April 1, 2007 -Palm Sunday & April 8, 2007 - Easter Sunday

Dear friends in life and in ministry  . . .

Last weekend (Palm Sunday) was one of those rare weekends that I did not email you with happenings in my life and parish.

While I won't go into details, its been a very difficult Lent.  But, why should Lent be a time without stress or pain or anguish? Holy Week itself is a microcosm of the reality of human life.  On Sunday, the crowds were shouting "Hosanna!" and proclaiming Jesus as their "King. " But, by Friday their cries had changed to "Crucify Him!"

The in-between times for Jesus included a meal with friends and a profound demonstration of his desire that his disciple's care for one another (wash each other's feet.)  In the garden of his agony, he was gentle with his betrayer and, when one of his apostles tuned to violence and cut off the ear of Malchus, Jesus gently healed the wound.  Before the sun had set ushering in the Sabbath, promised heaven to a criminal, given his mother to John's care,  he had forgiven his killers and "gave up his spirit."

For me, even as the stress of parish leadership was taking its toll on my spirit, a friend and co-minister offered wise council and Fr. Peter proved to be a very good listener. There were also times of great joy. Tuesday evening's Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester was a spectacular liturgical experience as was washing the feet of several parishioners on Holy Thursday, and singing the Exultat at the Easter Vigil.

And, now Pat, our son Chris, daughter Annie and nine week old grandson "Jack" have come for dinner.  I hold Jack.  He smiles at me . . . and live is good again.  Easter has come.

Because this is earth and not heaven, our lives will include a few times we'd just as soon avoid. But, Easter teaches us that love is eternal, for Christ has conquered even death.  May you know the hope that is Easter.

Happy Easter, and have a blessed week. Serve one another well.

Deacon Ray

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Palm Sunday Bulletin: April 1, 2007

Easter Sunday Bulletin: April 8, 2007