 100 flashcards, each with one word printed in a different language: “NO.” It was funny, but also painfully true. If I couldn’t say no, my yes was in danger.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One” (Matthew 5:37). He’s not just giving advice about polite speech. He’s showing us something about the freedom of Christian discipleship. The follower of Christ is called to speak clearly, simply, and honestly. There is joy in that kind of freedom.

The Church Fathers often linked this kind of straightforward truthfulness with spiritual maturity. The devil is the father of lies, but Jesus is the Word made flesh. When we hedge, flatter, exaggerate, or avoid, we open space for the shadows to creep in. That little stack of flashcards reminded me that God does not want us enslaved to the expectations of others or to the fear of disappointing them. He wants us to enjoy the peace of saying yes and meaning it, and saying no, and meaning it, too.

Lenten Challenge: Practice one moment of honest, peaceful speech this week. Maybe it’s a sincere “yes” to something important, or a humble “no” to something you cannot do. Let it be a quiet step into the freedom Jesus offers.

— Father John Muir

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

1^st Reading Question

Sirach speaks of the human freedom to choose between good and evil and of God’s desire for us to act justly. What good could you do this week for a friend or family member?

2^nd Reading Question

Paul teaches that God reveals His wisdom to us through the Holy Spirit. How might you be more open to listening to the Holy Spirit in your daily life?

Gospel Question

Jesus offers stern warnings against breaking the commandments, holding grudges, committing adultery, divorcing your spouse, and falsifying oaths. Why do you think Jesus holds us to such high moral expectations?

I recently learned why zebras have stripes. Scientists used to think it was for camouflage, but new research suggests something more interesting: the stripes help zebras blend in with one another. When a predator looks at a herd, the overlapping stripes make it hard to single out one animal. But if a researcher spray-paints a dot on just one zebra, predators lock on it and eventually attack. The lesson? In the wild, blending in is protection. Standing out can be dangerous.

Human beings are not so different. Most of us would rather blend in than stand out, especially when it comes to our faith. We know that giving bold witness to Jesus — through our words, values, or public choices — can make us targets for criticism, isolation, or judgment. That’s why Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are so challenging: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).

A city on a hill draws attention. It also draws fire. But that’s part of the cost of discipleship. Jesus doesn’t call us to be tribal or boastful. He calls us to stand in the open with humble confidence, so that people might see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. Today, let’s ask for the courage not just to believe in Christ, but to be seen believing in him.

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· Father John Muir

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©LPi

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

1^st Reading Question

We hear from Isaiah that the Lord expects us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and avoid false accusations and hateful speech. Which of these virtues could you practice this week?

2^nd Reading Question

Paul encourages the Corinthians to ground their faith in the power of God and not in human wisdom. How can you make this a regular habit?

Gospel Question

Jesus challenges his disciples to have a positive influence in the world. Who do you know makes the world a better place? 

©LPi

I was 22 years old, lying in bed one night while on a pilgrimage, when I suddenly sensed an idea in my mind: “Go to the seminary.” There was no voice, no vision, but a gentle and unmistakable clarity. I simply prayed, “Lord, if that’s from you, let me find great joy in it.” Three days later, my heart was bursting with joy. I dropped everything and entered the seminary. The older I get, the stranger my rather careless and hasty departure seems to me. I followed not because it made sense, or because I was especially brave. I went because the Lord called me. 

Something like this happens in today’s Gospel. Jesus walks by Simon, Andrew, James, and John and says, “Come after me” (Matthew 4:19). And immediately they leave their nets and follow. There’s no explanation, no hesitation … just movement. Why? As St. John says, “In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us” (1 John 4:10). They do not leave their nets because his call made perfect, calculable sense. They left them because they were called. And Jesus’ call is powerful.

Take a moment this week to remember when Christ first called you. However small or quiet it was, recall it, and give thanks. The more we marvel that Christ has called us personally, the more passionately and freely we will follow him.

Questions for our reflection.

1^st Reading Question

Isaiah prophesies a future reversal of fortune for the people living in the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. Have you ever received an unexpected gift or blessing?

2^nd Reading Question

Paul urges the Corinthians to be united in mind and purpose, and to avoid rivalries. How do you react to conflicts at home or at work?

Gospel Question

Matthew tells us that Jesus began his public ministry by calling disciples, healing the sick and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven. Have you ever felt a “call to action” to live out your faith?