In the gospel today, Jesus appears to his apostles in the upper room for the first time after rising from the dead. John tells us he breathed on them so that they could receive the Holy Spirit.
It’s what eventually sent them into the world so that they could bring the good news of Easter to others. Jesus died and rose to bring us into a life with God that is never meant to end. Jesus has great mercy on us, which we know as his Divine Mercy.
In the first reading, we hear the results of the apostle’s faith. We see how they started their work in the world and how they performed “many signs and wonders” (Acts 5:12) that attracted others to want what they discovered. And maybe what attracted so many was nothing more than realizing a life in Christ is life-giving—for ourselves and others.
It’s in the signs and wonders of goodness, kindness, compassion and mercy. And the signs and wonders that amazed the early Christians are still happening in our world, even until this very day…especially here at St. Hubert. We see signs and wonders all the time. And here are just a few from recent weeks:
Feeding the Hungry. Our St. Hubert 8th Graders teamed up once again with our Encore 55+ group on a joint work of charity. On Holy Thursday morning, they partnered to make 60 lunches for the guests of Catholic Charities soup kitchen in Des Plaines.
Feeding the Heart and Soul. This weekend we say farewell to Fr. Peter Fernandes who was with us the last three months, and Deacon Tom Heathershaw who will graduate Mundelein Seminary and be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Dubuque on May 25. We’re grateful for their service and for enriching us with the good news of the gospels. Our Parish Pastoral Council teamed up with our Funeral Luncheon Team and our Teaching Parish Advisory Committee to host a reception after the 4:30 pm Mass. Fr. Peter and Deacon Tom will be around after the Masses if you’d like to wish them well.
Jesus Feeds the Children. This weekend we celebrate First Holy Communion, the moment when 92 children from our parish families receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time. Jesus tells us to be like the children…to come to him. And when given the chance, they do! These 92 children are an incredible sign of faith in a world that needs to see it.
Sometimes Goodness is Rewarded. Two St. Hubert parishioners were recently named Schaumburg’s Volunteers of the Year! Helen Jerusis, one of our Eucharistic Ministers and an active WINGS helper, was named the adult volunteer of the year, and Sarah Mathias, a talented musician active in our music program and youth group, was named the teen of the year. That’s an incredible witness of the power of service, and an incredible reflection of the good things St. Hubert parishioners are doing.
There are a lot of signs and wonders of Christian goodness all around us. It’s good every now and then to simply be amazed by simple things that bring Easter joy.