Christ is Risen, Alleluia!  

Indeed He is Risen, Alleluia! 

This was the salutation among believers in the early days of the  Church. How wonderful it would  be to restore these acclamations  in our present day because it  is the heart of who we are and what we believe as  followers of Jesus Christ. As St. Paul reminds us: “If  Christ has not risen from the dead we are the most  foolish among men.” Fools we are not, but rather,  recipients of the greatest promises and blessings  God has bestowed on humankind. In Christ we,  who strive to be faithful, will enjoy everlasting life for  where the Shepherd has gone the sheep will follow. 

The Resurrection of our Lord is the turning point of  human history. Forlorn humanity was directionless,  relying mostly on its own initiatives and powers. It  endlessly repeated the folly of Babel trying to effect a  kingdom without the Presence of the Holy of Holies.  Now we know where we are going because Jesus has  shown us the Way. First comes the cross and then  the crown, something we must remind ourselves  constantly if we are to accept the glory of the Resurrection. 

Having accompanied our Savior throughout the  Sacred Triduum, especially in this Jubilee Year, many  graces have come to us, and it is through the efforts  of many: choir, musicians, servers, lectors, greeters,  ushers, sacristans, custodians, and office staff that  make our celebrations worthy of God. Certainly we  are grateful to all. 

Let the joy of these next Fifty Days which culminate  at Pentecost penetrate our thoughts and actions as  we revel in the Light of our Lord’s Resurrection. 

Please remember that next Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday when in a special way we celebrate the  infinite mercy of God toward sinners. Our worship  will be at St. John’s (our Jubilee pilgrimage site) beginning at 2:30PM which will include Expositions of the  Blessed Sacrament, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Litany  and Vespers. We will conclude about 4:00PM. All are  welcome. 

Blessings,

Father Langan