On Holy Thursday we commemorated the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted
for all time the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders. Our faith
tells us that the Last Supper and Good Friday are integrally linked for all time. Each and every Holy Sacrifice of the Mass perpetuates, under the appearances of bread and wine, the Lord’s supreme sacrifice of love on the Cross. Surrounded by the betrayal of Judas and all the apostles Jesus went obediently to the cross out of love for us. “The night he was betrayed” He loved us more than ever. At every Mass we are invited to really participate in
His love that we may take up our cross and follow Him. At each Mass we are invited to enter into the mystery of Christ crucified, to adore Him truly present, and then to lovingly and devoutly receive Holy Communion so as to enter into communion with the Lord Himself. Nowhere on earth can there be greater intimacy with Christ that in the Holy Eucharist. The Holy Mass is for those who wish to be saints, heroes and heroines, in our day and age.
This Sunday we receive encouragement from the example of the absolved sinner whom we lovingly call Saint Peter. Peter was a sinful man. He was weak and vulnerable. He wanted to be great, yet he lacked the character demanded of greatness. Again and again the Lord called him to be a leader among the apostles, but Peter falls short. Jesus does not give up on Peter, just as He never gives up on us. Our Lord is loving and merciful. Even as Peter prepared to deny that he even knew Jesus three times, the Lord predicts that Peter will have the vocation “to strengthen your brethren (Luke 22:32).”
After His resurrection Jesus gives Peter a second chance. Three times he is asked if he loves the Lord, undoing his threefold denial, and he responds with regret and shame that he does. Peter models sincere sorrow for sins. Jesus accepts Peter’s act of contrition and gives Peter absolution. Peter is raised up to newness of life. He not only can see the risen Lord, he is transformed by his saving and amazing grace. Peter is now ready to become
the first pope. He is made chief shepherd of the flock to lovingly feed them. Let us pray for our Holy Father Pope Francis.
This weekend we have the celebration of First Holy Communion for our children. Please pray for them and their parents that they will always live in communion with our Lord Jesus. More than ever all must be done to save our children.
N.B. Next Saturday, May 11th, is our annual Auction Dinner Dance. This is the 30th year for this grand event. Please come and support this most important fund raising activity for the parish. What we do to spread the Gospel and to assist those in need depends on your generous support. In advance, thanks for your support and the work of so many volunteers. I hope to see you there.