APRIL 16, 2006

Among priests this time of year, it is kind of an inside joke. Some will refer to it, with a sly smirk, as the "underground Church"; still others, with an outright belly-laugh, will call them "the Easter bunnies." Each of these termsrefer to the same phenomenon that all priests experience on Easter Sunday: pews that have been empty all year long are miraculously filled with unfamiliar faces dressed in unaccustomed finery, struggling hard to look comfortable and at ease, as though these persons were in their natural habitat, rather than in a strange, once-a-year environment.

It is easy to be critical of those who go a year at a time, seeming to ignore their practice of the faith, oblivious to the Church's existence, or to their obligation to be a regular part of it. We all know that the struggle for salvation is a daily, not an annual, effort; and the "Easter bunnies" are quite vulnerable to the change of shallowness or hypocrisy. In fact, for some, the event of the Church filling up for Easter is more discouraging than anything else, because it underlines how little seems to be accomplished spiritually during the ordinary course of the year.

As pastor, and on behalf of all the priests here at St. John of God, I would like to welcome all "anonymous Chrisitans" and "quondam Catholics" this weekend to our Church. God has a way of using teachable moments in peoples' lives, and it is not possible to teach empty pews. We are, therefore, happy to see anyone in Church any time for any reason. We are well aware of Jesus' parable of the sower and the seed, and we welcome the opportunity, even if only once a year, to scatter that seed and leave it to God's grace where it will take root. Please be comfortable and at home with us.

To our own parishioners who slug it out here week after week; I as your pastor ask you to avoid any self-righteousness or irritation. We are called to be a warm and loving family throughout the year, and it behooves us to be on our best behavior especially when we have guests. Who knows, if the "underground Church" tries us and likes us this week, they may become a part of us next week, and the next, and the next.

To all people, Churched and unChurched, Jesus Christ who died for us all has risen for us all. Let us rejoice whole-heartedly in His, and our victory. Alleluia, the Lord is risen as He said, Alleluia!

A Blessed and joyous Easter to one and all.