Pastor's Corner

Hope

03-28-2021Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

This Sunday, Palm/Passion Sunday, begins Holy Week, the time in our liturgical calendar when we celebrate the central mysteries of our faith, what the Church calls the Paschal Mystery – Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. We reflect upon what God has done for us in the unique expression of His mercy and love through Jesus’ offering of Himself in sacrifice to the Father for the forgiveness of our sins and those of all humanity. Having triumphed over evil, sin and death upon His resurrection from the dead, Jesus gives us hope that we too can triumph over all that would otherwise overcome us. This is made possible because Jesus has shared with us His risen life - His divine power, first received at our Baptism, and renewed each time we receive Eucharist. We are a people of hope because of Jesus!

In these difficult times, are you especially in need of hope? Let these mysteries of our faith speak to your heart, allowing Jesus to reassure you. Place your challenges, burdens and sorrows, your weaknesses and sins, your doubts and fears on the cross with Jesus. Let Him lift them up to the Father for you as an offering to be transformed into something life-giving. Let the Paschal Mystery be a source of encouragement and hope as you persevere along the road to Calvary with Jesus, holding onto the expectation of sharing in His Easter victory. Here are some inspiring words about hope by Maryknoll Father James Keller, founder of the Christophers.

Hope

Hope looks for the good in people instead of harping on the worst. Hope opens doors where despair closes them.
Hope draws its power from a deep trust in God and the basic goodness of human nature.
Hope “lights a candle” instead of “cursing the darkness.”
Hope regards problems, small or large, as opportunities.
Hope pushes ahead when it would be easy to quit.
Hope is a good loser because it has the divine assurance of final victory.

I invite you to take part in the special liturgies of Holy Week and celebrate the great mysteries of our faith and the hope they bring!

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