Daffodils, tulips and magnolias are all blossoming this early spring, subtle reminders of God’s creative hand at work though the weather can be a bit “cantankerous.” What remains steady and consistent is the progression of the Easter readings these fifty days leading up to Pentecost Sunday. From the Acts of the Apostles we are reminded of the sacrifices made by the followers of Christ. Not just the apostles themselves, but ordinary men and women of the day who would not back down from their beliefs though misunderstandings, alienation from neighbors, and likely persecution to follow. With the early disciples choosing their new found faith in light of personal harm, a recent saint whom we will remember on the 24th, set aside his comfortable law practice to reach out to those whose lives were hopeless. St. Fidelis Sigmaringen of Germany found his purpose outside of the practice of law when he reached out to individuals and families throughout Switzerland and Europe who were seeking some meaning in their lives. Out of spite and fear, Fidelis was stabbed to death, in church. Seems violence has been a constant partner to cultures and generations through the ages. “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” (Albert Pike)
Alas, our Spring brings the usual temperamental changes in weather, but also draws us back to our Catholic-Christian faith with the celebration of Confirmation and First Communion—as well as the reception of those who have been preparing to receive the Sacraments. With the sponsors placing their right hand on the teenager’s shoulder, the interesting array of saints names chosen, one can not help but reflect on the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, providing us the courage and purpose to make decisions and affirm the virtues of our faith in a world filled with immediate (and often) influences. First Holy Communion to celebrated in the upcoming Sundays draws us back to the innocence of our faith, simply believing and envisioning a God who is at once in charge of the entire universe and beyond, and yet personally attentive to our daily lives and circumstances. Witnessing those children about to receive Communion for the first time, with a simple understanding of such, and yet a firm belief of a God who hears their prayers, whose angels watch over them at night, whose Son walks with them daily as their companion. We are blessed to witness, pray for and reflect upon our own faith—however routine it may have become—as these Sacraments take place in our parish. Like the early believers, it is not the world that seeks to misdirect our Christian intentions but possibly our own fears and desire for security.

God Bless,
Fr. Tim

“To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower Hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour.” (William Blake)