St. Therese, Little Flower
Catholic Church

Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’, celebrates its fifth anniversary this month. To commemorate the vision and message of this encyclical, May 16-24 has been designated as Laudato Si’ Week. 

In today's Gospel reading we are reminded of the promise of Pentecost. Jesus assures His disciples that the Father will send the Holy Spirit to them to continue to guide them, teach them, and remind them of everything He had taught them. This promise is still true for us, for the Church, today!

Take four statements from today’s Gospel: (1) “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” (2) “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (3) “The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.” (4) Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these.” Each statement is momentous in itself, yet the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

"I am going fishing." This line of Peter's in last Friday’s Gospel reading struck me (John 21:3). Their leader had been crucified, He had already appeared to them and broken open the word, and what did Peter do? He returned to what was familiar and known. 

As COVID-19 continues to afflict our country, many of us are seeking ways to be helpful in our parish, our community, and our nation. When I think of all the needs of this new world —joblessness, hunger, loneliness — and all those that have been affected, it can be overwhelming. It’s times like these when I find that the Corporal Works of Mercy can provide direction.