Pastor’s Notes

A Sunday school teacher had just finished telling her third graders about how Jesus was crucified and placed in a tomb with a great stone sealing the opening. Then, wanting to share the excitement of the resurrection, she asked: “And what do you think were Jesus’ first words when He came bursting out of that tomb alive?” A hand shot up into the air from the rear of the classroom. Attached to it was the arm of a little girl. Leaping out of her chair she shouted out excitedly “I know, I know!” “Good” said the teacher, “Tell us, what were Jesus first words?” And extending her arms high into the air she said: “TA-DA!” (Gratitude to Fr. Tony Kadavil, http://stjohngrandbay.org/)

“Alleluia!” It is sort-a like, “TA DA!” Nice to use that word again after Lent’s forty days!   The General Instruction on the Roman Missal says it needs to be sung …if anything. It proclaims in melody, “Yes it is! Praise God.” The tomb is empty but we have found eyes that see in the dark. Amidst the losses, betrayals and tragedies that life throws at us, lives a victorious messiah that can transform anything. Any life in his light turns inside out with new humanity and energy. “Alleluia!”

We congratulate those “elect of God” who were baptized, confirmed and received First Communion at the Easter Vigil, their families and sponsors. Our St. Mary’s parish community is blessed and expanded by their presence with us. To Br. Scott, Brenda and all who helped prepare them for these magic and holy days. Gordon Stevenson, know our love and gratitude for the music. We also thank our incredible choir and Sean O’Donnell, master of ceremonies, Art and environment volunteers.   Hospitality and music are the reason most people give for joining our center-city parish community. We have tasted it these days!

When it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, I think we are often like two policemen I know, watching a woman park a very big car in a little parking space. She inched it in tight between two other cars; then climbed out the window. The two watched from across the street—and put out a few bets just in case, and shook their heads. We often watch from across the street. But resurrection doesn’t often have much of a real effect on our lives till we get close to death. Then things change. Resurrection is not something you can get much out of by intellectual conversation. You encounter it, experience it or you don’t. Resurrection is not a question you answer, but a mystery you get all caught up in. And church makes it happen. We after-all are the risen body of Christ.

From all the Franciscan friars, members of the parish staff, and Pastoral Council leadership, we wish you a most joyful Easter season. Like Christmas, it is too much mystery for one day. Continue to join us as we take the season apart bit by bit and see again what this resurrection means for us in the coming days and weeks. Alleluia!

A gentle week,
Fr. Michael Weldon, OFM