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It seems that even secular, post-Christian France still needs a mother – Notre Dame, Our Lady.
Fr. Pawel Ratajczak
We gather once again for Easter Sunday, and look for signs of the power of the Resurrection among us. This year, divine providence has given us an example of the Resurrection at work, tied in with Our Lady - Notre Dame.
“The beautiful robe, the ring, and the festive banquet are symbols of that new life - pure worthy, and joyful - of anyone who returns to God..."
Catechism of the Catholic Church (1439)
Today, in this homily we will focus on the Gospel of Saint Luke, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This parable cuts us to the heart in many ways.
“Taking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice, which is the fount and apex of the whole Christian life, they offer the Divine Victim to God, and offer themselves along with it.”
Lumen Gentium, 11
In the context of many and varied events that surround us – some tragic, some hopeful - it is best to focus on the Word of God, and let that Word guide us through this Sunday’s homily.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven”.
Gospel
Brothers and sisters, today we respectfully leave behind David and King Saul, from our first reading, as well as the hallowed words of St. Paul from the Letter to the Corinthians.
“By martyrdom a disciple is transformed into an image of his Master by freely accepting death for the salvation of the world..."
Lumen Gentium, 42
In a snowy winter such as this one, snow gets pushed out from the roads and sidewalks, and oftentimes tree trunks almost get submerged in the white mess; one tree by the exit unto Siberia Road is pretty well halfway covered with a snowbank.
The theme of prophecy is apparent in our readings: The prophet Jeremiah testifies to the Lord saying to him, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a Prophet to the nations”.