Pastor's Letter

BLESSED: SEEING WHAT’S THERE 

On Easter Sunday we heard that the tomb was empty.  This Sunday we hear how Jesus appeared to the apostles in the upper room.  The body that was missing from the tomb was very much alive.
 
We also see that God’s mercy is gracious and alive, too. When Jesus appeared to them, the first thing he offered them was his peace.  Even though they denied and abandoned Jesus in his time of need, Jesus had compassion for his apostles and forgave them.  Instead of forcing them to look back inside their fear, he gave them the ability to look forward in peace.
 
The one who wasn’t there to experience that first appearance was Thomas. We know the passage well.  He needed to see to believe; and not just see what could appear to be Jesus, but his wounds, which would prove it.
 

New Ways of Seeing Here in the bulletin, look for ways to see kindness and goodness in our community, including:   ● A Special Food Drive on Sunday 4/19 for our Area Food Pantry   ● Saint Hubert School Hosts an Easter Parade for Students to see their Teachers

And it happened.  Seeing is believing.  But Jesus also said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” 
 
During this time of COVID-19, we will have memories of the silence and emptiness of not seeing Jesus by being at St. Hubert church on Easter Sunday. We’ll remember the Easter that wasn’t celebrated the way we’ve always celebrated it with our family traditions and maybe even a meal with the extended family around the table.  It didn’t happen that way this year for the vast majority of us.  And there’s an emptiness to it all; even a loneliness or a feeling of isolation.
 
But then, we have to stop and notice what we did see. Because maybe Jesus was present to us in a different way this Easter. Maybe we saw him in someone who we haven’t talked with yet, who lifted us up when they called (or Zoomed, or Face Timed, or you name it). 
 
Maybe we saw him in the kindness of a daughter, grandchild, or friend who unexpectedly dropped off some groceries, food, an Easter basket, or a meal.
 
Maybe we saw him in a virtual Mass streamed from the place we love to gather.  If seeing the empty pews touched our hearts and even brought a tear to our eyes, then we’ve seen something profound—we long to be there with our brothers and sisters. 
 
The longing and desire to be together, and in absence of that—connecting with one another—are one of the gifts of Easter. 
 
These moments of silence and solitude can also be moments when we can become more and more aware that God is present in the outreach, goodness and kindness that can be noticed, felt and appreciated. Where love is present, God is present. It’s all in what we’re looking to see.
 
Thank you for staying connected, for your email, calls and prayers.  I am seeing the Body of Christ in all of you.  And it’s a wonderful thing to see.