Third Sunday of Easter

Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V. - April 26, 2020

 

Dear Friends:  

Christ is risen, Alleluia!

Today’s Gospel invites us to reflect on our life as a journey.  Like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, we may be running away from something that seems too heavy to bear: grief, disappointments, fears, tragedies like the Nova Scotia massacre, everything surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.  When our hearts are heavy, our steps are slowed, our vision clouded by tears, it isn’t easy to see or believe.  As we share our experiences with those we meet along the way, we are often unaware that the Risen Christ is walking with us.  But when our eyes and hearts are opened to His presence – in our greatest time of need and vulnerability – then Easter comes to dwell in us!

This Gospel story illustrates the dynamics of spiritual discernment.  Jesus reveals himself as a true spiritual guide – meeting these sad, would-be disciples where they are, drawing out their story, interpreting it in the light of the Scripture, and finally, in the intimate context of a shared meal, revealing his risen presence to them. “Were not our hearts burning within us as he walked with us on the road?” Immediately, they turn around and run all the way back to Jerusalem, bringing new life and hope to their companions – a word that means literally “one with whom we break bread.”

Please join us at Sunday Mass, “live from St. Monica’s” this Sunday at 10 AM. Visit our website where you will find the links to guide you to the Parish YouTube page. The Masses are found in the Online Masses playlist.  We will be including a memorial to the victims of the mass shooting in Nova Scotia this week, and a special message (in Italian) from our beloved Fr. Bertoli.  All are welcome!  You can also watch later, at whatever time is most convenient for you.

Please feel free to share this message so that others who might benefit from joining our community for worship will profit.  Again, special thanks to the readers, musicians and technical team that are working so hard to maintain this connection with the community.  For further information, and to support our mission, visit us at the Parish website.  May God bless us all and keep us safe.

Yours in the Risen Christ,

Fr. Raymond