Dear Friends,
Jesus is risen! Alleluia!
Easter was particularly joyful this year. Last Easter we were still in the lockdown, so it seemed like we spent the whole last year in Lent. So, it was certainly a blessing to celebrate Easter live, with people! What made it more special was seeing some of you who were just feeling comfortable enough to return to Mass. It was a wonderful family reunion. I’m sure you can attest the protective measures that are still in place to make it a safe environment for all of us. If you’ve been hesitant about returning, you may want to “take the plunge” and return.
The Easter season signifies so many things, new life, renewed life in Christ and the hope of eternal life. I especially look forward to the Easter season because of the Scriptures that the Church provides for our reading and meditation during this blessed time. The post-resurrection gospel narratives present Jesus appearing to his disciples. He consoles his frightened followers with “shalom,” which means peace, but much more, wholeness, harmony, tranquility, and prosperity. This has been a tough year. Jesus also offers us his shalom.
I think the Book of the Acts of the Apostles is one of my favorites. It is sometimes referred to as the Acts of the Holy Spirit because it presents the mighty deeds accomplished by the followers of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Although there are 28 chapters in the book, you might say the book never ends. Mighty deeds accomplished by Jesus’ followers through the Holy Spirit are adding to Chapter 29. This includes us as well. This season of Easter fills me with optimism. Even though the world around us may seem dark, Jesus has called us to be the “Light of the World” and we know that light conquers darkness. Be the light that Jesus calls you to be.
Shalom
Deacon John
