The Only Firm Foundation of Joy

“It seemed like false hope, too good to be true after all we had been through.” The foundations on which they had built their trust were suddenly taken from them. After
spending years together, one of them had died and the rest have been scattered apart in fear. Now some are claiming the strife was over, that victory is right around the corner...
They had experienced so many disappointments, did they dare believe this new hope was real? This was the Apostle’s experience of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and it feels like our recent experience too.

As we have experienced so many losses, both great and small, over the course of this Lenten season, we are reminded that many things we normally rely on to make us
happy are not guaranteed. Even in our church communities we have chosen to stop gathering for the safety of those around us, and it has been weeks since we have been able to share the central gift of the Eucharist in Communion which strengthens us - this breaks our hearts!

Yet today we celebrate true Victory! Our true victory is not in a miracle drug or vaccine, nor in waiting for a rebound of the economy. Our true victory is the same one the disciples shared on the first Easter: the power of Jesus Christ to overcome evil, sin and death! Since Jesus rose victorious even over these worst enemies, we can be even more confident that his power and compassion will carry us through our present pandemic and all the struggles that have resulted from it! 

Trusting in Jesus’ victory is what will keep our spirits strong. But how do we experience this victory in our daily lives? Most importantly, we need to turn to Jesus each day in humble and honest prayer - sharing our disappointments and our gratitude. This is what opens our hearts and minds to God’s grace to help, guide and strengthen us. Blessed by
the faith that Jesus carries us, we are called to share our love for God by the way we love and reach out to others - especially those who are in need or feel they are alone at
this time. For those of us who have not lost income, we can use a portion of this to support trustworthy charity efforts and our Church, and all of us can support these with
our prayers.

Fr. Lambert, Fr. Bernie, and I all miss seeing you! So do the deacons, coordinators, and staff. We continue to offer Masses for you and your intentions - most of these are available through pwc.church and Facebook Live. We look forward to welcoming you back to church when it is safe to do so, to once again be filled with the grace of receiving Communion! Meanwhile, our website offers many ways to connect with the Word of God, Adoration, prayer and Christian community.

Even spread out in our own homes, we are the living Church and the Holy Spirit continues to guide and strengthen us and our collaborative parish communities.  May our celebration of the Victory of Christ throughout this season help us all to stake our peace and joy on the firm foundation of God’s saving love through Christ. You are an important part of our future in St. Martha Parish and St. Mary Parish - a future filled with Resurrection hope!