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May 18, 2003 – 5th Sunday of Easter Dear Friends: As I read the accounts of Jesus
speaking to the apostles after the Resurrection I find at least two or more
directives given to them. First Jesus repeatedly reminds them to "Abide
in Me". That has to be understood in a way that is a starting point for
all their missionary work to follow. This abide idea is not the same as
literally just staying in a comfortable house. We could use the term
Character -- strength, personal values and dedication. If we take these ideas into the
reception of Baptism or our renewal of Baptism at Easter then we can see
Baptism not as a single event but a process of entering into the
"character of Jesus". Jesus is asking his disciples to be so
influenced by the relationship he offers that they will go out and do
"something" which will reveal him by what they do and especially
how they do it. Let’s begin with remembering
people who live and work in the character of Christ. The Abiding with Christ
is evident in what and how they reach out to others. We also need to hear how Jesus
talked of the pruning that goes on in the vine and branches image. Here we need to look at our own
motives to see how we are motivated. Is our own sense of pride and a personal
promotion the driving force or do we really have a sense of dedication to
Christ. – developing in the Character of Christ. When we can see in the
people we touch the brothers and sisters of Christ then we are living with
the character of Jesus Christ. Here in the parish we see many
young people singing at several Masses and the younger ones being taught
about their life in the Lord Jesus. We just celebrated Parish Confirmation
and soon their will be 1st Holy Communion. Other parish activities, Corpus
Christi celebration and the Parish Pilgrimage with the celebration of the Mass
of Queen of Apostles and then the very important feast of Pentecost. All
these are part of the recognition of Christ in our lives. Along with the
liturgical feasts are the importance of giving time and talent to: · Parish Pastoral Council · Working around the parish in an upcoming Work-Be · Joining in many of the on going parish groups Jesus ‘words of" Abide in
Me" are both a comfort and an invitation to grow in the Character of
Jesus Fr. We need Cantors for the
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