Sunday’s Readings: Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7; Psalms 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12
…from your Pastor’s Desk
As I sit down to write this, looking out my office window I see the trellis covered with roses. Dozens and dozens. Also, beautiful Wisteria, one of my personal favorites. It’s May! May has been a favorite time of year for many Catholics. The month of May, which started last Monday, is dedicated to The Blessed Virgin Mary. This year almost the entire month falls within the liturgical season of Easter, which is represented by the liturgical color white — the color of light, a symbol of joy, purity and innocence (absolute or restored).
What a beautiful time of year it is here in Sonoma County. As spring blossoms forth and we are surrounded by new life, we spend this time still full of the joy of our Easter celebration and in anticipation of the coming of the Holy Spirit, our Consoler and Advocate, Our Parish Patron on the Feast Of Pentecost; May 28th.
The world is resplendent with spring’s increased light and new growth. It is Mary’s month and the Easter season and all of nature rejoices with the Queen of Heaven at the Resurrection of the Son she was worthy to bear. During the remainder of Easter time, let us endeavor through the prayers of the Holy Liturgy and the Holy Rosary to deepen our gratitude for the mystery of our Baptismal rebirth in Christ.
It is a great joy to see friends and neighbors enjoying our beautiful plaza resplendent with flowers [and fish]. Many people walk through and feel the relaxing peace of nature in full bloom. People love to sit by the statue of Mary and pray, or just listen.
About nine months ago I noticed a young man, early 20’s probably, sitting there looking at her. When I came back from Mass he was still sitting there. He said, ‘Excuse me, do you work here?’ I said, ‘Well, I am the Pastor here’. He asked, ‘Who is this lady and why is there a statue of her? Is it somebody important?’ I said, ‘Yes, she sure is, She’s Jesus’ mother.’ To which he asked ‘Jesus had a Mother ???’. I said, ‘Sure, we all have mothers’. This led to a great discussion on the topic. He had many other questions about the faith as well.
We, the members of Christ’s Mystical Body, are the present-day disciples sent by the Holy Spirit to bring Christ to the world. Come upon us, O Holy Spirit, so that, with Mary, we may proclaim the greatness of the Lord who has done great things for us — for his mercy endures forever!
In the words of Saint John Paul II, Pope : “In the hierarchy of holiness it is precisely the ‘woman’, Mary of Nazareth, who is the ‘figure’ of the Church. She ‘precedes’ everyone on the path to holiness; in her person ‘the Church has already reached that perfection whereby she exists without spot or wrinkle’”.
[Mulieris Dignitatem, 1988]
May the Peace of Our Lord,
And the Love of Our Lady
Be with you always,
Father Ron
