Sunday, May 10, 2020

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

"Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure."
- Pope St. John Paul II

The impact of the resurrection of Christ is yielding fruitful results in the life of the new converts. A situation which has led to the building up of a Faith community among the Jews and the non-Jews. 

Our first reading talks about the need for appointing individuals to offer services amongst them so that the apostles could concentrate on the preaching of the Good News (Word of God). This means that in no way should the Word of God suffer at the expense of other services. In fact, in our Churches (Tri-Parish) and families (the Domestic Church), the Word of God ought to be an indispensable priority. It plays a pivotal centrality around which everything revolves. (That's why I am happy that in these C19 pandemic circumstances we are still able to bring the Holy Mass and the Word of God to our parishioners through a different medium).

Dear family, our readiness and willingness to serve our faith community (especially our Tri-parish) and our individual families is key to strengthening and perpetuating our mission as Christians in our immediate society. We are called to avail ourselves to offer our time, talent and treasure to support the worthy cause of the Church (Tri-parish). This engenders and nurtures our Christian values and virtues in this world. Each of us has a place to offer their services. Just voluntarily declare your intention.

That's why in the second reading Apostle Peter inspires us that we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people. It is therefore our responsibility to proclaim the mighty act of Jesus Christ; out of His death and resurrection He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

If Christ has given us this honor and privilege, and changed our status, it then becomes incumbent upon us to offer all that we have at His service to ensure the faith community grows from strength to strength. We are called to place our faith and trust in the spirit of Jesus who guides the community of faith (like our Tri-parish).

In conclusion, Jesus Christ in the gospel reading allays our fears and wipes away our doubts when we are skeptical of whether we are worthy to offer our service in the faith community or how to be accepted. 

He inspires us that He is the way, the Truth and the Life, and no one goes to the Father except through Him. This means that before we can offer service in our community of faith we need to believe Him, trust Him, accept Him as the Son of God the Father. He is the image of the invisible God in our midst.

Know that every baptized Christian (Catholic) has been sent on a mission to proclaim the good works of the Risen Lord. How you consciously, actively and fully participate in the community of faith (your parish), whichever way you can offer your service to promote its growth and development to evangelize the society and bring salvation to all, depends on you. Don't sit unconcerned; be responsible, be part of it, show love and care, offer your quota. Ask yourself, "What can I do?" And avail yourself. Think about this.

Enjoy the sunshine.... Keep the Faith...Stay Healthy...PRAY (remember it's ROSARY month)

Be Blessed... Let's meet at Holy Mass on Facebook.

Fr. Emmanuel

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