Holy Infant Catholic Church
Father Michaels Weekly Thoughts
WEEKLY THOUGHTS THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 4th, 2025.
Dear friends, welcome to the celebration of the Third Sunday of Easter and first Sunday in the month of May 2025. The month of April was clouded with the Easter celebration as well as the death of Pope Francis and his funeral; the event that was televised to the entire world. At this time of “sede vacante” when the Pope Seat is empty, let us pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the Cardinals to choose a new Pope to lead the Church with a Pastor’s heart.
The month of May is traditionally dedicated to Mary and praying the Rosary which St. John Paul calls a way through the Scriptures. Let us endeavor to pray this prayer at family and individual level. The month of May brings us closer to the end of the fiscal year. I wish to thank you all for your generous donations and contributions towards our Churches of Holy Infant and Shepherd of the Hills and our Diocese of Richmond in particular – The Annual Appeal of 2025.
In the Gospel Reading of last Sunday; John 20: 19-31 the Risen Jesus appeared to his disciples locked up in the upper room. Thomas refused to believe the testimony of the disciples that they had seen the Lord. Thomas was able to believe the Risen Jesus after encountering Jesus and touching him. Jesus told Thomas “Blessed are those who have not seen but believed.” We are among the blessed who believe in the presence of Jesus in Word, Sacrament, and the Church a visible body of Christ.
In the First Reading; Acts 5: 27- 32 Peter and his fellow apostles boldly testify to the Sanhedrin of the Risen Jesus despite warnings to stop the disciples to preach of the Risen Jesus.
In the Gospel of John 21:1-19 Jesus again appears to his Apostles, who out of frustration chose to get back to their fishing trade. We are told that they had worked the entire night and caught nothing. Jesus standing at the shore asked if they had caught anything. A stranger, later revealed as Jesus directed them to cast the net over the right side of the boat and they are amazed with the catch. John recognizes the stranger as the Risen Jesus and shares it with Peter and the rest of the apostles. On reaching the shore, they share the breakfast Jesus had prepared for them. After the meal, Jesus questions Peter of his love and loyalty. Jesus asks Peter three times; “do you love me?” Jesus responds with a task or responsibility; Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep and Feed my sheep. The duties Peter- the successor of Jesus did with a heart of a Good Shepherd to the point of giving up his life for the sheep.
Let us pray at this time when the Papal seat is vacant, the College of Cardinals with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to elect a successor to the office of the Pope and Chief Pastor of the Church.
Have a wonderful week.