As the fifty days of Easter continue, we join all the earth in crying out with joy to God, who raised Jesus to new life. On this Third Sunday of Easter, we also celebrate Earth Day. Credit for today’s Earth Day holiday goes to Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, who believed this occasion, first observed in 1970, would open the eyes of U.S. politicians to popular support for laws and policies to protect the environment. In his Earth Magna Carta, John McConnell, the founder of the Earth Day movement, put it this way: "All individuals and institutions have a mutual responsibility to act as trustees of Earth, seeking the choices in ecology, economics, and the ethics that will eliminate pollution, poverty, and violence, foster peaceful progress, awaken the wonder of life, and realize the best potential for the future of the human adventure.” In this Easter season of renewed life, how can you help make the adventure of God’s beloved creation better for all?
Wednesday, April 25 is the Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist (Gospel Writer). While it is unlikely the “Mark” of the Gospel of that name is the same as the “Mark” mentioned in several other places in the New Testament, the latter followed the same path the Gospel describes. He worked with Saint Paul but later “deserted” Paul on one of the apostle’s mission journeys, provoking a sharp disagreement and a parting of the ways. Yet he clearly played the role as a fellow-worker of Paul (Philemon 24). The Gospel of Mark asks believers to follow Jesus’ example of servant love whatever the misunderstanding or conflict it may cost, because Christ will be with you the whole way!
Our Responsorial Psalm this weekend, "Lord, let your face shine on us," reminds us to look to God for both joy and peace in our lives.
Let's Go Pens!
