Christus Resurrexit, Sicut Dixit, Alleluia!!!
Christ has Risen, as He said He would, Alleluia!!!
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.’”
(John 14:23-24)
In the Gospel this weekend, Jesus speaks of keeping His word as a way to love of the Him and the Father. This is no small matter. This type of keeping is a constant demand. It is not enough to love God once or twice, but rather to love God always. To keep His word in good times and bad, when convenient or hard, when we agree with it and when we are challenged & confused by it. It is the keeping of Christ’s Word each day faithfully unto the ‘finish line’ that sees us confident of eternal reward, of heaven before the Throne and the Lamb glorifying and praising God.
It is this understanding that St Paul captured so well in his letter to St Timothy and which is often used at Funeral Masses for our faithful departed. “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day” (II Timothy 4:7-8). We Catholics do not speak of a singular conversion, although many of us have ‘conversions stories’. We speak of the lifelong journey, the daily as well as annual growth and progress on the Way of the Lord. We are challenged, as all Christians are to listen to God’s Word and to incorporate it as well as implement it moment by moment in a life lived for Christ in the Church. We strive, confidently, faithfully, ardently, sacrificially, hopefully, and joyfully toward the only true finish line that will count! May we finish the race we been tasked to run faithfully and well. Keep going!
This week, sees many local area schools including Holy Family and those of the New Albany Deanery crossing the long awaited “Finish Line” of the school year. Great job! It’s been a great year of learning and growth. It will also be a great summer of rest and recharging. Congratulations to all on getting to this point. A special Congratulations to those finishing milestone levels: 8th Grade, High School Seniors, and University graduates. You’ve done well, in a not always so easy race. Blessings as you start the next leg of the journey.
Holy Family, Accompanied by Mother Mary, Pray for us.
~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries