6th Sunday of Easter

by Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.  |  05/05/2024  |  Pastor's Letter

As we continue the Easter celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead, our Sunday Masses are going through the first months and years of the Church, newly founded and told in The Acts of the Apostles. Besides being our “family story” in the faith, it tells us how the Apostles and early Christians understood what God was revealing about Himself through Jesus. Since they were mostly Jews, these men and women understood God to be One, Holy, the Creator, the Lawgiver and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He had formed a special covenant with Israel, God’s Chosen People.

They knew Jesus of Nazareth had been “a prophet powerful in word and deed” (Luke 24:19) and after the Resurrection and Pentecost now understood fully that God is One in Three:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Today we read about St. Peter’s proclamation that Jesus’ offer of salvation is for all who believe: “Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, ‘In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears Him and acts uprightly is acceptable to Him.’" (Acts 10:34-35)

St. Paul will soon write to the Galatians “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:27-28)

We Christians, therefore, have Good News to share with everyone: Jesus died and rose from the dead. If you believe in Him your sins will be forgiven and will live forever. God shows no preference or partiality, just love and mercy. Thanks be to God!

It has been a really busy last few weeks at SJV. Congratulations again to all who were baptized and received sacraments at Easter Vigil! As well, to the ____ young people of the parish who received First Communion and Confirmation yesterday! Thank you to all our Catechists and Faith Formation team, for bringing these souls to this big day!

Thank you as well to our Development Director Carmen Hernandez and her team of dedicated volunteers who hosted the 2024 Reach for the Stars Gala last weekend. There’ll be information very soon about the proceeds from the event and pictures of this very fun evening.