From the Pastor - 2nd Sunday of Easter
From the Pastor - 2nd Sunday of Easter
Today, the Second Sunday of Easter, is Divine Mercy Sunday. Our Gospel reading from St. John is often called the story of “Doubting Thomas” but the passage involves so much more than the encounter with the skeptical apostle. It is rich with lessons of Christ’s mercy to all, including an encouraging word from our Lord especially for us, His modern-day disciples.
While Thomas traditionally takes all the bad rap for his doubts, we see that none of the Apostles were at their best when Christ first appeared to them after His resurrection. They were actually in hiding, cowering behind a locked door, paralyzed by fear and doubt.
But Jesus appeared right in their midst in spite of the lock on the door. Was it to rebuke them for their lack of faith? Quite the contrary.
He comes on a mission of mercy. He comes to offer them peace and the restoration of their relationship with Him. And even more, He commissions them to become ministers of His mercy, by giving them authority to forgive sins. At that moment Christ gives to all of us the supreme gift of mercy — the sacrament of Reconciliation. What a precious and powerful gift!
This Sunday is a perfect time to reflect on how well we make use of this gift. Do we really appreciate its healing power? Could we become better stewards of this gift by going to Confession more often? We must also reflect on how well we extend mercy to others as Jesus did to Thomas that day.
Let’s commit ourselves to becoming faithful disciples and stewards of Christ’s mercy. We will be those very ones to whom Jesus gave a “shout out” during His encounter with Thomas: “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” — in His merciful love.
Pastoral Pondering
As we celebrate Divine Mercy, I want to thank Father Becker and Father Carter for their devotion in offering the Sacrament of Penance. All of us spent hours upon hours in the confessionals during Lent and Holy Week. Offering this sacrament is a joy, especially when we have the opportunity to reconcile someone who has been away for a long time. The priests of St. Mark are committed to making this sacrament available as much as possible within the framework of our busy parish life.
Thanks to all who have offered Easter greetings, Easter goodies and even an Easter Lilly or two. We appreciate your kindness very much and want you to be assured of our prayers for you and yours.
I also want to thank our seminarians, servers, musicians, lectors, EMHCs, ushers, parking lot team, staff and other volunteers. Holy Week and Easter is a busy time, and we couldn’t do what we do without you!.
Finally, a thank you and farewell to Florence Moore. Florence accepted the position of Finance Director shortly after I arrived as pastor. She has been an amazing part of our parish staff. She is a woman of deep faith who tried each day to bring Christ to those she encountered. Florence is moving back to Maryland to be closer to family. She goes with our prayers and best wishes.