Third Sunday of Easter

Thoughts from Fr. Bill…….

Dear friends, Saint Therese of Lisieux once said “I just wonder
what I am to do when Easter Day dawns and I’m not able to sing
‘Alleluia’ because I really don’t feel the joy of Easter. Oh, for sure
in some ways I’m glad that Lent is over and that the season of
spring has arrived; I am not always, however, in an Alleluia frame
of mind or heart at this time of the year. For that’s what it’s all
about, isn’t it? I want to feel the joy of Easter and sing ‘Alleluia.’
I really want to mean that with all my heart.”

As we journey through the 3rd week of Easter we ask ourselves if
we still have Easter Joy? Easter is a long season with a very important
message. As we listen to today’s Gospel we speculate why
153 fish? Some say that 153 as the number of known fish species
while others think it was the number of counties known to exist.
So, one way to look at today’s celebration is to see it as an invitation
to spread the Good News to the whole known world. This is
part of our mission to evangelize.

Spring is beginning to take full bloom. One of the most beautiful
flowering trees is the Dogwood Tree. The legend of the Dogwood
Tree is this: In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew to a stately size and
a lovely hue. Twas strong and firm its branches interwoven For the
cross of Christ its timers were chosen. See the distress at this use
of their wood. Christ made a promise which still holds good:
“Never again shall the dogwood grow Large enough to be used so.
Slender and twisted it shall be with blossoms like the cross for all
to see. As blood stains the petals marked in the brown the blossom’s
center wears a thorny crown. All who see it will remember
ME. Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree. Cherished and
protected, this tree shall be a reminder to all of my agony. Author
Unknown. So, when you see the Dogwood Tree bloom this spring
take a good look and be thankful for the Cross that Set us Free!

A special Thank You to All who have given to the DLA. As you
can see in today's bulletin we are inching closer to our goal. God
Bless You!

This week’s psalm response, I will praise you Lord, for you
have rescued me, reminds us that the Lord will change our mourning
into dancing!

LET’S GO PENS!

Fr. Bill
Peace

Trying to live a full life in the service of the Lord,
failing frequently and falling on the mercy of God each time….