Ascension 2019

Fr. Jude Botelho:

As we move from one stage of life to another we are forced at some point to let go of the past ways and move on adopting newer patterns of behavior. As infants we had to be carried and fed, as children we had to hold our parents hands as we moved about. As teenagers we tended to be independent yet we needed guidance and help sometimes. As adults we believe we can manage on our own. But in our faith relationship we always need God and cannot manage
without Him. At the Ascension we are given a new presence of God within us! Have an exciting weekend discovering his new presence in us!

7th Sunday of Easter - Unity

From the Connections:

In John’s account of the Last Supper, after his final teachings to his disciples before the events of his passion begin, Jesus addresses his Father in heaven. He begins praying for himself, that he may obediently bring to completion the work of redemption entrusted to him by the Father. Next, he prays for his disciples, that they may faithfully proclaim the word he has taught them. Finally (today’s Gospel periscope), Jesus prays for the future Church – us – that we may be united in the “complete” love that binds the Father to the Son and the Son to his Church, and that in our love for one another the world may come to know God.

Sixth Sunday of Easter C - Peace I give

Fr. Jude Botelho:

This Sunday’s first reading from the Acts reminds us of the conflict that arose in the early Christian community. The Jews felt that to be a follower of Jesus, one had to be a Jew. Hence they insisted on circumcision. Recent converts did not see the need to undergo a ritual practice of the Jewish faith. For these converts Jesus alone mattered and accepting Him and his teaching was all that was required. This conflict divided the early Christian community. To solve the problem they decide to meet together and discern what God was saying through the many voices heard.

Easter 5 Sunday C - Love One Another

Fr. Jude Botelho:

This Sunday’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles reminds us of the many missionary journeys of the apostles and the growth of Christianity. It was not all easy but the gentle encouragement of Barnabas, and the personal witness of Paul was a great blessing for the early Christian communities and they grew in number. Every day of our life we are called to witness to the fact that Jesus is alive and in our midst. We are also called to be like Joseph, the real name of Barnabas. He was nicknamed Barnabas, ‘son of encouragement’. He encouraged Paul when he was just beginning his ministry and his encouragement built the early church. We need less of critics and more of encouragers to build the Christian community.

Easter 4 Sunday C: Good Shepherd

From Fr. Jude Botelho:

In today's reading we see the power of the Risen Lord, which had transformed Peter, who preaches eloquently and takes on the establishment. Peter was speaking to the elders, the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, a powerful opposition for an uneducated fisherman, yet he and the other apostles displayed courage and greatness as they confront them head on. "If we are being questioned and asked how this man was healed, let it be known, that this man is standing in good health by the name of Jesus of Nazareth." Peter could have taken the credit for the miracle. Peter has learnt his lesson and knows that if he relies on himself he will fall, but his confidence is in the Lord, who never fails. Peter moves from the immediate fact of the healing, to the thing signified, namely the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.