May 24th, we marked the conclusion of our Catechetical Year 2023-2024 with a Mass. I am overwhelmed with joy and filled with hope knowing that hundreds of children have received the Eucharist for the first time and teens and adults have finally been confirmed in their faith. Not to mention, the many more young disciples and their parents who received their faith formation. But we cannot rest on our laurels. The journey continues and so does the mission.

“The Paraclete is a witness in defense of Jesus and a spokesman for him in the context of his trial by his enemies; the Paraclete is a consoler of the disciples for he takes Jesus’ place among them; the Paraclete is a teacher and guide of the disciples and thus their helper. New Testament scholar Brendan Byrne, on the other hand, offers us this: “A Paraclete is someone that you would want standing beside you when you are in a difficult situation - under accusation, at a loss for what to say, needing defense.” Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

In the family, there is the mother. Every human person owes his or her life to a mother, and almost always owes much of what follows in life, both human and spiritual formation, to her. Yet, despite being highly lauded from a symbolic point of view, the mother is rarely listened to or helped in daily life, rarely considered central to society in her role. Rather, often the readiness of mothers to make sacrifices for their children is taken advantage of so as to “save” on social spending.

How does Christ love? He lays down his life for his friends. It is the greatest form of love. It is a sacrificial kind of love. It is a love offered generously that, when fully received, makes the one who receives it holy.

“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, 5) This is a beautiful image of the life of Christian discipleship. For anyone who is engaged in the work of evangelization, whether at home (parents), in the Church (religious leaders and volunteers), or in the missions (lay missionaries), it is absolutely necessary to come to the Eucharist and receive nourishment and sustenance from the Lord. Unless you do it in and with Christ, you will not bear any fruit for the Kingdom of God.

Pope Francis says this to young people, and especially those who feel distant or uncertain about the Church: “Let Jesus draw you to himself; bring him your important questions by reading the Gospels; let him challenge you by his presence, which always provokes in us a healthy crisis. More than anyone else, Jesus respects our freedom. He does not impose, but proposes. Make room for him and you will find the way to happiness by following him. And, should he ask it of you, by giving yourself completely to him.”

The Greek word for spirit is pneuma. But in this context, spirit can also mean what we would consider to be a ghost or the spirit of a person who has departed from this world coming and appearing to us after their death. It is one of the examples that we see in the Gospels where the disciples might seem to believe in the existence of the soul after death.

“For God so loved the world…” It is significant that “world” is used, instead of “human race” or “humankind.” We can read this as a reminder that God created everything in our reality – the skies, the mountains, the oceans, the deserts, all the plant life, the fish, the animals, and of course, us, who He created in His own image and likeness. The breath of new life and rebirth that comes to us at Easter is something that we share with all of God’s creation. It’s reflected in our Easter imagery, the beautiful and vibrant colorful flowers that represent the plant world, the “bunny” that represents the animal kingdom, the eggs that represent the beginning of life for so many species.

During the season of Lent, the memorial and feast of many saints are not celebrated due to hierarchy in liturgical festivities. The Sundays and Weekdays of Lent occupy a higher position. But two saints are difficult not to remember and to reflect on.

Fasting builds up our spiritual strength, and the Church asks us to complete this simple task every time we receive Holy Communion for our own benefit. Just like any athlete, we need to exercise discipline and fasting is great for building those spiritual muscles. Without fasting we are weak, and our passions drive us to wherever the wind blows.

Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament that is received by those who are ill or suffering. By the sacred anointing and the prayer of the priest, the whole Church commends those who are sick to Christ. The sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gifts of strength, faith, peace, and courage, and his or her suffering is united with the suffering of Christ for the building up of the Church (CCC nos. 1520-23).

As we enter into this season of Lent, allow me to share with you “10 Things to Remember for Lent,” written by Bishop David Ricken, former chairman of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis.

Brothers and sisters, the first form of care needed in any illness is compassionate and loving closeness. To care for the sick thus means above all to care for their relationships, all of them: with God, with others, with creation and with themselves. Can this be done? Yes, it can be done and all of us are called to ensure that it happens.

As we come together, let the spirit of generosity flourish in our hearts. May we be instruments of Your love, sharing the blessings You have bestowed upon us. In this annual appeal, may our faith, love, and compassion shine brightly, illuminating the path for those seeking hope.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude because we now experience the freedom that costed Jesus his very life. How can we repay the Lord for his goodness? Only through gratitude that allows us to offer ourselves to him and to his cause. This weekend, I invite you to prayerfully evaluate your expressions of gratitude to the Lord and greatly consider the Diocesan Development Fund and the purposes that this campaign wishes to promote.

We are now in Year B of the Church’s liturgical calendar. On most Sundays of this year, the Gospel will be taken from St. Mark. We keep in mind that first century Mediterranean societies were predominantly oral/aural cultures, that is, people communicated by speaking and listening rather than by reading and writing. This means that most people at that time would have heard Mark’s Gospel recited from memory.

The Lamb of God is the most meaningful title given to Jesus in the Scriptures. It sums up his love, sacrifice and triumph on the Cross - for our sake.

Although calendars now give the date of Easter and the other feasts in the liturgical year for many years in advance, the Epiphany proclamation still has value.

In an effort to extend the liturgies of the Church to the domestic church, that is, your own homes, I invite you to gather at the table or at the Christmas tree or manger scene and pray this as a family on New Year’s Eve.

Out of a loving desire for us to reach our eternal destination, he gives us his flesh and blood as food and drink for the journey. The destination is not just any land but the Kingdom of God. Nothing in this world can sustain us in the journey; only the living flesh and blood of God himself. Thus, only the Eucharist can bring us to our salvation. To deprive ourselves of the Eucharist is to make it impossible for us to reach the new Promised Land - Heaven.