“Father, the hour has come.” So, now what? Now that Jesus’ mission on Earth is fulfilled…now what?  First, He prepared His followers to continue his mission and now it is our turn.

A few weeks ago, our 2nd graders made their First Holy Communion. They learned a lot about Jesus’ mission and how we as Catholics are expected to imitate His actions and His words. So, now what?  Do they understand that it doesn’t end there…it is just beginning? I don’t expect them to go to school Monday and start preaching on the playground.  I do however hope they never forget the power they have to use all those gifts of knowledge and love and forgiveness to continue the work that Jesus started.  And we as parents and teachers shall guide them, encourage them and motivate them to be understanding and generous to those in need. This will be the building block for their Christian values.

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus returns back to the Father to complete His Passion. Jesus glorified His Father by accomplishing His works. He is no longer in the world, but WE are still here. Jesus’ gift to us is eternal life and now His works are in our hands and He is counting on us to be present in His absence.
 

Peace,

The sentiment of Peter’s letter is once again loving and hope filled. He begins by telling his readers, “Beloved:  Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.”  The phrase reminds us that the human heart is the receptacle of all that is good about us and we should take care to guard the divine treasure that our hearts contain which is, of course, Jesus Christ.

The early Christians reading this letter are reminded by Peter to speak about the hope that is Jesus Christ with “gentleness and reverence” and to maintain a clear conscience.  The teaching that Peter is giving this Sunday, as well as last week, is to encourage the early Christian communities to preach and proclaim quietly, but powerfully, the life-giving presence that is Christ in their lives.

The intent of this teaching should not be lost on you and me for we too are still charged with living our faith in the world for all to see.

In Christ,

Our 3rd group of 2nd graders made their First Holy Communion on May 7, 2017.  We are so proud of them! God Bless.