The Easter Season begins, a time to continue the celebration of new life and possibility in our world. We observe Divine Mercy Sunday (7), followed immediately by the relocated Solemnity of the Annunciation (8, shifted due to Holy Week). Good Shepherd Sunday (21) also shares the observance of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

The readings define believers as those who are of one mind and body, know Jesus Christ to be the Son of God, and love God by keeping God’s commandments.

Where do we look for signs of love? And how do we prove our love to others? We all know the customary rituals: kisses, words, cards, and flowers. Over time the gifts become more expensive as greater investments of resources are made.

“When you fall in love—it doesn’t matter what with—you walk the plank.” That’s what Franciscan priest Father Richard Rohr, O.F.M. said to me during a gathering of my online prayer group.

If you want your children and grandchildren to grow up generous, let them watch you be generous. In the first reading this weekend we hear how the first Christians shared all they had, with the ultimate result that “there was no needy person among them.”

As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ’s love, let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord for mercy and strength.

May God break my heart so completely that the whole world falls in.

Browse our library for additional Solemnity of the Second Sunday of Easter; Divine Mercy Sunday, Cycle B material. 

Click here to view the Take Five weekly for April 07, 2024.