We come to the Third Sunday of Easter. This week’s gospel concludes with: “you are witnesses of these things.” How do we interpret this statement by Jesus when we are being challenged by a global pandemic, learn about another mass shooting, hear about social protests gone violent, and address our own personal life struggles?
The Season of Easter calls us to remember our baptismal promises. For many of us, these were professed first by our parents and then yearly by us personally every Easter. These resolutions to which we enthusiastically say “I DO!” give us the basic outline of our witness. Avoid evil and proclaim the greatness of God. They are such simple expressions of faith, but how difficult they can be to put into practice.
With all that is going on in our world and personal lives, let us remember those resolutions in how we engage life situations. We cannot be timid in our witness, especially around those looking for guidance. Let us remember that we are being watched and that our witness can influence other people’s lives. This is the witness story of our faith. Now more than ever we need to keep in mind that our youth are watching and mimic what they see. This reality should give us a wake-up call to witness better our Easter joy.
Let us pray for one another that our witness, expressed in our daily lives, will mimic what we profess as Jesus’ disciples and so help lead others to believe.
Easter Peace!
Fr. Workman
Join Masslivestreamed from St. ClementSaturday, April 17 at 4:00pmandon demand after its conclusion.
Father Workman and his brother and sister-in-law were all diagnosed with cancer last year. Let us join together to lift them up in prayer each day by saying the Rosary, making a Holy Hour, or praying a prayer of your choice, for healing, strength, and that they will draw even closer to Jesus through these trials. Sign up for the day(s) of your choice. No account needed.
ALL women are invited this Thursday, April 22, to the the last Connect Coffee of the Walking with Purpose season! This is a good way to get a taste of WWP and how it has changed thousands of women's lives.
Choose from the in-person event at St. James Andrews Hall -OR- the virtual one over Zoom. You'll watch a compelling video relatable to your life, and join a lively discussion after (or just listen if you prefer--no pressure!!!) Learn more and sign up here. You'll be contacted regarding your preference. Hope to see you there!
ONLINE MASSES
St. Clement You Tube channel for livestreamed and on-demand Masses, from St. Clement and St. James Churches
St. James Parish website Coronavirus Updates Page. (All Fr. Workman's Sunday reflections can be found on this page.)
FORMED. The Catholic Faith. On demand. Thousands of movies, video programs, audios and ebooks available free through St. James and St. Clement parishes. (Search on St Clement to access.)
Saint James Church
Corner of Detroit & Granger Avenue | Lakewood, OH
Saint James Parish Office
17400 Northwood Avenue | Lakewood, OH
