Reflecting on this past month, I give thanks to the Lord “with all my heart.” Like King David, I want to tell of God’s “wonderful deeds”. Here at the Basilica, we have amazing and beautiful things for which to be thankful.
We began the Easter Season by celebrating the Solemnity of the Lord’s triumphant rising from the dead and bestowing on us the gift of eternal life. It was heartening to see so many people attend. The Cathedral was packed. Then we celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation during a spectacular solar eclipse.
The Church Fathers often refer to Mary as the moon because, like the moon that reflects the light of the sun, Mary reflects the light of her Son. There were other celebrations as well. For the first time some of our young people received the Sacrament of Reconciliation which prepared them to receive Jesus for the first time in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
The Greek word eucharistia means thanksgiving. So this beautiful month culminates in thanksgiving for the privilege of sharing in this holy and significant event in the lives of our young people. Too often we focus on small annoyances that come our way and fail to see the beauty at the heart of our Catholic life. I encourage you to pause, look up and around, and you will see all the wonders that God continues to work in our parish.
Let us celebrate His bounty.