Dear Prince of Peace Parishioners:
Easter Sunday was a great day of Joy and Hope for all Christians and the whole world. Yet, the second Sunday of Easter, is now known as Divine Mercy Sunday, is also a great and Joyful day because what the Lord has and continues to do through His Mercy for us and especially for the whole world. The message of the Divine Mercy is simple. It is that God loves us – “all of us”. And, God wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others. Thus, all will come to share His joy.
Today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles offers us a vivid insight into the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Luke has already mentioned the rapid growth of the early church. John's Resurrection story is a series of encounters between Jesus and his followers that reveal diverse faith reactions. Whether these encounters are with Simon Peter and the Beloved Disciple, Mary Magdalene, the disciples or Thomas, the whole scenario reminds us that in the range of belief there are different degrees of readiness and different factors that cause people to come to faith and help them in turn to become witnesses.
John’s story of Jesus and Thomas records the first post-resurrection appearance of Jesus and provides us with an experience of doubt, struggle and faith. Herein lies every Christian's experience: to believe without having seen. In this Gospel passage, we have a story within a story: the resolution of Thomas' doubts during Jesus' appearance to encourage the fearful disciples. Thomas only believes when he hears the Lord's call to belief.
Congratulation to all the “New Catholics”: The Neophytes (newly baptized at the Easter Vigil (Saturday, April 17). The Church is much richer because of all of YOU and the Church is more alive because of the many unique stories of your faith journey and especially, you continue encounter with the Risen Christ in our Eucharistic community.
Please, also, keep our Confirmation Candidates (High School and Baptized Catholic Adult in RCIA) in your prayer as they’re preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Gabriel Church at 7:00 PM on Wednesday April 27, by Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo.
Please consider to share the “Blessing of God” that you have received in participating in the Annual Catholic Appeal campaign this year 2022. Materials will be sent to each of the household from the Archdiocese and our own parish to inform and invite you to learn about over 60 different ministries in the Archdiocese support by the Annual Catholic Appeal. Individually we cannot respond to all the legitimate needs of the people of God in the Archdiocese; but TOGETHER, we will be able to accomplish the need for all people of God.
Let us pray also for peace in Ukraine: for those who have suffered injury or loss, for those who have been forced from their homes, for those still living in harm’s way, and for all who have died in the conflict.
O God, author and lover of peace, be with the people of Ukraine in their hour of need. Let the violence and brutality cease; let diplomacy resume. Wipe away the tears of your people, and grant them justice and peace. Through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang