These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042925.cfm
To be of one heart and one mind is always a challenge for the church. Saint Catherine (1347-1380) lived in a very troubled time for the church and faced incredible challenges, but she never gave up. She had faith in her mystical Bridegroom. Now we are praying for a new pope, one after the Heart of Christ.
Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother's womb and be born again, can he?" Jesus answered, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, 'You must be born from above.' (Jn 3:1-8)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042825.cfm
Jesus didn’t say we must be “born again.” What Jesus says is that we need to be “born from above.” Either way, to be “born from above” or to be “born again” is certainly not meant to be used as a weapon against others. It is not some secret knowledge that only the Elect possess. To be “born from above” means we should ACT like we’re from above instead of what we usually do, act like we’re from below, from hell itself. Today's picture is of the Padre with Doña Gil, the mother of the pastor of my parish. https://youtu.be/MbXWu4Z9ECA?si=b_ojdhtVawcYzJ7n
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (Jn 20:19-31)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042725.cfm
Mercy is giving others another chance. It’s what we call a do-over. Thomas wins a second chance for all of us. For whatever reason, Thomas missed the first Easter Sunday—he was simply absent. And when the others told him what had happened, he refused to believe. But the NEXT Sunday he didn’t miss the gathering, Thomas was there. And even though the Lord tells him to touch his wounds, Thomas DOESN’T. Instead Thomas sees and believes and then gives us the highest confession of Jesus in the entire New Testament, “My Lord and my God!” Doubting Thomas has become Thomas is the Believer! That is truly Divine Mercy, a mercy we should in turn extend to others.
Christians, to the Paschal Victim, Offer your thankful praises! A Lamb the sheep redeems; Christ, who only is sinless, Reconciles sinners to the Father. Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining. Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning! Amen. Alleluia. (Easter Sequence)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042625.cfm
Today is the funeral and internment of Pope Francis. Our hope is in Christ’s Resurrection. Blessed be the dead who die in the Lord. Let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them. Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. And may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
So Jesus said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something." So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat. (Jn 21:1-14)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042525.cfm
Although the previous chapter (Chapter 20) marks the original ending to the Fourth Gospel, Chapter 21 continues with the story of Breakfast by the Sea. We have a bit of gospel humor: Peter puts on his clothes and then jumps into the sea, meanwhile the others come in the boat! Nevertheless, Peter will figure greatly throughout the rest of this added chapter with its second conclusion to the gospel. Breakfast by the Sea of course includes loaves and fishes with Jesus himself doing the honors.
