Nazareth Catholic Community
April 19, 2020 ~ Divine Mercy Sunday ~ 2nd Sunday of Easter
Join us TONIGHT via Zoom at 7:00PM!
Meeting ID: 144 809 501
“Peace be with you”
These four simple words were what Jesus said when he appeared for the first time to the disciples after his death. The disciples were scared and hiding in a locked room. Their world, hopes, and community had been suddenly taken away. Jesus’s appearance and these four words, gave them hope and renewed their spirits in a time they needed it the most. These four words from today’s gospel reading offer the same hope and inspiration for us today in our time of great need.
It has been a month since our time of social isolation began; four weeks since our world suddenly changed. As a college, we are about to start the last week of classes. Most of us are exhausted, stressed, and missing our campus community. “Peace be with you.” These four words are an invitation for each of us during this time; these words direct us towards a path of fulfillment and grounding as opposed to despair and fear.
The Resurrection is not just about one person rising from the dead; rather the Resurrection is also the raising up the vision of a movement when all had seemed lost. The early followers of Jesus found hope in his message; they were introduced to a new vision for the world. A world where equity, justice, and peace were the foundations of society. At first, this movement seemed to have died along with Jesus on the Cross. However, the Resurrection reminds us that the crosses of our lives do not define us. Rather these crosses remind us that individually and collectively we have the ability and inner strength to endure and rise up renewed. Jesus' cross lead to the Resurrection. Likewise, our crosses are not the end, rather they are a pathway to a new understanding of ourselves and the world.
Some of you have heard me say before that patience and persistence will lead to the peace we desire. As we move into the second month of social distancing, as we prepare for final exams, and as we continue to miss being in each other’s presence may “peace be with you.” I pray that these four words give you comfort, strength and the hope to carry on. We will endure.
Pax et Bonum,
~ Jamie
Nazareth College Catholic Community
Wednesday Mass: 12:30PM
Gluten free hosts available upon request.
For the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please e-mail one of our priests to schedule an appointment.
Jamie R. Fazio, M.Div., Catholic Chaplain, Office: GAC 160
The Nazareth College Catholic Community is part of the Nazareth Center for Spirituality. All are always welcome!
Email: jfazio1@naz.edu
Website: http://www.naz.edu/center-for-spirituality/catholic-community
Location: Linehan Chapel, East Avenue, Rochester, NY, United States
Phone: 585 389 2308
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/35057526410/
Twitter: @NazCatholic