On Monday, Patriots’ Day, Desiree Linden did the unexpected if much desired – she won! An American woman captured the title for the first time since 1985. In interviews after she had crossed the finish line (in very challenging conditions!), Ms. Linden acknowledged that she questioned sincerely whether or not she would even be able to finish the race, for which reason she didn’t hesitate to take the time to hang back and encourage a friend and fellow competitor.
In the Sacred Scriptures proclaimed in our hearing this weekend runs a singular chord of rejection. The world is threatened by gracious acts of kindness and healing which it does not understand. The world fails to recognize the posture and actions of the Lord’s Disciples for it never fully recognized Him. Even those who were coming to faith in Christ found it difficult to believe that the power of God, revealed for their sake, was intended also for others, “other sheep that do not belong to this fold.”
But, neither the Lord Jesus Christ, nor His Disciples, would be deterred by this failure to understand and appreciate. If anything, they were spurred on by very challenging conditions and even outright rejection. The specter of the looming cross is there, but its shadow is forever vanquished by the brilliance of the glory of the Resurrection!
In the life and ministry of our Parish, young people are brought to new moments of awareness, sharing and commitment in the sacraments that give shape to and feed our faith. To the young people who will be confirmed by Bishop McManus on April 26 and those who will receive Our Lord in the Eucharist for the first time on April 29 we extend our hands and our hearts in prayer of blessing and gratitude. To their families, sponsors, and to all who shared in their faith formation and development to arrive at this day... may the effort you have made on their behalf, your willingness to “hang back and encourage,” find you profoundly joyful on these days, and perhaps unexpectedly strengthened for the running of your own race of faith, in faith!