"Blessed are those who have not seen and have come to believe."

"Blessed are those who have not seen and have come to believe." This declaration by Jesus in this Sunday's gospel of John (20:19-31), if taken at face value, is most strange. And, in it strangeness, it emerges quite prominently. Blessed, i.e., happy are those who have not seen? Hmmm. Wait a minute, I thought seeing is believing?!? And I thought that I am only really happy when I see (and experience) for myself?!? Jesus is telling us that, when it comes to Him, we are happy even without seeing Him. This must mean that, although we do not see, we experience. Well, we do experience Him, our Risen Lord, in faith. Faith is not simply beliefs about Him, but a gift that mysteriously enables us to experience Him-without seeing a thing. Strange indeed. Happy indeed. Our Risen Lord is alive and present and He draws us to Himself.
  
     We have a few upcoming special events, the next two Sundays, during Coffee Hour. Next Sunday, April 10, I will share a few thoughts on how I understand the Anglo-Catholic experience. My intention is to articulate and explore, beyond liturgical style, the spiritual gifts that define this particular experience of Christ in His Church. On Sunday, April 17, we will have a "parish family chat", during which the "Hospitality Team" will present its ministry, and I will share a few thoughts on ministries in general, present the results of our "Moving Forward" parish visioning and planning, and discuss a few other things.
 
The Easter season lasts 50 days, to and including Pentecost (May 15), celebrated as single joyful day. Indeed, in 50 days, we only begin to scratch the surface of the mystery of the Resurrection. Our Risen Lord is alive and present and He draws us to Himself. Happy Easter again and again!
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Fr. Dominique
Priest-in-Charge