HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! On this Sixth Sunday of Easter, we celebrate Mother’s Day. A day in which we honor our mother’s. May your day be special and filled with love from your children, grandchildren. For those of us who lost mothers, I pray that they are sharing this day in heaven with our Blessed Mother.

The Second Reading for today’s Mass gives us much food for thought. In the First letter of Saint John, the author tells us: “Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18) A little further we hear Saint John tells us: “We should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus the Christ, and love one another as He commanded us (1 John 3:23-24). A quite simple, but challenging statement. Whether with family, colleagues, or in church communities, we are called to love one another. This requires us to be open and willing to reach out to reconcile. Our communities of faith are signs of unity with Christ. Jesus says “I am the vine—you are the branches (John 15:5). The vine gives life to the branches. Jesus, as the vine, gives life to us who are the branches.

Today, on this Fourth Sunday of Easter, we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, recalling Jesus’ promise to protect us from harm, to rescue us when we stray, and to guide us home at the end of the day. Ultimately, Jesus laid down His life for us, as He told His disciples that He would do. We come here with worries and concerns on our mind. We take comfort in knowing that Jesus, the Good Shepherd watches over us, providing comfort, protection, guidance, and above all—salvation.

We are an Easter people. Whatever our circumstances may be, or the circumstances of the world; as we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we gather in joy because our Lord truly rose from the dead— conquering death and bringing the promise of eternal life to all.

Congratulations to Byron & Drema Millet for being named Family of the Month for April. Congratulations to Perry Scioneaux for being named Knight of the Month for April. All practical Catholic gentlemen 18 years and older are invited to join our council. Contact Robert Beadle or Joel Ocmand for details. Like us also on Facebook! (Knights of Columbus 2436)