April 29-30

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen, Alleluia

We certainly cannot get enough of that Good News especially when the rest of the world pushes us to move on to the next thing, whatever that may be.  Ever before our minds and hearts should be the hope, the joy, and the expectation which that salutation brings.  Eastertide affords us the opportunity to reflect upon our future destiny as promised on the day of our Baptism.  From that moment on, we know who we are and where we are going unless sadly we stray from the fold.

     Our Gospel today beautifully portrays Our Lord as the Good Shepherd and also the Gate of the sheepfold.  Through Him, we enter into the security and serenity of the Kingdom of God.  That reality begins even now.  Knowing that we are living cells in the Mystical Body of Christ, that is the Catholic Church, we journey to the ultimate goal Heaven.  He is the Shepherd Who leads us and protects us on the way and in order that the flock may be safeguarded from lies and treachery and spiritual harm He calls men to share in the shepherding through the Holy Priesthood.

      These shepherds are meant to image and imitate the Good Shepherd for the salvation of souls– to feed the flock with the truth of the Gospel and nourish them with the Sacraments of life, which prepares them for eternal life. On this Sunday especially, we in earnest that the Lord will raise up good shepherds.  We pray that men will answer the call in a generous response to the Lord on this Vocation Sunday.  We remember especially our own seminarians in the Diocese of Scranton and our native son, William Asinari, who will be ordained a Deacon the Saturday before Pentecost.  We must keep in mind: “No priest, No Eucharist”.  The Good Shepherd in no way wants the flock to starve and perish, but the flock must call upon the Lord to provide the shepherd who will feed them.

      On May 3rd. I will be having total knee replacement surgery.  I ask for your prayers for a successful outcome and a quick recovery.  In the meantime, Father Charles Connor will be filling in.  Welcome him graciously.

With Blessings,

Father Langan