Pastor's Letter

The Good News of Easter: A Way to Find Peace

Our world is not a very peaceful place.  We unfortunately see a lot of conflict, violence, unrest, injustice, and maybe even anger—not just between nations, but sometimes very close to us.  For instance, I’m amazed sometimes how fast someone is to lay on their horn and start cursing if someone delays even two seconds when a light turns green.
 
The question the gospel seems to put in front of us today is this: is peace possible?
 
Jesus is saying “yes” it is.  True peace can be experienced only in Him, not the way the world can give it (because it seems we’re not really ever at peace).  We can find peace within.  There is a sacred center in all of us.  We call it the “heart” or “soul,” but it’s the place where God rests within us.
 
Jesus says God the Father loves whoever loves him, which we show by following him. And so, he promises something we need to hear: God shows his faithfulness by coming to us to make his dwelling place within (John 14:23).
 
That, of course, takes on its ultimate meaning in the Eucharist.  That is the moment, as Catholics, that we enter into communion with God, who shares his very self and comes into our heart and soul.
 
The peace of Christ is the peace of knowing we’re not alone, despite any loneliness we may feel.  It’s knowing that God stays with us, even during the hardest moments or trials we may face. We unite our own suffering to Jesus who faced his own.  Jesus knows our life, our experience, our joy and our pain.
 
And so, he gives us the peace of knowing he’s with us.  And we respond through prayer, and even saying something as simple and heartfelt as “Jesus, I trust in you.”  Jesus helps us get through. 

Odds & Ends

• On Monday, we’ll show our gratitude to those who have served in our military forces and gave their lives in service to our nation.  It’s a day that many families gather together to remember, but also to celebrate the bonds of family and friendship which are the most important things we hold onto in life.  Please join us for Mass at 9:00 AM as we pray for the souls of those who served and rest in the peace of Christ.
• Our St. Hubert 8^th Graders are getting set to graduate this Friday!  We will have a special Mass and graduation service beginning at 7:00 PM in the church.  Congratulations not just to them, but to all those in our parish who move forward from grade school, high school, college and grad schools. Peace be with you!

And may we find the peace of Christ in our hearts through prayer, communion, and being together. 
 
With God all things are possible,