Dear Parishioners,

In the time since I wrote my last message to you, our governor has decided to extend the “Safer at home” restrictions until the end of May.  I really don’t believe this will be the case, as the numbers of those being infected doesn’t support such a drastic action.  In the meantime we will continue to pray, especially for those who have been negatively affected by the Covid-19 illness and also those who have been very negatively affected by the prolonged “Safer at Home” policy.

Last week I gave an overview of the Easter Season, which has seven Sundays. We are already coming to the fourth one.  One of the constant themes of the liturgy is the joy of the Resurrection, and how this filled the hearts of the Apostles and then opened them to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  The gifts we see most on display are those of courage, wisdom and understanding.  From those, the Apostles, especially St. Peter and St. Paul, derive a great confidence in the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they seek to do God’s Will.  The Will of God also brings them a great sense of fulfillment and happiness. That is a happiness that we can all experience, even while on “lock-down”.  All that is happening to us is a part of God’s Providence, whether it be His direct or indirect Will.  Even though there are painful and sad aspects of what is happening to us, if we pray and stay close to God we will pull through, and He will make us better persons for having gone through it.  That is what the Apostles’ isolation in the Cenacle (Upper Room) teaches us. Facing down their fears through an experience of the resurrected Christ, their lives and mission were immensely enhanced.  Not only were they changed, but they went out and changed the world.  We need to have this experience of the Resurrected Christ in our prayer, and be ready to leave the Cenacle to better the world!