Pastor’s Notes

Easter is a verb.  Mercy is a verb also.

Dictionaries describe mercy as a noun, something granted to another, something like compassion, or favor or blessing. The Scriptures paint mercy as a gift from God, one that is meant to be given to those who need it.  Thus, it has utility and action. Establishing the abiding faithfulness of God, we are invited to circulate mercy, to “pay it forward” whether it is deserved or not.

Take the next step!  A man died and stood at Heaven’s gate. The admitting angel asked, “Show me your wounds.” The man replied, “Wounds? I have no wounds.” The angel responded, “Did you never think that anything was worth fighting for?”  The readings of this 2^nd Easter Sunday invites us to be conscious of our wounds and of God’s lavish mercy. No one gets out of life without them.  That mercy cuts us “some slack” with our own personal sins and spiritual goals.  Cutting a bit more slack – giving a little more rope to others about us creates the possibility for others to respond in kind, to likewise take a step in merciful living.

Christ’s peace is the first gift to his apostles. Their self-loathing, shame and terror of exposure slipped away in the wake of His resurrection peace. They were able to take a step out, to “pay it forward” by living and preaching a reign of God that was likewise inclusive and compassionate.  The Acts of the Apostles paints an incredibly vibrant communion of faith and love expressed through the breaking of bread. Their communal meals called “agape” sated physical hunger as well as the spiritual hunger, too.  We, humans, ache for intense communion with others, acceptance and a God in whom we can fully believe.

The story of Thomas’ doubts and dramatic belief remind us that we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, scarred by our wounds but bearing great healing power.  We are meant to share the gifts we received and to pour out our lives for others. Scared tissue seldom, if ever, breaks in the same place.  A scar is healed flesh, stronger than the trauma that caused it.  It gives witness to our body’s natural healing mechanisms.  If Thomas were not plagued by doubting cynicism, we would not have heard his powerful confession of faith that most Catholics know by heart, “My Lord and My God.”

This Holy Week and Easter brought some record crowds to St. Mary’s.  From the street processions of Palm Sunday, the Foot Washing of the Holy Thursday, the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday and the 34 people who received Easter Sacraments at the Vigil, we have tasted a powerful mercy here.  Thanks to our volunteers and ministers, our choir and Director of Music and our great parish staff for escorting us.  Ablaze with God’s love and passion, perhaps we can take a few new merciful steps in the workplaces and homes this week.  May we “Easter” the earth, “our common home,” in the mercy we tasted at St. Mary’s.

A gentle week.
Fr. Michael Weldon, OFM

Thanks to Celebration’s Mischa Geracoulisc, “Mercy is a Verb” and to CTU’s Franciscan Sister Dawn Wathwehr for a great story.