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We celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord as it replaces the Seventh Sunday of Easter this year. In this time of pandemic, so many are crying out with deep concerns of being “orphaned.” We feel that sense of loneliness that come with not being able to be around friends and being involved in social activities. If the Apostles were among us now, I wonder what they would be feeling.

Even in these uncertain times, one thing we can be sure of is that Jesus will never abandon us. This Sunday, we hear the Gospel passage that tells us that we are not alone: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments; and I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always.” Knowing that Jesus was about to depart from them, the disciples had to have been feeling a great deal of anxiety. Christ’s words, “I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you,“ must have sent waves of reassurance to their hearts and minds.

What does it mean to be a Christian? What does it mean to be a part of the Church? St. Peter in the Second Reading today provides us with a beautiful, inspiring, and challenging definition. “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. As the Easter Season continues, Christians everywhere rejoice that the risen Christ has called us out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

What a comfort knowing our voice is known and listened to by our Good Shepherd. Our worship and fellowship has come to a screeching halt. In these weeks of isolation, the better question may be how well we know our Shepherd’s voice. Hopefully we have found avenues to redirect our talents for the good of our community. We need to stay within the flock and be good followers.

As we continue to practice social distancing and are separated from each other due to this Coronavirus pandemic, it is likely that we can identify with these two disciples who were on the road to Emmaus. We are experiencing times of despair and disappointment.

Today the Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday. The central focus is our celebration of the Resurrection of Christ and the floodgates of God’s mercy being opened upon us, and is based both on Scripture and the revelations of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.

On this Easter Sunday, we celebrate the new creation. He is risen, Alleluia! At dawn in the garden of the Resurrection, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb grieving over the death of her beloved Lord.

Today we celebrate the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and we begin Holy Week in which we commemorate the last hours of Christ’s life on earth and His glorious Resurrection. This passion account from Matthew reminds us how important it is that we keep this week holy in honor of our Savior who gave His life for our sakes.

We suddenly find ourselves in very uncertain times. As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic increasingly affects us, I ask you to join me, Deacon Mike, our Religious and our staff in praying for those who are ill, their loved ones, the healthcare professionals caring for them, and all who are working tirelessly to reduce the suffering caused by this virus.

We get a glimpse into the ways of God and the contrast between darkness and light. This sets the stage for today’s Gospel. Rather than rejoicing that the blind man has been given the gift of sight, he is accused of sin as if he was to blame for his blindness. Many in Jesus’ time considered blindness to be God’s curse.

Why is water so important to us? Your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Because your body loses water through breathing, sweating, and digestion, it’s important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. One of the enlightenments of our journey through Lent is the recognition of Christ’s humanity. When we see Christ tired and thirsty, human as we are, we also see our salvation and Savior and are thus empowered to seek forgiveness for our weaknesses, failures and sins.

As we are all aware, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been making headlines as an increasing health scare throughout the world these past two months. As a result, the Diocese has received calls and e-mails regarding specific guidelines for how a parish should respond.

We have now begun the season where discipline plays a role in our journey. Lent, Holy week, and the Easter Triduum can sometimes drain us emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Jesus’ temptation in the desert strengthened Him for His ministry. I am sure Jesus was tired, hungry, and worn out during His forty days of prayer and fasting. Sound familiar?

This weekend is PLEDGE SUNDAY for the Annual Catholic Appeal throughout the Diocese of Trenton. Each year the Bishop seeks the support of all members of the Diocese to further the work of our ministries.

“Earth lost a beautiful human being today but we gained a prayer warrior in Heaven.” I invite you to pray for Deacon Jim’s family during their time of grief and sorrow. May he rest in peace. Amen.

As we continue through the dark days of February, we long for more days of sunshine and we sit with great anticipation for those shiny rays to trickle in. Our Scriptures keep talking about light, and it really feels like we need it.

Today we celebrate The Feast of The Presentation of The Lord. This feast is known as the Feast of Encounter in the Eastern Church where it began. In 1997, Pope John Paul II instituted a World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life attached to this feast.

What does it mean to be called a disciple of Christ? Does it mean that you have to be more than you think you are capable of being? Can you imagine what the Apostles must have felt when Jesus asked them to leave their families and follow Him and that He would make them fishers of men? The Apostles chose to follow and preach the light of Christ to people who, at times, had divisions amongst themselves.

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) We hear these words at every Mass as the Host and Chalice are raised for all to see. That verse is so familiar that it doesn’t shock us, but it should.

Today The Church celebrates the Solemnity of The Baptism of Our Lord. This brings to an end the Season of Christmas. The Church recalls Our Lord’s second manifestation or epiphany which occurred on the occasion of His Baptism in the Jordan.