Season of joy
As you probably know, I spend a lot of time working with people’s problems. A priest friend of mine said to me that a priest eats a spoon full of (manure) every day. I might even try to dive into problem areas here on this blog with some regularity. In general, spiritual terms, this means the Cross. So, now that we’re in the Easter season – a season of joy – let’s focus on and appreciate the good stuff. When we suffer with Christ, we appreciate His Resurrection even more.
Someone said that I seemed different on Easter Sunday. 650+ people at the 11 am Mass will do that! It was so awesome to have a full church, gathering space, and hall to celebrate in full the Resurrection of our Lord. And, then, after Mass, several families visited the new Stations of the Cross and Grotto outside. It was a spectacular scene!
This past Sunday was Divine Mercy Sunday. I love this feast which has been celebrated as the Second Sunday of Easter since 2000. I love it because offering the mercy of God is one of the most attractive and enjoyable parts of being a priest. I offer confessions so much because I want people to experience God’s mercy, and that sacrament is all about mercy. On my holy card when I was ordained a priest was the words, “Open 24/7 for Confession”. It means that I’m always available for mercy. Over 50 people took me up on the offer for Confession on Divine Mercy Sunday, mainly in order to gain the plenary indulgence for those who attended Mass that day.
On the same day, I went to the home of a 80 year old and brought him into the Church! I had been instructing him this year, but he and his wife weren’t physically able to do the Easter Vigil. So, on their deck, I celebrated Mass, baptized, confirmed, and gave him his First Holy Communion. He was so happy! And, his wife was on cloud nine. Their one son and his family attended in person and their other son and his family viewed it all on FaceTime. We all rejoiced in the Holy Spirit who clearly brought it all about. It is the Spirit who leads us, and hopefully instills His joy and peace in each one of us this Easter season.
