6th Sunday of Easter

On this Memorial Day Weekend, we give thanks to God for the lives we are able to live in our country as we remember those who have died while serving in our Armed Forces, protecting us and upholding the rights and liberties which we enjoy here and now; we remember them and we pray for eternal rest and peace for their souls.

If I’m being totally honest, though, in my day-to-day life, I usually take these freedoms for granted.  I also take many of the blessings of life for granted…and the people God has placed in my life for granted…and the incredible gift of forgiveness of sins in Jesus and eternal life for granted…and our incredible Catholic faith for granted… So if you’re anything like me, let’s pause this week, and intentionally give thanks to God this day for all of His many gifts!

4th Sunday of Easter

Just a few days ago, on Thursday, May 8th, something happened that I never thought I would see in my lifetime: Habemus Papam! We have a Pope! …And he’s American!

Robert Francis Prevost is a native of Chicago; an Augustinian priest (a religious order priest) who spent much of his priestly life as a missionary in South America, and eventually serving as a Bishop in Peru.  More recently, he was called to Rome, where he worked in the Dicastery for Bishops.

On this Good Shepherd Sunday let’s pray for our new shepherd, Pope Leo XIV.  I also ask for your prayers for me, your local shepherd.  And finally, prayers for those that you have been called by God to shepherd.

Jesus doesn’t say “follow me” to only popes or priests; he says it to every disciple.  Every one of us who has heard Jesus’ invitation and chosen to follow Him has also been tasked with the responsibility to shepherd specific people the Lord has placed in our care.  May we all model our shepherding after that of Christ, the Good Shepherd!