Pastor’s Message – Church of Saint Benedict

April 17, 2025
Friday of the Second Week of Easter

May your people exult forever, O God, in renewed youthfulness of spirit, so that, rejoicing now in the restored glory of our adoption, we may look forward in confident hope to the rejoicing of the day of resurrection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Collect for the Mass on the Third Sunday of Easter

Brothers and Sisters,

“Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he (Jesus) was made known to them in the breaking of bread”. These words conclude the Gospel reading (Luke 24:13-35) that we will hear at Mass this weekend. On the First Easter Sunday, on that First Day of the New Creation, the Risen Christ appears to two disciples on the road to the town of Emmaus.

Last Sunday at Mass we heard of Thomas the Apostle’s initial disbelief at the news of the Resurrection. Thomas’ desire to know the truth leads to his encounter with the Risen Christ. This encounter leads to Thomas’ great proclamation of Jesus’ divinity (John 20:19-31).

A similar theme takes place with the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. They also have heard the news that the tomb of Jesus has been found empty. But instead of seeking the truth of what has happened, they have literally turned their backs on the empty tomb and are headed away from it. As with Thomas, their initial reaction to the Resurrection is disbelief.

It is then that they encounter the Risen Christ. He opens the meaning of the Scriptures to them, setting their hearts on fire. But it is not until the two disciples invite Him to stay with them and there is the “breaking of the bread” that they recognize that it is Jesus in their midst.

The Breaking of the Bread is a clear reference to the importance of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. At Mass on the Divine Mercy Sunday, we heard in the Acts of the Apostles about the life of the early Church in Jerusalem. We are told not once but twice of the central role of the “breaking of the bread” to their New Life in Christ (Acts 2:42-47).

The Eucharist Revival that is taking place in Church today is calling us back to recognizing this Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This “breaking of the bread” takes place at every Mass that is offered. Each Mass is an opportunity to invite Jesus into our lives, to recognize Him in the Eucharist and have His life live in us. This is why, as Catholics, the Mass is our central act of worship.

As we continue in the Great Fifty Days of Easter, let us imitate those first Christians in Jerusalem. For all of us, especially those recently received into the Church and those returning to the faith, may we devote ourselves to the teachings of the apostles in the Scriptures, to shared life together as a parish community, to prayer and the “breaking of the bread”. In doing so, we encounter the Risen Christ in our midst who sets our hearts on fire.

Our Parish

Condolences to the family of Diane Allison, who died earlier this week. Her funeral Mass will be on Monday, April 20 at 10am in the parish church.

Congratulations to the Tiews family, who last Sunday presented a child for baptism.

Tomorrow our parish has the honor to host the Annual Day of Prayer for the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Bishop Konderla will be the celebrant for Mass at 11:30am.

Newcomers Welcome

All those who are new to our parish are invited to a Newcomers Welcome following every Mass this weekend, April 18 & 19. It will take place at the parish rectory (3105 South Beech Street), located adjacent to the northwest corner of the parking lot. Light refreshments will be served.

Called by Name: Honoring Faithful Young Men

On Good Shephard Sunday, April 26, the Vocations Office of the Diocese is sponsoring Called by Name: Honoring Faithful Young Men. At Mass you will have the opportunity to invite young men of our parish, ages 16+ and unmarried, to consider a vocation to the ordained priesthood. Cards will be placed in the pews for you to write down the names and contact information of those you believe should be considering this vocation. These cards will be collected and the information shared with the Vocations Office. Parishioners who are members of the Serra Club will be coordinating Called by Name at St. Benedict.

God bless and keep you safe.

Fr. Bryan