In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world. (John 16:33)
In that day, there were prophets and messiahs on every corner. With the execution of this prophet from the region of Galilee, why did his movement continue? The descriptive "continue" is not accurate. The movement exploded, with communities of believers in the Way popping up and spreading everywhere: in and around Jerusalem at first, then north, to Galilee, then to present day Lebanon, Syria and Turkey, and finally, to Rome, the center of the Empire; and with the genius of the road system of Rome, this new Way spread throughout the Empire (Europe and northern Africa).
But again, why? Why did this movement quickly consume the whole of the Empire? The movement was centered on this charismatic preacher and healer, but the man was executed. He died. How did a movement centered on a man thrive after the man died? No amount of PR could erase the fact, that the Empire crushed him... crucified him. So, how did his small company become a revolution of love over much of the globe?
The great celebration of Easter gives us the answer: though He died and was buried, his friends saw Him again! He lives... this Jesus... and is Lord, raised from death, beloved of His Father... our Father.
***
As I mentioned in last week's column, there is a good chance that I will be the only priest at SJN for some months (through July I expect). At present, the Archdiocesan Priest Personnel Board cannot offer us a Spanish-speaking parochial vicar. I have some capacity in Spanish but am nowhere near fluent in the language. So, SJN continues to need a Spanish-speaking priest to assist the large number of our families that have Spanish as their first language. I am hopeful that SJN will be assigned a Spanish-speaking priest this summer.
Please know that our staff and our deacons and the members of the Pastoral Council will assist me in making sure that all that needs to be done will be done! But please know that because of this situation, there will be some inconvenience experienced: an occasional cancelation of afternoon Confessions; a slower than normal response to a telephone call or e-mail.
We'll get through this little snag with flying colors. The Lord is with us. Our parish has a strong heart, and we are blessed with many that have stepped forward and will step forward, in service to all, in obedience to the Lord Jesus.
***
The 3rd of June, at 7:00 pm: the Dedication of our new worship space! Have you marked your calendar for the Mass? Please Lord, we need an over-flowing crowd that night: maybe a thousand in the church, and another thousand outside, in the plaza. PLEASE plan to join with me, in praying with Archbishop Gregory... as he blesses and dedicates our new church. This is one event that you CANNOT miss!
Msgr. David Talley
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