Kind of a bittersweet day yesterday. The day started with 3 beautiful liturgies celebrating the Lord’s Resurrection and the message was heard by 3 full houses at St. Mary Magdalen. It is my prayer (every Christmas and Easter) that those who only attend on either/both of those days hear something, see something, experience something that will bring them back to the Church. Thanks to all who took the time to go to Mass yesterday. A full church was an inspiration and gift for me to see and experience. The bittersweet part of the day was at our annual brunch at my in-laws house following. What used to be a packed house was not that way this year. Three of my children were not able to make it (Grace, Cecilia and Ruth) and I missed not having them there. Many of my nephews/nieces were not able to attend the festivities. I missed all of them not being able to attend but did have a nice time visiting all the others who could attend. Was even able to win a game of hearts yesterday (live – not on the computer). I was going to come home and BBQ chicken (with Maul’s my brothers) but the weather prevented me from doing that but finished the day, that glorious Easter Sunday by watching Jesus Christ Superstar LIVE on NBC. I have been listening to the original Broadway album every Friday (“religiously”) during Lent. I tend to shy away from remakes of originals because they aren’t done properly (in my mind). Last night’s performance was stunning, moving and absolutely worth the time to watch. The way they handled the music, the sets, the lighting and the performers were phenomenal. Watching the Crucified Christ be raised and disappear through the Cross into the fog was very well done. The only disappointment (for me) came immediately following that scene. I was thinking how all the people involved with that production should be moved to their knees in prayer and then they cut to a commercial and in the bottom of the screen was a live shot of backstage. Instead of me seeing people who should have been emotionally moved by what they had just witnessed, I saw people laughing, joking, congratulating each other and then I realized, for a lot of them, it was just a performance that was very well done.
In today’s readings we get to see the transformed Peter come out of his shell and start immediately his life of Evangelization. This simple act alone speaks volumes of the power of Christ’s Resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t long ago that Peter denied even knowing Christ for fear of what would happen to himself. In the Gospel, Jesus states one of my credos to St. Mary Magdalen – Do Not Be Afraid.
Today is Day 4 of our 9 day Novena…
Day 4 – Divine Mercy Novena:
Intention: Today bring to Me THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN GOD* AND THOSE WHO DO NOT YET KNOW ME. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.
Novena Prayers: Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages.
Amen.
CHRIST HAS RISEN – ALLELUIA
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid.
Jesus I trust in you.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 