Dear Sisters and Brothers,
This 7th Sunday of Easter comes between the Solemnity of the Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It is a time when the Church remembers what it means to wait on God’s promise. The readings show the disciples gathered in prayer, holding on to hope for what is to come. In Acts, we see the apostles, Mary, and other followers staying together in Jerusalem. They are united, patient, and ready for the mission ahead.
In the second reading from the letter of St. Peter, we are reminded that following Jesus can bring trials, but it also brings joy and hope. The liturgy invites us to reflect on our own faith while we wait for God to act. It is a call to trust, to pray, and to stay close to others who share the same hope.
The Gospel shares the high-priestly prayer of Jesus for His friends, asking the Father to keep them safe and united. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is commonly called his High Priestly Prayer because in it he offers prayers of intercession. He prays on behalf of his disciples. Then he prays on behalf of all believers. In the Old Testament, this was the role of the High Priest in God’s temple. Priests filled many roles and performed many functions in ancient Israel, but the High Priest served as an intermediary between God and his people. As Jesus prayed, he acted as an intermediary between God and his people, us! It is such a comforting thought to know that Jesus continues to pray for each one of us to His Heavenly Father.
We will be having our Spring Fair on Sunday, May 31st. Susan Cable and her team has been working hard to organize everything. I ask for your cooperation and collaboration for the success of the Fair. As in other years, we will have the Draw of the Raffle at 4 PM during the Fair. As you all know, apart from the Offertory collection, this raffle is our biggest source of income. I request you all to kindly purchase the raffle tickets and to persuade your friends and acquaintances to buy them. Thank you for your generosity and cooperation!
We are in the novena for the Feast of Pentecost which is next Sunday, May 24th. Let us earnestly invoke the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts as he came upon Mary and the Apostles on that first Pentecost.
United in prayers,
Fr. Joy Jacob, SDB