April 28, 2024

Dear Parishioners,

If you remember last week’s Gospel, Jesus said “I am the Good Shepherd.” Today he says “I am the true vine.” He gives other “I am…” sayings, in fact, throughout the Gospel of John: I am the Bread of Life; I am the light of the world; I am the door; I am the way, the truth, and the life; I am the Resurrection and the Life.

               I asked the group last week at the Wednesday morning scripture seminar which “I am” saying they like the best. Some said “I am the Bread of Life” and a few said “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” I personally like “I am the Good Shepherd.”

               I’d be curious to know which you prefer. Obviously, they’re all good and can strike us differently depending on our state or season of life. Feel free to tell me after Mass or even send me an email about which image of Jesus resonates with you, and why, if you don’t mind. Again, it would be good to hear how the Spirit is moving in your life.

               I am the true vine is certainly also at the top of the list for me. The reason is this follow-up line from Jesus: “Remain in me as I remain in you.” Other translations use the word ‘abide’: abide in me.

               Boy, you could almost say that’s the goal of the spiritual life: abiding in God. It’s what we all truly want, deep down. No one wants to be alone. No one wants to feel cut off from God. No one wants to imagine the pressure is on and that it’s all up to you or me to ‘figure it out.’ We want to be united to God. Remain in me is the invitation to do what we truly want.

               It seems so simple and obvious, and yet how hard is it for us to abide? I think of someone who is restless in prayer (and in life, in general). For whatever reason the person is struggling that they are indeed with God in the moment. They don’t think that is enough. They can’t just be still and receive. The world is always telling us to be efficient. Not God. God doesn’t need you to feel something particular or have some brilliant insight or come to some clear-cut resolution. He just wants you to be with him, and by being present, you are! But we don’t trust that and so we grasp at other things in our prayer or in our life.

               What’s so ironic is that Jesus does acknowledge our need to be fruitful. But the way to fruitfulness isn’t by going out and doing stuff on your own. It’s by trusting in the Lord, abiding with him in quiet. “Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.” God will do the work in you that needs to be done. What’s amazing is that it won’t feel like work. It will feel natural and easy, and all because you took time to breathe and be with God.

               My prayer for you this week is that you will be able to abide with Jesus, our vine.

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As I did last year, I’ve written reflections on Mary for the month of May. These are slightly different, as they are not short reflections for each day, but one larger reflection for each week. And the reflection is a meditation on a work of art. I hope you find this helpful and that it brings you closer to our Blessed Mother. The bulletin this week includes the “Introduction” and the “Week of April 28.” The entire, completed document can also be found online.

               A reminder there will be no Wednesday morning scripture seminar this week, May 1st. We will resume next Wednesday, May 8th at 9am in the Holy Family Chapel.

               On Saturday, May 4th we have our first round of First Communion, with one Mass at 10am and the second Mass at 1pm. The second round of First Communion will be next Saturday, May 11th. Congratulations to our First Communicants. We are very happy for you and proud of you.

               Please be sure to reach out to the parish office to obtain your free copy of a book on the Blessed Mother: Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary by Dr. Brant Pitre.

               There will be a parish May Crowning, which will include a talk on Mary and other prayers, on Monday, May 27th at 9:30am and 6:30pm.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. James Wallace