Dear Friend of Carmel Mission,
Our Scripture readings for this Easter Sunday focus on the importance of witness. In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John are witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus, though they do not yet truly understand the implications of what has occurred. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter, having received the inspiration, wisdom, and understanding of the Holy Spirit, is reminding the early faithful that they are witnesses to Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. They are called to share that witness, to “preach to the people and testify that that He is the one appointed by God.” (Acts 10:42)
Many generations have passed since the actual eye witnesses to Jesus’ life walked the earth, but we too are called to bear witness to Jesus’ resurrection. While we did not see the empty tomb with our own eyes, our faith, and our personal relationship with our loving God, calls us to the testify to the fact that God did indeed so love the world that He sent His only Son to die for the salvation of humankind, and then to triumph over death forever.
Though we were not eye witnesses to the Resurrection, we are eye witnesses in the world today, and with that comes the same responsibility and privilege of the first Christians. Our hearts and minds are with the Ukrainian people, as they continue to suffer the atrocities of this senseless war. Sadly, that is only one of far too many areas of conflict in the world. We are responsible to bear witness to their suffering, as well as their courage, and continue to demand an end to war and violence, and pray for a prevailing peace.
We also have the privilege to bear witness to one another’s lives. At the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, Bishop Danny spoke movingly and emotionally about what it meant to him to be able to gather again as the Church of Monterey, something that has not been possible, or, at best, very limited, in the past two years. When we bear witness to our brothers and sisters we can amplify their joy and help to lift the heaviness of sadness, and they in turn do the same for us.
I wish you and your loved ones Easter blessings of good health, new hope, and great joy in the Risen Christ,
Fr. Paul
Please take a moment to read our Carmel Mission Weekly Bulletin.