Fr. Mike's Communication for the April. 18, 2021

3rd Sunday of Easter | 18 April 2021

“Peace be with you.”
But they were startled and terrified
and thought that they were seeing a ghost.

Luke 24:36b-37

Brothers & Sisters,

“The peace of the Lord be with you always.”

Our hearts long for a deep peace, a peace beyond all understanding. We place our quest for peace in things of this world: financial security, comfortable homes, and fulfilling friendships and family connections. Often we still find ourselves disappointed when our lives are “perfect” because stress, anxiety, and worry do not disappear. At every Mass, the priest offers the words, “peace be with you” and we respond with, “and with your spirit ” We offer the sign of peace (even as modified versions during COVID) as a sign of sharing in Christ’s peace. Yet most significantly, the Lord Jesus, the true and lasting source of peace, comes into our midst during Mass. Only Jesus can provide us freedom from our struggles. This gift of peace Christ offers is possible through trust and living our faith with patient endurance.

The risen Jesus appears to two companions journeying out of Jerusalem toward Emmaus in today’s Gospel. These two are puzzled that the newest addition to their traveling party has not yet heard the latest buzz. Had this scene transpired today, one could picture the pair glued to handheld devices, regularly responding to notifications and keeping up with this latest news but somehow missing its true impact. Yes, the team was leaving Jerusalem on a journey, but they weren’t seeking the authenticity of the claims of Resurrection.

Only when Jesus reveals himself in the breaking of the bread does the importance of the experience register—inspiring these two disciples to change course immediately, returning to Jerusalem and seeking out the apostles, telling them all that had taken place. Of course, there were no search engines, social media, nor GPS; they could only have known where to find the apostles if they had been among the disciples following him. And when they told their stories, Jesus appeared in their midst, with a most consistent greeting, “Peace be with you.”

They struggled to accept the truth of Jesus’ Resurrection. Though overjoyed to be in the presence of Jesus, they presume Jesus to be a ghost and are terrified. Regardless, Jesus meets them where they are never angry; Jesus is patient with them. He explains his passion, death, and Resurrection once again. Declaring them to serve as witnesses to this miracle.

Jesus continues to appear and offer us true and lasting peace. And even today, he meets us with patience despite our struggle to believe and commit our lives fully to God’s will. We do not need to wait until the next time we gather at the altar to experience Jesus’ presence; every time we share and give witness to our faith, Jesus is present. As the apostles were, we may not be startled to see Jesus but are assured of Christ’s abiding presence.

St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Rev. Michael S. Triplett

Some of the key considerations for this week.

▪ Please reserve your seat here for the 4th Sunday of Easter, April 24-25.

▪ Each Mass customarily has a specific “Mass Intention” associated with that celebration. Canon Law, the laws of the Church, approves the practice of accepting offerings from the faithful for the specific intention. Often, though not required, these intentions are offered for the deceased, a great way of continuing to pray for our loved ones. Our parish has an online form, here, to help request a Mass, optionally offer a donation associated with the intention, and if desired, have a Mass Card prepared to let family or friends know that a Mass is being offered for their loved one. Please feel free to request a Mass intention through this form, or reach out to the parish office, (410)747-4334.

Every Sunday, pastors are required to ensure that one Mass is offered pro populo, or for the people of the parish (all who live in the parish). Know that we pray for you each week in this special way.

Of course, the intentions offered at Mass are not limited. Priests may include other intentions as they, in addition to those intentions requested formally. In the first Eucharistic Prayer, the beauty of the Mass Intention is well articulated: “Remember, Lord, your servants and all gathered here, whose faith and devotion are known to you. For them, we offer you this sacrifice of praise or they offer it for themselves and all who are dear to them: for the redemption of their souls, in hope of health and well-being, and paying their homage to you, the eternal God, living and true.” The intentions that you offer are included in each and every Mass. Please continue to remember your loved ones, family and friends, both living and deceased, at every Mass that you participate. Your intention is heard by the Lord.

▪ Are you discerning the Lord’s will in your life? On the 4th Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, vocations are often the focus. However, we often focus on vocations of priesthood, diaconate, religious life, and marriage that our youth and young adults are discerning. But there are other times of discernment in life, including in retirement. The Ignatian Volunteer Corps is a wonderful opportunity for those 55 years old or better, involving a year-long commitment to service and spirituality. There are excellent opportunities in the Baltimore Metro region, and work can be matched with your gifts and skills at one of over 30 non-profit partners. Volunteers serve one or two days a week (during the pandemic, some opportunities for virtual service exist) and monthly gather for prayer in the Ignatian tradition. Parishioners interested are encouraged to register for a Zoom Information Session for either Tuesday, April 20 from 9:30am to 10:30am or Wednesday, April 21 from 7 pm to 8 pm. Register at ivcusa.org/baltimore or send an email to baltimore@ivcusa.org.

▪ Please keep in your prayers the gentlemen from the Class of 2021 who are on retreat this week and whom Archbishop Lori will ordain deacons on May 22 at the Cathedral. These gentlemen include our