Welcome
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.
Friday, Week V, Easter
Upon their arrival in Antioch they called the assembly together and delivered the letter. When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation. (Acts 15:22-31)
Jesus said to his disciples: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” (Acts 15:22-31)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051223.cfm
The happy conclusion and reception of the “Council of Jerusalem” reflects a much later period in the life of the early church when the ”Gentile question” had long since been resolved. What we do know from the letters of Paul is that James and the Jerusalem community continued to harass the Gentile Christians and Paul over keeping Jewish Law, especially in regards to circumcision. Perhaps for good reason the Lord keeps reminding us: Love one another.
Thursday, Week V, Easter
Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete." (Jn 15:9-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051123.cfm
Love and joy. Jesus is not talking about butterflies and bunny rabbits. Jesus is talking about the hard work of building a world of justice, the hard work of forgiving unforgivable hurts and injuries, the hard work of reconciliation and of loving unlovable people. The joy of the Risen Lord in us makes our joy complete.
Tuesday, Week V, Easter
Jesus said to his disciples: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (Jn 14:27-31a)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050923.cfm
Peace. The Shalom of God. This is one of the most beloved passages of the gospels. Even though we receive the peace from above, it doesn’t mean there won’t be problems, which is why the Lord adds: "Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." Our faith is in the One God has sent. As Saint Augustine said, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in you."
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Wednesday, Week V, Easter
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. (Jn 15:1-8)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051023.cfm
Another striking image from the Fourth Gospel, the vine and the branches. And as the Lord reminds us: Remain in me, as I remain in you, for without me you can do nothing.
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Monday, Week V, Easter
I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. (Jn 14:21-26)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050823.cfm
The Spirit will teach us and remind us of all that Jesus told us—which means there are still things to learn and things to remember. Perhaps God is not finished with us just yet.
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Sunday V, Easter—Sursum Corda
The Priest: Lift up your hearts.
The People: We lift them up to the Lord.
The Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
The People: It is right and just.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sursum_corda
One of the most ancient parts of the Liturgy is the Eucharistic Dialogue that begins in Latin with the words Sursum Corda, literally “Up hearts” and then is followed by “Let us give thanks” which then leads directly to the Eucharistic Prayer. As I look back on 45 years of priestly ministry and on all of you who have been a part of that ministry, I have many reasons to give thanks to the Lord our God. Today’s photo is of my Colombian family taken yesterday following the Anniversary Mass at my local parish, Nuestra Señora de las Lomas, Envigado (Medellín), Colombia.
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45th ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION, May 6, 1978-2023
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 98)
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Alleluia.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050623.cfm
When I started this journey of priesthood, I didn’t know where it would lead. But Jesus goes ahead. I try to follow in his footsteps. You have taught me that Jesus still lives among us. We only need to open our eyes to recognize Jesus in others. I have seen him in your faith and care. You are my family. Thank you for your love. “His banner over me is love!”
