Dear Disciples of Hope,

Happy Easter to all! May you know the peace and joy that the Risen Lord brings!

Welcome to all of you whom we only see once or twice a year. It's great to have you here. You are always welcome at St Francis Borgia. I have a favor to ask of you, especially those who come to the celebration of the Eucharist only once or twice a year.  Please return next week and be a part of the kingdom of God, Jesus' kingdom on earth.  Jesus died for our salvation but lived to establish His kingdom on earth, our Catholic church.  Jesus established our Catholic Church to continue His mission of Salvation. Our Salvation comes through our Church.

Why should you come back next week? In a nutshell, it is because God loves you and wants you to share in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is also your deepest desire. You and I are called to share, by knowledge and love, in God's life. We were created for communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This communion is not just a religious concept, but a participation in the divine life and a deep personal relationship with the Blessed Trinity. Jesus in the Gospel of John, says, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day." (John 6:53-40) He explicitly states that eating his body and drinking his blood- the Eucharist, which is the body, blood soul and divinity of Christ- with this participation in the divine life, and with being raised from the dead.

I wish I knew exactly what to write to help you understand how necessary are the Sacred Mysteries. (the Mass) In my years of interacting with people from all walks of life and from vastly different socioeconomic conditions, the most joyful people I have encountered are those who truly live their Catholic faith. The joy that comes from worshipping God. (the mass is the worship Jesus commanded us to do, "Do this in memory of me" Luke 22:19)

You have free will. You choose how you live your life. You choose to love. Where will your current life lead you? Choosing a life without Jesus Christ leads to self-exclusion from communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, which is contrary to the purpose of our existence. Choosing to follow Christ leads to joy and inevitably sharing in the Resurrection.

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus says, "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my heavenly Father." (Matt 7:21)

Choosing a life in Christ is experiencing joy now, and through the grace of God, ultimately sharing in the Resurrection.                                                                   

The choice of Christ at a basic level requires Sunday worship (the Mass). We have celebrated the Liturgy of the Eucharist (the Mass) for approximately two thousand years.  The Sacred Liturgy is one of the most intimate ways we encounter Christ this side of death. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The celebration of Mass...is the center of the whole Christian life...for each of the faithful individually. GIRM p16

As a reminder, if you have missed Mass without a serious reason, the Sacrament of reconciliation (confession) is needed before receiving the Eucharist. This sacrament is a beautiful opportunity to confess our sins, receive God's forgiveness, and start anew

"The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice.  For this reason, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their pastor.  Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin." (CCC 2181)

Habits can change, and lives can be better.  Regardless of your situation, there is always hope. Our Risen Lord loves you. If there is anything the priests can help you with, please contact us. Hope to see you next week

Peace in the Risen Lord

Fr. Maassen       reprinted and reedited