As we conclude the Easter Triduum with its focus on the passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus and its ongoing power to convert us and others to live more fully and faithfully our baptismal promises, I must admit that I am pondering the violence that exists in the world today and how its result of hurting and killing is in such great contrast to Jesus' mission of healing and life.  In Syria and in other places, violence is perpetrated on the innocent in terrible ways (including the use of chemical weapons).

In our country, violence by individuals and groups produce victims in those who are injured and killed and their families and friends who are deeply affected by the results of violence on those they love.  We are about to witness our state killing those convicted of terrible crimes with the misguided and non-Christian belief that this will bring closure for the family of the victims.  We know from the witness of the Gospels that forgiveness received and given is the Christ-like means of healthy closure.

My heart goes out, as I hope yours does, to all victims of violence and their families.  I also continue to pray for those who are charged to protect our society and world from those who perpetrate violence, especially our law enforcement people and our service men and women.  Finally, we need to pray that those who are being influenced in the direction of violence will somehow be led to conversion by our crucified and risen Lord, especially through peace-filled people, before damage is done to others and to themselves.

As long as we hold on to Christ and the hope He gives, we will not give in to despair about violence and other sins that afflict our world today.  Light of Christ, shine brightly in our lives and throughout the world.  Amen!

There are times in our lives when we feel overwhelmed in a good way.  The player from the North Carolina Tar Heel basketball team who made a winning shot with less than a minute left two Sundays ago, no doubt, felt overwhelmed in a positive way.  And, I'm sure all of us can attest to the reality of feeling overwhelmed in a negative way that is not good for us and sometimes, not for those we encounter.  In the past, I have felt both - within a span of a few days during the Easter Triduum.  The reality of important and beautiful liturgies taking place four days in a row from Holy Thursday night to Easter Sunday night has, at times, led me to feel overwhelmed in a negative way during those days and in the time they are drawing near.  Fortunately, almost every year, I have been overwhelmed in a positive way once we reach Easter and throughout Easter Season as we contemplate Jesus's Resurrection and what it means for us and all believers.  I am confident if you enter sincerely and faithfully into the days and liturgies of the Triduum, taking them one day at a time and staying connected to the Lord and disconnected as much as you can to the things of this world, you will be overwhelmed in a positive way by what you experience at Easter and during the Easter Season.

Please note the bulletin insert that gives all the spiritual opportunities here at the church as well as what you can do at home during the Triduum.  Consider making some or hopefully all of the main liturgies: Holy Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Good Friday at 3:00 p.m., Holy Saturday at 8:00 p.m.  If you are up to it, come on Easter Sunday morning for Mass.

The truth is:  God is ready to overwhelm all of us in a unique and positive way, especially when we have given Him the time and space to do it!

I am always ready to respond when a person of another faith tradition questions me about why Catholics have the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  I am surpirsed, though, when I hear from a Catholic who wonders why they can't just bring their sins directly to God.  My answer is that we can and should have some kind of daily examination of conscience and then ask for God's forgiveness through an act of contrition.  And, we ought to also know that it is important to receive the forgiveness of the entire community of faith through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  The fact is that our sins and sinfulness does indeed affect the health of the Body of Christ, the community of believers, and we need the grace of God gives us in the Sacrament to heal us and make the community more healthy and whole.  The priest, in reconciling us represents both the Lord and the community of believers as he does when he visits the sick or baptizes a child or adult.  Of course, there are other benefits and blessings poured out on those who participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  The old saying, "confession is good for the soul" is so very true as it brings us peace as we "let it out" and leave it, or really them (my sins), behind us.  It helps, as well , to know that the priest is there not as "judge" but as "compassionate caregiver" to those who come to the Lord and His Church contrite, humble and hopefully eager to grow in virtue through the counsel of the priest and God's powerful grace.

Please plan to join your fellow parishioners in a celebration of Reconciliation this coming Thursday, at 6:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church.  I hope to have at least six priests present and eager to make us individually, and as a community, healthier in spirit and better prepared for the upcoming Paschal Triduum.