Dear Parishioners,

The very first Easter was not in a crowded worship space with singing and praising. On the very first Easter, the disciples were locked in their houses. It was dangerous for them to come out. They were afraid. They wanted to believe the good news they heard from the women, that Jesus had risen, but it seemed too good to be true. They were living in a time of such despair and such fear. If they left their homes, their lives and the lives of their loved ones might be at risk. Could a miracle really have happened? Could life really have won out over death? Could this time of terror and fear really be coming to an end?

Alone in their homes, they dared to believe that hope was possible, that the long night was over and morning had broken, that God's love was the most powerful of all, even though it didn't seem quite real yet. Eventually, they were able to leave their homes. When the fear and danger had subsided, they went around celebrating and spreading the good news that Jesus was risen and love was the most powerful force on the earth.

This year, we are also "locked" into our homes.  The coronavirus has not caused just one crisis, but many.  We have a major health crisis, a financial crisis, and a mental health crisis-all at the same time.  Our churches are empty, our businesses have laid off workers, and we are "sheltering in place," waiting for a better day. But isolation does not mean we are forsaken! Nor does it mean that we are alone. For us, the good news is that we do not have a faith crisis!   The risen Jesus is with us every moment of the day.  Thomas and the other apostles had a faith crisis.  They were depressed, disappointed, scared, and full of doubt.  They would not believe that Jesus   actually rose from the dead until He finally appeared to them.  The testimony of the women who came from the empty tomb was not enough.  The apostles thought it was "fake news."

This year, we might get to experience a taste of what the first Easter was like, still in our homes, daring to believe that hope is on the horizon. Then, after a while, when it is safe for all people, when it is the most loving choice, we will come out, gathering together, singing, and shouting the good news that God brings life even out of death! That love has the final say!

This year we might get the closest taste we have had yet to what the first Easter was like. Stay safe, let us continue to pray for one another. 

PS -  I will be giving the homily this Sunday at the live stream Mass from St. Mary's Church at 10:00 a.m.  Please tune in!

I wish to thank you for your continued support of your church financially during these difficult weeks.  You can mail in your offerings to 14 Copeland Ave, Homer, 13077 or through Vanco online.
 
Many thanks. God Bless You,  Fr. Paul J. Alciati