Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 14, 2023
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May 13, 2023John 14:23 – “If a man loves me, he will keep my word.”
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
When I was still a boy at home with my parents and my brothers and sisters we enjoyed celebrating all the holydays, holidays, birthdays, First Holy Communions, Confirmations, anniversaries and various special occasions. These days gave us a chance to stop and look at the many blessings received and to appreciate all that had been given us. Through our remembrance of the past we could see its relevance and importance here and now in the present. We also learned to treasure the people in our lives, not to take them for granted.
On the days that honored my dear Mother we would ask in advance what sort of gift she would like. Without fail she never asked for any gifts. She would say with a smile: “Just be good! That is what I want most!” Though we would come through with something to give, her words have always stuck in my mind. The greatest gifts are spiritual ones. If someone loves us they are the happiest when we are good, when we live an honorable and holy life.
As we prepare to be renewed in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Great Feast of Pentecost we are asked to turn over to God what matters most. He wants from us our loving, faithful, obedience. What we treasure and possess in Jesus (and thus in union with Him and by His saving grace) we dare to present to our Heavenly Father by the power of the Holy Spirit. What does God want from us? Obedient love, obedient sacrifices, obedient prayer, obedient virtue, obedient lives. He wants us to keep His commandments.
In an age that defies God’s Law we must be even more faithful. Our witness in the world is to be observant disciples, not dissenters. Though we live in the world we must never become “of the world.” Every time we look upon a crucifix we are reminded of the obedient, sacrificial, saving love of Christ crucified and we ask for the graces to bear our own crosses and follow Him.
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
The Rev. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
