The Ascension of the Lord (C): Christ’s Ascension Provides A New Beginning For Us To Continue His Work On Earth by Deacon Jim Merle

All things, good or bad, come to an end in some way, shape or form.  When it happens, we usually have mixed emotions depending on our part in it and our expectations.  That is how the Apostles felt at the end of Christ’s ministry on earth.  All of them started out doing something unrelated to becoming future Church leaders who will expand a faith belief for the world.  We know from Scripture that in their three years with Jesus prior to His demise as a human they wanted to follow in Jesus footsteps.  Following His death, resurrection and visit with them, many initially returned to their former life because they were confused in their future.  After spending an additional 40 days with Jesus ending with His Ascension, they reverted back to the desire of spiritual involvement.

Sixth Sunday of Easter (C): God Sends the Holy Spirit So We Can Understand and Practice Jesus’ Message of Love Clearly by Deacon Jim Merle

God created us as unique beings with a free-will to decide how we should live our lives; according to the ways of the Lord or in ways that satisfy our wants and needs as we believe is necessary.  In sorting this out, we come into numerous conflicts with different interpretations that cause disagreements as we try to articulate our faith in a changing world.  Our Gospel today offers a road of calm and peace in which despite differences, we can find a common ground toward understanding in which to receive the indwelling of Christ’s love in our hearts by keeping His Word through the help of the Holy Spirit.

Fifth Sunday of Easter (C): Love One Another As Jesus Loves Us!

 For those who have access to social media, television or the written media, you know that many societies throughout the world are self-centered in their approach to life.  Wealth, Power and Fame are the main catalyst on one side and being downtrodden by multiple circumstances is another.  It almost seems hopeless that we will ever live in a society that not only offers equality, but practices it in all we think, say and do.  That being the case, how can we ever love one another as Jesus loves us?

Fourth Sunday of Easter (C): “The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep By Name…”

 Have you been called by God?  Have you responded?  If so, what are you doing about it?  If not, why not?

Third Sunday of Easter (C): “Come, Have Breakfast.”

 The invitation almost seems comical in light of what has happened: Jesus, the Messiah, Only-Begotten Son of God, is crucified, dies, is buried and raised from the dead so our sins can be forgiven and we would have life everlasting.   Seven of the Apostles, who fished all night and caught nothing, are invited to eat with the Risen Christ on the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee.  A lost night becomes a new day!