May 7th, 2023 - Fifth Sunday of Easter

When we receive a gift -- any gift regardless of its size or value – it is a sure sign to us that we are loved, appreciated, and supported in our lives. During this Easter season, we are celebrating the divine gifts of Christ’s resurrection and our baptism into Christ’s Body, the Church.  To help us continue his mission on earth, Christ has given us many special gifts.  One of these gifts is the gift of his presence.  He is with us in our smiles and laughter.  He is with us in our tears and sadness.  Christ dwells with us everyday in his Holy Spirit. Another one of Christ’s gifts is his love.  Christ's love gives us the strength to say no to sin and gives us the courage to accept the hardships that come our way. And perhaps Christ gave us the greatest gift of all: the Eucharist.  This is the gift of Christ’s own Body and Blood, the gift of the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation that gives us nourishment to follow the Lord Jesus at every leg of our journey of life.  

May we all be obedient members of the flock of Christ, and with the help of the Eucharist, do what it takes to be effective leaders, guiding others to Christ, our Good Shepherd!