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Fr. Simon's Letter - April 17, 2022
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At last, an Easter celebration that is different from the last two. It is so good to see so many returning to worship in person in the basilica. As we celebrate this solemn feast, I welcome those who until recently have watched Mass online, especially those who are vulnerable. Thank you for your presence with us and for the added joy of being able to see one another without masks. I also want to extend a warm welcome to Adam Bevel, Laura Frcka, Antonio Raskaj, Stephanie Santander and Rosemary Talento, received into the Catholic Church and welcomed to the table of Christ. It is a joyous celebration not only for these new members, their sponsors and families but also for us. Our witness to the faith and our prayers from them is in some way a cause for joy.
I join the entire parish staff to wish you and your families a blessed Easter. May we know more fully within our own hearts the everlasting joy of the risen Christ. Easter is the feast of feasts, the joyful celebration of the true event of Christ’s resurrection. What makes this feast even more joyful is that it is also the celebration of our own resurrection in him.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the defining moment in human history. Through the resurrection, God in Christ declares that death is not the end of our story and that all things will be redeemed. Our Easter hope is that as we journey together through this time of unrest and war in parts of our world, let us be assured that God travels with us, and is even now helping redeem the calamity for God’s good purposes in the world God loves.
The faith of Jesus’ disciples was tested as they witnessed the painful and unjust death of their friend, who in the end died in isolation. Jesus didn’t admonish his friends’ very human lack of faith, but restored it with his victory of life over death.
Seeing signs of redemption when we’re in the midst of disaster can be difficult. The disciples had trouble recognizing the resurrected Jesus after the disaster that was his execution. But God’s redeeming love is still at work, even if our troubled circumstances make it difficult for us to see. So, even in the midst of the fear and uncertainty in our world, we reply with sure and certain hope…
“The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!”
Blessings!
An Important Announcement...
I invite you to join me in welcoming Daniel Calderon as the new business manager for Queen of All Saints parish. Daniel spent twenty years with Walgreens and another ten years with Sam’s Club. He brings with him a wealth of experience, especially that of the corporate environment, which will certainly be valuable as Dan assumes the many and often complex roles he will have here at QAS. Dan will begin his duties on Monday, April 18. Please join me as we welcome Dan and offer him our whole-hearted support.
