There is an uncomfortableness for some. For me, as your priest, it is an act of deep spiritual renewal, a moment of becoming one with Jesus and humbly remembering my call to serve - to serve Christ, to serve you, the Body of Christ with deep abiding love. "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love." (John 15:9)
I realize still that whenever we celebrate the Eucharist, we gather not just as a group of individuals but precisely as the Church. The Church gathers to offer the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ to the Father in the Holy Spirit. We are not just there to watch what is going on but to really participate by offering ourselves, all that we do, and all the sacrifices we make, together with that offering of bread and wine. Together with the bread and wine, our sacrifices are transformed and made life-giving for ourselves and for the world.
There is a reason that Jesus Christ instituted the Eucharist on Holy Thursday night. It was so His apostles could understand that this Blessed Sacrament is intimately connected to His sacrifice on the cross. All the saving power that was displayed on Calvary is now made present for us in the Eucharist. At the altar, we go to the foot of the cross, and all its transformative, healing, and redeeming power is made new for us once again.
On this Holy Thursday, we celebrate this incredible gift that Jesus left us at the Last Supper - His Body and Blood given to us in the Eucharist and the Priesthood which makes that miracle possible. Jesus promised He would not leave us orphans. The gift of the Eucharist assures us that He continues to be present to us in our Churches and in our hearts, even in these weird times. On this Holy Thursday night, we will celebrate how Jesus left us this most incredible gift - the gift of His love
By the time you read this email, I realize it will be Good Friday. I can only imagine the terror felt by the disciples and the pain in Mary's heart watching her son die so brutally.
Centuries before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a “suffering servant” led to the slaughter. As terrible as it seemed, it had to be, so as to break the chains of sin, Satan, and death, forever and for everyone. He also prophesies the exaltation of the servant, who shall be raised high and shall startle many nations [and] kings shall stand speechless. For the servant, the Messiah, would suffer all things for us, bear our guilt, justify many, and win pardon for [our] offenses.
As dark as Good Friday seems when we unite ourselves to Christ's sufferings on the cross, nothing becomes impossible for us. When we realize that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, then we can go forward with courage and confidence. We will not be broken. We will not be crushed. In Christ Jesus, we are more than conquerors.
Remember, we are not just spectators but participants. The story of Jesus’ death is our story. This brutal scene is both our shame and our hope. It gives us the courage to take up our own cross in this life with our hopes fixed on the life to come. No matter how dark the world gets around us, we carry the light of faith, hope, and love. Jesus has conquered all the forces of evil and will come again to save us. The cross assures us of that - the love of God made visible and standing victorious even in the midst of cruelty, suffering, and death.
So my eyes now are set upon Easter, the resurrection, the hope and the light, and especially the new life that is waiting for us all.
May God's Love and Light Shine upon you, and may you all have a Blessed and Happy Easter.
In the Hope of Christ,
Mo. Allison+
551-697-6133
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LOOKING AHEAD
I will be away next week visiting with my boys.
Cheryl will officiate Evening Prayer on Saturday, April 10th at 5:30 pm and Father Glenn Matis will be our Supply for Sunday, April 11th at 9:00 am.
Starting Saturday, April 17 Tom Werkheiser will lead music on Saturday Evenings, and starting on May 16th, Fr. Glenn Mattis will become our interim organist for the summer.
Please give Tom and Fr. Mattis a warm St. Mary's welcome.
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*** We are collecting a purse to assist David in his journey forward. All envelopes, cards, and donations may be given or sent to the office marked for David Condo. They will be collected, remain sealed, and given to David at his last performance on Easter Sunday.
May God continue to richly bless David in all his endeavors.
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If you would like a pastoral visit or a visit from one of our Eucharistic Ministers, please contact
Mo. Allison or Julie in the office.
