April 30, 2006

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

It has been an exceptionally beautiful weekend . . . and I managed to spend 90% of it indoors. Thankfully, much of the time was devoted to wonderful ministry opportunities, the baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist of Stacey Brzesinski on Friday evening, gathering with Health Ministry volunteers for a working retreat on Saturday morning, officiating at the wedding of Bob Fitzwarer and Heather Koseba Saturday afternoon in Hammondsport, meeting with a delightful young engaged couple on Saturday evening, preaching at St. Mary's on Sunday morning, and (in an hour or so) emceeing the annual volunteer/donor recognition dinner at Watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center in nearby Coopers Plains. Tomorrow -my official day off - I'm a sun drenched slug.

My column was brief and totally uninspiring so instead, I'm including the homily I delivered this morning. It refers to the series of articles by my Faith Formation Coordinator and Youth Minister Mary Carol Wall, whose wonderful faith continues to inspire.

Ray

Printable column coming soon... (Adobe PDF file, plugin needed) (Click Here For Sent To Serve Archives)

April 30, 2006

Easter Witness ~ B3Easter

Are you saved?

What do you say when someone asks you that question?

Some ask it because they don’t believe that Catholics are saved? But hopefully - you know better.

After all, since you were a little child,
· your mother and father,
· the nuns at the Catholic school you attended,
· your CCD teachers,
· the priests and deacons who preached each Sunday
have taught you that Jesus Christ suffered, died and rose -
· so that you would know God’s love for you.
· so that your sins would be forgiven,
· and so you could one day share an everlasting life with God.

True, Jesus died for everyone . . .
but he also died for you and me.
He is our personal Savior as well as Savior of the world.

So, if you believe what you have been taught . . .
If you believe what we recite together each Sunday in the Creed . . . then, when someone asks you - “Are you saved?” . . . you can always say, “Yes, I am saved!” . . . and “Yes, Jesus Christ is my personal savior.”

But now I have a question for you. “Do you really believe in the power of Easter?”

If you’ve been reading the recent bulletin articles by our own Mary Carol Wall – I’m sure you will agree that she would have to be a good example of someone who really believes in the power of Easter.

If you are a visitor to our parish, you should know that Mary Carol Wall – our Youth Minister and Faith Formation Coordinator – has recently begun a series of chemotherapy treatments to combat a cancer that has taken temporary residence in her body.

Since discovering the cancer, Mary Carol has used frequent emails, including a prayer chain to rally the prayers of the community, not only for herself, but for what appears to be an endless collection of needs requested by friends near and far.

As part of this new email ministry, Mary Carol has chosen to share prayerful reflections, “Musings” she calls them –
on this challenging period of her life.

These “Musings” have become very powerful witnesses to all who read them . . . of the great and hopeful promise
that we Christians celebrate during this 50 days of Easter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In today’s scriptures, we are reminded that, like the Apostles, like the disciples, like the early Christians, and yes, like Mary Carol Wall . . .

· We are called to witness to the Good news of Easter.
· We are called to live with confident assurance in the power of the Resurrection.
· We are called to live as people of hope . . . people who really believe that with God, all things are possible!

Today’s scriptures also remind us that Christians are . . .
· People who believe that . . .light will always cut through darkness.

· People who believe that for every Good Friday of our life - God
promises an Easter Sunday.

· People who are called to be witnesses of hope . . .to their families,
to their co-workers, to their friends here at Church and in our community.

Mary Carol’s decision to share her battle with Cancer as a form of Christian witness - is surely not for everyone. But every one of us witnesses to our faith, or to our lack of faith - in the power of the Easter.

We witness . . .
· by the way we live our lives

· by the way we face the challenges of this life. . . . the illnesses,
the disappointments, the personal failures of family members and
friends, the death of loved ones.

· by the way we appreciate, use, and celebrate God’s abundant gifts.

On the road to Emmaus . . .Jesus explained to his disciples
how he had to suffer, and die . . . and then rise to new life.

He promised them and offers us as well - peace.
The peace that comes with the confirmed knowledge and heartfelt belief that . . .

· Jesus Christ has already died for any failing or detour we may have
taken during our life’s journey. that . . .
· Jesus Christ has already forgiven any sins we might ever commit . .
and that . . .
· Jesus Christ offers us peace beyond all our understanding.

Today, on this 3rd Sunday since we celebrated the power and hope available to all who believe in Jesus Christ . . .

· Are you confident enough to witness to that truth by living your life
not in fear and anxiety . . . but in the peace of Christ?

· You have been saved? . . . but . . .

· Do you really believe in the power of Easter? Do you really believe in God's power to bring you new life?

I pray that you will enjoy this visit, and if you like,
                                          E-Mail me with your comments

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