My dear sisters and brothers,
Jesus is Risen!
This week we have the great Octave of Easter. We celebrate it full of hope, love and evangelization as “The Man of the Shroud” is here in Penticton. Imagine, this year, we are the only parish given the opportunity to host the exhibit! I have been to the “Shroud of Turin”, Italy, but the presentations by Fr. Andrew Dalton, LC here is amazing. These talks lead me to reflect on how the love of God really works in mysterious ways. The “Shroud of Jesus of Nazareth” is really the greatest God-given treasure to us in order for us to believe & trust in Him. No intellectual minds can fully explain the mysterious Shroud of Turin; how it got there. Jesus’ Resurrection and Power created the image on the cloth; we “saw and believed.” Come and see for yourself.
In the Gospel, the Risen Jesus filled His disciples with the gifts of Peace and Presence, which strengthen their faith and empowered them against sin and discouragement. These gifts are for all of us who open our lives in trust and faith to the Risen Jesus like Thomas who acclaimed: “My Lord and my God!”
This weekend, we celebrate the feast of Jesus the King of the Divine Mercy. This consoling devotion is centered on Jesus Christ’s merciful love for us sinners. We all need this devotion because we all need to experience Jesus Christ’s mercy, forgiveness and compassion. Likewise, we all have the duty to become instruments of His mercy to our neighbor. May our celebration of the Eucharist, lead us to ask God for the grace to be merciful. AMEN
God Loves You!
~ Fr. NEIL