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April 28, 2023We are one . . .
Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. -- 1Cor 10: 17
Reflecting on this Fourth Sunday of Easter, we listen to the words of St. Peter who reminds us that the Risen Lord brings us together in professing our faith in Jesus whom by His wounds we have been healed. St. Peter proclaims in his first letter that “for you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” As the Good Shepherd, He takes care of us; He promises to shepherd us throughout the ages. In receiving His Sacred Body, He calls us believers to unity around the Eucharistic table. We are so blessed in the faith community of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and St. John the Evangelist that we gather as one, united, linked parish community. Soon, we will welcome St. Bonaventure and become an even larger family of faith. Our united Catholic Community is part of one fold, one Body of Christ with the Good Shepherd leading us forward in Allegany and Olean within the Southern Tier.
As the body of Christ, His Church, we are not a single part, but many parts, sharing many gifts. Three weeks ago, we celebrated new members brought into the Catholic Church and into our linked parish community. Several of them received the Body and Blood of Our Lord united as a group in joining the fold under the One Shepherd of Souls. This next week we will celebrate several of our children and their families as they receive their First Holy Communion. As many of you joined us at the Easter Vigil to welcome those brought into full Communion within our family of faith, please also join us on Sunday, May 7th at the 11:00 Mass to welcome our children as they receive Our Lord for the first time.
As St. John, the Evangelist proclaimed in the Gospel message this weekend, the Lord is the Shepherd, and we the sheep of His fold “hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads [us] . . .” May the Lord and His Spirit enlighten and inspire us. May we be life giving to those in need. Let us become what we receive, let us become the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, taking care of those vulnerable in our midst through the power of the Living God. When we receive Our Lord at the Eucharistic table, as His followers, let us mirror the self-giving characteristics of a loving God in Communion within Him, Our Good Shepherd.
Fr. John
