Dear Parish Family,

Look at the three readings this Sunday side by side and one message emerges loud and clear: God chooses people — to send them on mission.

That is exactly what Bishop Gruss is asking of us this year in the Year of the Holy Spirit for the Diocese of Saginaw. The timing is not a coincidence.

You Are a Kingdom of Priests. (Exodus 19:2–6a)

At Mount Sinai, God tells Moses something remarkable — if the people keep His covenant, they will be His “treasured possession” and a “kingdom of priests.” In the ancient world, priests were the ones who carried the presence of God to others. God was not simply saying “you are Mine.” He was saying “you are Mine for a purpose.” That purpose has not changed. Every baptized Catholic is part of that priestly people. We are not spectators in the pew. We are carriers of God’s presence in the world.

You Were Rescued for a Reason. (Romans 5:6–11)

St. Paul reminds us that Christ died for us “while we were still sinners” before we earned it, before we deserved it. Salvation is entirely God’s gift.

This matters enormously for how we go on the mission. We are not sent because we are impressive or talented or clever or experienced. We are sent because we are loved and rescued. We go not with pride, but with gratitude. That changes everything about how we approach someone who is far from God.

The Harvest Is Right in Front of Us. (Matthew 9:36–10:8)

Here is the heart of today’s Gospel. Jesus travels through every town and village. He looks at the crowds — tired, troubled, lost and His heart is “moved with pity” for them because they are “like sheep without a shepherd.”

That image is not ancient history. It describes our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our own families. People who are lonely. People who walked away from the Church. People who have never heard the Gospel in a way that reached them.

Jesus does not look at the crowd and turn away. He turns to His disciples and says:

“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” Matthew 9:37–38

And then, without waiting, He sends the Twelve. He gives them His own authority. He tells them to cure the sick, raise the dead, and drive out demons. And then He says something we must not rush past:

“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Matthew 10:8

The sending did not stop with the Twelve. It continues in us through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Spirit dwelling in us right now.

The Year of the Holy Spirit Is a Year of Mission.

Bishop Gruss proclaimed this Year of the Holy Spirit calling us to become “more missional focused” and reminding us that this mission begins “with the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Today’s Gospel is the blueprint. Jesus saw the crowd. He prayed for laborers. He sent them out and He is sending us too.

The question is not whether we are called. We are. The question is whether we will respond to the call of Jesus and go.

Three Practical Steps This Week:

Pray for laborers — starting with yourself. Jesus said “ask the master of the harvest.” Spend five minutes this week asking God where He wants to send you — in your neighborhood, your workplace, your family. The Year of the Holy Spirit begins one prayer at a time.

Look at the crowd around you. Pay attention this week to people who seem troubled, lonely, or lost. We do not need a program to reach them. We need the compassion of Christ which is already ours through the Holy Spirit. Start with one person. Ask how they are really doing.

Come to the Sacraments as fuel for the mission. We cannot give what we do not have. Go to Confession. Come to Mass with fresh eyes. Let the Eucharist and the Spirit send us, as Jesus sent the Twelve, back into the world ready to serve.

FOR REFLECTION THIS WEEK

1. Do we live as though we carry the presence of God into every room we enter — at work, at home, in the neighborhood? What would change this week if we did?

2. When we think about someone who seems far from God, do we lead with the mercy that found us or with judgment? Which one looks more like Jesus?

3. Who is that crowd in our life right now? And is the Holy Spirit asking us to be the laborer sent to them this week?

250 Years, One Heart: Consecrating America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Something extraordinary is about to happen and this parish family is invited to be part of it.

On June 11, 2026, the U.S. Bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus marking the first such formal consecration of our country to Christ’s Heart. This historic act coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Two hundred and fifty years ago, our founders declared truths they believed to be self-evident. Today, we are invited to declare something even more foundational: that this land, its people, and its future belong to the Heart of Jesus.

Do not let this moment pass without you.

Why the Sacred Heart? Why Now?

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a devotion to Christ’s Heart, which represents and recalls His love for us. It is not merely a pious image. It is the living symbol of the God who loves us without condition, without limit, and without end and who asks, in return, that we entrust ourselves entirely to Him.

Pope Francis in his encyclical Dilexit Nos ‘He Loved Us’ (October 24, 2024) on the human and divine love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, highlighted the devotion as an antidote to modern superficiality.

There has never been a moment in our nation’s history more in need of what only Jesus can offer. We feel it in our homes, in our communities, in the news we scroll past every morning. But what if this very moment of need is exactly the opening grace has been waiting for? The Sacred Heart of Jesus is not a symbol of a distant God. It is the sign of a God who moves toward us, who sees the fractures in our families, the coldness in our culture, the longing in our hearts and says: “Come to Me”. Not to a policy. Not to a party. To Me. To My Heart. That is the invitation of June 11.

What Are We Being Called to Do?

The Bishops are asking us to participate. Fully. Personally. At every level of Catholic life.

The national consecration is a powerful act. But the Bishops want it to go deeper than a ceremony. They want it to reach into parishes, into dioceses, and into the rooms of our homes so that this becomes not just a moment in history, but a turning point in the life of every Catholic family in America.

So here is the invitation, simply stated: Consecrate your Parish. Consecrate your Homes. Gather your family on June 11 and pray together out loud, with intention that the Heart of Jesus reigns here. There is something profound and even courageous about a family choosing, in the middle of this cultural moment, gather around your kitchen table, in your living room, with your children beside you. Our Parish family will pray the Consecration Prayer on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14.

Prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:

You know the longings of our hearts, and You desire that we enjoy friendship with You. From Your pierced side, You have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst. Your Heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with You.

We celebrate the abundant gifts You have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We make reparation for the offenses against You and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation. May our hearts be united to Yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. 

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. 

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us..

Last Sunday on Pentecost, something significant happened beyond our parish walls. Bishop Gruss proclaimed a Year of the Holy Spirit for the entire Diocese of Saginaw beginning Pentecost 2026 and running through Pentecost 2027. That announcement was not just a calendar note. It was a pastoral call where our Bishop is inviting us to actually encounter the Holy Spirit. And this Sunday — the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity — is the perfect moment to hear that call and respond. Trinity Sunday is not just a feast about God’s inner life. It is a call to let the inner life of God reshape ours and here is what I want us to hold onto from the readings.

The God who shows up and tells us who He is.

In the book of Exodus 34:4b–6, 8–9, Moses climbs the mountain and God passes before him, not to terrify him, but to introduce Himself: merciful, gracious, slow to anger, rich in kindness. This is the God who leads with love and mercy and not with wrath. Moses’ response? He drops to his knees and worships. That’s the right instinct for us too. When we see who God actually is, the knees go down first.

The most important verse in the Gospel

The Gospel (John 3:16–18) takes us to the heart of everything: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” The Father sends the Son and the Son saves. And through Baptism, we are invited into a deeper encounter with the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, who has sent us on mission. That is the inner logic of Holy Trinity Sunday and the Year of the Holy Spirit, held together. The Father loves. The Son saves. The Spirit stays recreating us, strengthening us, and sending us out on mission.

The Holy Spirit is already living in us.

In Bishop Gruss’ words: “The Holy Spirit is the power, breath, and fire of the Church. The Spirit is the One who makes Christ present, breaks the chains of sin, heals wounds of the heart, restores hope, strengthens virtue, ignites courage, and awakens holiness. The Spirit does not merely improve us — He recreates us.”

Bishop Gruss has invited us to become “more missional focused” and that ministry begins “with the power of the Holy Spirit.” He envisions numerous events in the Diocese and in particular parishes to celebrate the Year of the Holy Spirit.

Here are three simple things we can do starting this week:

1. Pray to the Holy Spirit daily. “Come, Holy Spirit.” Say it in the morning. Say it before a hard conversation. Say it before Mass. Let it become an innate reflex.

2. Make the Sign of the Cross slowly and deliberately. It is a profession of faith in the Trinity, a reminder of our Baptism, and a small act of worship every time we make it. Don’t rush it.

Go to Confession. The Holy Spirit reconciles us with God and one another. If we want to be open to the Spirit’s work this year, let us start with a clean slate. The confessional is where that begins.

God is not far away. He is Father, Son, and Spirit and He is with us.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It’s the birthday of the Church – Happy Pentecost!

The First Reading (Acts 2:1-11) brings us back to that Upper Room where we hear about a driving wind, tongues of fire, frightened disciples suddenly transformed into fearless witnesses. That was not a one-time event. The Holy Spirit is alive, active, and moving right now, in our time, in our Diocese.

A Historic Day for Our Diocese

Most Reverend Robert Gruss, our Bishop, officially proclaims the Year of the Holy Spirit for the Diocese of Saginaw beginning today, Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2026, and concluding on Pentecost Sunday 2027. This is Bishop Gruss’ invitation to every Catholic in our Diocese to do one thing above all else this year: deepen our personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, the Third Divine Person of the Most Holy Trinity. This is not a program. This is a call. And the timing could not be more perfect.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Across America, something extraordinary is unfolding. The New York Times (March 26, 2026) reported “Roman Catholic Churches See a Surge of New Converts.” Catholic Answers (April 2, 2026) declared “Catholic Conversions Hit Decade Highs.” Aleteia (April 3, 2026) highlighted “College Teens Choosing to Become Catholic.”

Data compiled by ‘Hallow’ from more than 140 U.S. Catholic Dioceses indicates that over 80% reported increases in Easter OCIA participation in 2026, with Dioceses averaging a 38% rise in people entering the Church compared with 2025. Catholic Herald (April 12, 2026) reported that Los Angeles welcomed over 8,500 new Catholics – a 139% surge. Detroit received 1,428 – its highest number in 21 years.

It looks like something is happening, isn’t it? And it’s the Holy Spirit.

Young adults, college students especially, are leading this journey. Tired of the emptiness that culture promises and never delivers, they are walking through Church doors hungry for truth, beauty, and something real. Bishop Dewane from the Diocese of Venice stated: “Our modern culture has not borne good fruits, and I think people see that. They recognize that. They know that.” Source: National Catholic Register / EWTN News, March 30, 2026.

In the Gospel (John 20:19-23), Jesus appears to frightened disciples behind locked doors and says: “Peace be with you… Receive the Holy Spirit.” He has never stopped saying those words to us.

St. Paul reminds us (1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13) that each of us has received a gift of the Spirit, not for ourselves, but for the common good. We are one Body. Every one of us has a role in this moment of renewal.

The Spirit did not fill the Upper Room so the disciples could stay inside. He sent them out. He is sending us out, too.

As we enter this Year of the Holy Spirit together, let us:

· Pray daily and ask the Holy Spirit by name to lead and transform you

· Live the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness – visibly and boldly\

· Invite someone – the wind is blowing right here in Saginaw. Don’t let someone you love miss it

Veni, Sancte Spiritus. Come, Holy Spirit — come again.

Three Questions for Reflection:

1. Where are the locked doors in my own heart, the fears, and doubts, where am I still waiting for the Holy Spirit to break in? (Acts 2:1)

2. What gift of the Spirit has been placed in me and how will I use it to build up this parish during the Year of the Holy Spirit? (1 Cor 12:7)

3. Who in my life, may be a child, a grandchild, a coworker might the Spirit already be drawing toward the Church? What is one step I will take this week to open that door?

“Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.” Psalm 104:30

“Go Therefore – The World Is Waiting”

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Let’s picture this: Jesus has just ascended into heaven. The apostles are standing on a hillside, staring up into the clouds and two angels appear and ask them: “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (Acts 1:11)

That question is not just for eleven men on a hillside two thousand years ago. It is for every Catholic in this parish, right now.

We believe. We show up. We love the Lord. But sometimes we are not quite sure what He is asking us to do next. This Sunday, the Church answers that question beautifully.

In Acts 1:1–11, two angels gently but firmly redirect the disciples who are frozen in amazement: “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (v. 11) The message is clear – there is work to be done, and we are the ones to do it. Is there a moment this week- a conversation, a relationship, an opportunity where Christ might be inviting us to take one small step of faith instead of standing still?

In Ephesians 1:17–23, St. Paul prays something stunning over his people and over us. He prays that we would truly grasp the hope we have been called to and recognize the power already at work in us. The same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him above every authority is alive in us through our Baptism. That is not a small thing. That is everything. How would our week look different if we actually lived that way?

In Matthew 28:16–20, Jesus gathers His disciples – the ones who doubted, the ones who were afraid, the ones who were imperfect and He looks them in the eye and says: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” (v. 19) And then, so they would never forget it, He adds: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (v. 20) He did not wait for them to have it all together. He never does. He is asking us right now, as we are – to go. Who is one person already in our lives who needs to encounter the love of Christ and what is the most natural, loving way we can be that bridge for them this week?

THIS IS OUR MOMENT TOO

Here is what strikes me about this feast: the Ascension is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of ours. Jesus does not ascend to disappear. He ascends to reign in us, over everything, on our behalf. And in doing so, He hands the mission to us. To this parish. To the people sitting in these pews. To each one of us reading this right now.

We do not need a theology degree. We do not need to have all the answers. We just need to be willing to go where He sends us and trust that He meant it when He said He would be with us always. The mission field is not far away. It is our neighborhood, our workplace, our family dinner table. The people who need to encounter the living Christ are already in our lives. They are waiting even if they do not know it yet.

A WORD FOR THE MONTH OF MAY

Scripture tells us Blessed Virgin Mary was right there in the upper room: “All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with…Mary the mother of Jesus” (Acts 1:14). She did not stand frozen staring at the sky. She gathered, she prayed, and she pointed every soul in that room back to her Son, just as she does for us today.

This is May, a month dedicated to her, and there is no better response to the mission of Ascension Sunday than to pick up the Rosary. The Glorious Mysteries walk us through the very events we celebrate this Sunday: the Resurrection, the Ascension, and the descent of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray the Rosary this month. Write down the name of someone who needs to experience the love of Christ and bring them to Our Lady. She has never stopped doing what she did at Cana, pointing to Jesus and saying: “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). She will not disappoint.

Next Sunday the Church celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost – her very birthday. Let us go to Confession this week if we have not recently. Come open. Come expectant. And let us invite someone to join us. There is always room in this family.

“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

Celebrating Love and Guidance: A Tribute to our Mothers

Dear Parish Family,

On the 6^th Sunday of Easter, the Word of God reminds us of the profound love and guidance that comes from our faith and our cherished relationships. This Sunday, which coincides with Mother’s Day, is especially meaningful to me as a priest. It offers a precious opportunity to reflect on the impact of our Mothers, and the influence she has had on our lives.

In the Reading from Acts of the Apostles (8:5-8, 14-17), Philip goes to Samaria, proclaims Christ and the people pay attention. Unclean spirits are cast out, the sick are healed, and ‘there was great joy in that city.’ When word reaches Jerusalem, Peter and John are sent to pray for the new believers and the Holy Spirit falls upon them through the laying on of hands. This is the Church in motion, love that does not stay behind closed doors, but goes out, heals, and draws others toward God. We clearly see this in our Mothers, a love that never stayed behind closed doors, but always moved toward good of others, like the Apostles. In her tireless effort to create a nurturing home, our Mothers gave the greatest testimony St. Peter in his first letter (3:15-18) could ask for: a reason for hope, offered not in grand words, but in a faithful, gentle life.

In the Gospel (John 14:15-21) Jesus speaks to His disciples with words that have echoed through every generation: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth”, and He also says, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come back to you,”  where we hear the echo of every mother who ever kept a light on, waited up, and refused to let her child face the darkness alone. And Jesus gave us from the Cross a precious gift of His Mother to be our spiritual Mother, when He said “Behold, your Mother” (cf. Jn 19:27), and like a mother, she continually points us to her Son, Jesus, with tender care.

This week, let us give thanks to God for the mothers God has given us and let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us carry their example into the world, just as Philip carried the Good News into Samaria: boldly, joyfully, and with hearts set free.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Mothers!

I invite you to join me in this special prayer for our Mothers:

A Prayer of Gratitude for Mothers:

Gracious and Loving Father,

We lift our hearts in gratitude for the gift of mothers, who reflect Your boundless love in our lives. Bless them with strength and patience as they nurture and guide us on our journey of faith. Grant them joy and peace in their hearts, knowing their love makes a lasting impact on our lives. We thank You for their sacrifices, their wisdom, and their unwavering support. May they feel cherished and appreciated, surrounded by the love of their families and friends.

For mothers who have passed into Your eternal embrace, grant them eternal rest and the joy of Your presence. Heavenly Father, comfort those mothers who face challenges, and fill their hearts with hope. May they draw inspiration from Mary, our Blessed Mother, who embraced Your will with grace and courage. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us honor our mothers, both earthly and heavenly, cherishing the love and wisdom they provide. May we continue to reflect Christ’s love in our families and communities.

Building Bridges of Faith and Service

Dear Parish Family,

On the 5th Sunday of Easter, our readings offer profound insights into the essence of Christian community, service, and trust in Jesus Christ. These themes resonate deeply with our lives today, inviting us to reflect on how we can embody them within our parish and beyond.

In our First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 6:1-7), we witness the early Church confronting challenges by appointing Deacons to care for the needs of the community. The apostles said, “It is not right for us to neglect the Word of God to serve at table” (Acts 6:2), highlighting the importance of shared responsibility and service. In our own parish, we are called to emulate this spirit of collaboration, recognizing that each of us has unique gifts to offer. Whether through volunteering, joining a ministry, or simply offering a helping hand, we can all contribute to building a vibrant, supportive community.

The Second Reading from 1 Peter (1 Peter 2:4-9) enriches this idea by describing us as “living stones,” forming a spiritual house. St. Peter writes, “Let yourselves be built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). Each one of us is integral to the structure of the Church, and together, we create a dwelling place for God. This passage challenges us to reflect on our personal role in the Church and encourages us to actively participate in its mission. Let us strive to be living stones that radiate Christ’s love, within our parish, our Diocese and in the broader world.

In the Gospel of John (John 14:1-12), Jesus reassures His disciples with the promise, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). He speaks of preparing a place for them, saying, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places” (John 14:2), inviting us to trust in His guidance and eternal care. In a world filled with uncertainty, this message offers profound comfort and direction. We are called to place our trust in Jesus, knowing that He will lead us to the fullness of life.

As we ponder these readings, let us consider how we can integrate these lessons into our daily lives:

Reflective Questions:

How can I actively serve and support my parish community, following the model of the early Church?

In what ways can I be a “living stone,” fostering a sense of belonging and love in my family and community?

How can I deepen my trust in Jesus, allowing Him to guide my path as the Way, the Truth, and the Life?

May these reflections inspire us to grow in faith and love this Easter season, as we continue building bridges of faith and service within our community.

Embracing the Heart of the Good Shepherd:

A Call to Listen, Follow, and Serve

Dear Parishioners,

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Good Shepherd Sunday, we reflect on the profound and comforting presence of Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. In the Gospel of John 10:1-10, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). This message invites us to listen to His voice and follow Him, especially in this season of Easter joy.

In the first reading from Acts 2:14a, 36-41, we witness Peter’s powerful proclamation of the risen Christ, calling the people to repentance and baptism, leading them to a new life in Christ. This call echoes the invitation of the Good Shepherd, who desires to lead us to the abundance of life found in His resurrection.

The second reading from 1 Peter 2:20b-25 reminds us of the suffering Christ endured for our sake, depicting Him as the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls. In our busy and noisy world, we must recognize and heed the voice of Jesus, our Shepherd, who guides us with love and care.

St. Augustine wisely noted, “There is no better place to seek the Lord than in the heart of the Church, for there He dwells as the Good Shepherd, ready to guide and protect His flock.” By engaging in prayer, Scripture reading, and the sacraments, we deepen our relationship with Christ, who knows each of us by name and desires to lead us to the green pastures of peace and fulfillment.

The Second Vatican Council, in Lumen Gentium, describes the Church as “a sign and instrument both of a very closely knit union with God and of the unity of the whole human race” (LG 1). As members of His flock, we are called to share Christ’s love and truth with others, acting as shepherds to one another by offering support, encouragement, and compassion. By reaching out to those in need, we reflect the love of our Shepherd and strengthen the bonds within our community.

This Sunday, let us pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, so that more may be inspired to serve as shepherds in the likeness of Christ. Let us be attentive to the ways we can bring healing and hope to those around us, fostering a community that mirrors the heart of the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd invites us to walk alongside Him in trust and surrender. As we journey in faith, may we find strength in His guidance and courage to face life’s challenges with hope and resilience. Let us strive to be instruments of His peace, sharing His love with all we encounter.

Reflect:

How can you nurture a deeper connection with the Good Shepherd in your everyday life?

In what ways can you serve as a shepherd to others in your community?

What steps can you take to discern and follow the voice of Jesus more closely?

The Burning Heart and the Living Presence

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

These words, spoken by the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, are among the most quietly powerful lines in all of Sacred Scripture. Two people. Shattered hopes. Seven miles of grief. And then, without warning, a stranger joins them on the road.

They did not recognize Him at first. But something was happening within them that they could not explain. Their hearts were on fire.

This is what the Easter season is truly about. Not only the proclamation that the tomb is empty, but the personal encounter with the Risen Lord that sets the human heart aflame.

The Road We Are All Walking

If we are honest, many of us know what it feels like to be those disciples. We set out with hope for our families, our faith, our lives and somewhere along the way, the road becomes harder than we expected. We had hoped. We had prayed. Yet the weight of the world still presses in.

The beautiful truth of today’s Gospel is this: Jesus does not wait for us to understand everything before He draws near. He walks with us in confusion, grief, and even doubt. He opens the Scriptures to us. He sits at table with us. And in the breaking of the Bread, at the Altar, at every Mass, He makes Himself known.

Every Sunday, we are those disciples. We come weary. We come uncertain. And He comes to us.

Recognized in the Breaking of the Bread

It is no accident that the disciples recognized the Risen Christ in the breaking of the Bread. Not in argument. Not in spectacle. But in a simple, sacred act. The early Church immediately understood this as the Eucharist. This is why we gather.

At every Mass, the same pattern unfolds:

· He meets us where we are – Gathering as one community

· He opens the Word to us – Liturgy of the Word

· He breaks the Bread – Liturgy of the Eucharist

Our eyes are opened and we are sent forth into the world to proclaim

If the Mass has ever felt routine, let today’s Gospel renew our vision. The God who conquered death is truly present – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity upon the Altar. That burning heart is not reserved for a few; it is offered to each of us, at every Mass.

A Word of Challenge

Once the disciples recognized Him, they did not remain where they were. Scripture tells us they rose immediately and returned to Jerusalem to share the news. An encounter with the Risen Christ never leaves us unchanged or stationary.

So, let us consider this question: Who in my life is walking a road of grief, confusion, or lost hope? Can I go and walk beside them?

This is the mission of every baptized Christian, not to keep the encounter to ourselves, but to become, for someone else, the unexpected companion on a difficult road.

Divine Mercy Sunday – “Jesus, I Trust in You”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Alleluia! He is risen!

As we stand at the close of the glorious Octave of Easter, the Church places before us one of the most beautiful and consoling gifts of the modern age: Divine Mercy Sunday. It is no accident that this feast falls on the eighth day of our Easter celebration, eight being the number of new beginnings, of rebirth, of eternity. And what better day to proclaim, with full hearts, that God’s mercy has no end.

The Story Behind This Feast:

Between 1931 and 1938, our Lord Jesus appeared to a humble Polish nun, St. Faustina Kowalska, asking her to spread the message of His Divine Mercy to the world. He asked that an image be painted of Himself with rays of red and white light streaming from His Heart, representing the blood and water that flowed from His side at Calvary, signs of the Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. St. Faustina recorded over 1,800 entries in her diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, which remains one of the great spiritual classics of our time.

On April 30, 2000, Pope St. John Paul II canonized Faustina as the first saint of the new millennium and formally established ‘Divine Mercy Sunday’ for the universal Church, fulfilling the very request of Christ Himself.

The Promise of This Day:

Our Lord’s words to St. Faustina are breathtaking in their generosity. He promised that the soul who goes to Confession and receives Holy Communion on this day would receive complete forgiveness of sins and punishment, a grace comparable to a second Baptism. There is no sin too great. There is no wound too deep. The message is simple: God’s mercy is greater than your sin. Come to Him with trust.

Do Not Be Afraid:

The Gospel for Sunday (John 20:19-31) presents the Risen Lord appearing to His disciples and to the doubting Thomas with the same greeting: “Peace be with you.” How many of us, like Thomas, have allowed doubt, sin, or fear to keep us at a distance from the merciful gaze of Jesus? Today, the Lord stands before each of us, wounds visible, arms open and says: “Do not be unbelieving but believe.”

Our Lord told St. Faustina: “Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My Mercy.” These words were spoken into a broken world, and they are very much for us today. Brothers and sisters, this is not merely a devotion. This is a lifeline. Let us come to the Font of Mercy. Receive what has been freely given. And then go and be merciful to one another.

A question to reflect this week: If God’s mercy truly has no limits, what is still holding you back from returning to Him completely and what would your life look like if you finally let that go?