Homily – 2nd Weekend of Easter and Accompanying Materials

April 18, 2020 / kredig

Dear Friends,

Once again, we are separated): But we are resilient, Christians, Minnesotans, Wisconsinites, Iowans, and all other states where this homily and all are sent to. We are the “bread,” The Body of Christ in our midst if we choose to be! We are called today in this Easter Season to “resurrect” all that is good in each one of us and when did our world need this more?! Blessings on all and every one of you—Pastor Kathy

P.S. If we could meet, it would be today, as this would be our monthly Saturday Mass at 4:30 P.M. And whether you can look at this today, or tomorrow, remember that others are praying with you from All Are One!

Entrance Antiphon

Like newborn children, we should thirst for milk, on which our spirits can grow in strength, Alleluia!

Let Us Pray

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Creator and God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive! From the waters of death you raise us with him and renew your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you. We ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name, and with the Spirit, one God, living and loving us forever and ever, Amen.

Readings:

Acts 2: 42-47
1 Peter 1: 3-9
John 20: 19-31

Homily—2^nd Weekend of Easter

April 18, 2020

My friends, each week seems to draw us even deeper into the mystery of what this time of pandemic is really all about—what it may be calling us to, what, perhaps, we are to learn…

Theologians tell us that when we contemplate the Resurrection of our brother Jesus, the Christ; we shouldn’t just see this wonder, one-dimensionally, but on another dimension that truly asks the question, “What does this really mean for me, in 2020? Is there something that needs to “resurrect” in me?

We know from Scriptures that “resurrection” is a different phenomenon than “resuscitation.” When Jesus raised his friend, Lazarus, what happened in that instance was resuscitation—Lazarus was dead and then he was alive again! When he came out of the tomb, he needed to be, “unwrapped.”

We marvel in the Easter accounts of Mary of Magdala not knowing Jesus at first—not until he, “said her name, Mary,” did she know him. The same was true for the disciples on the way to Emmaus—they didn’t know him until he did something familiar—“breaking bread with them.” What was different between Lazarus and Jesus? Jesus had gone through death and rose whereas Lazarus had died, but would die again.

So if we follow the thought that, “resurrection changes us”—we are not the same, we do not look the same, then, what might need to be “resurrected” or changed in us, here and now, to truly be followers of our brother, Jesus? We must remember that he came to show us the way to live, to die, and ultimately, to rise—we have the hope of rising like him, one day!

Each year during the Easter Season, we marvel when we read Luke’s, Acts of the Apostles, at how these first Christians lived in community. And even though we know that over time, they couldn’t sustain the goodness that we read about in the first reading today, but begin to quarrel among themselves instead, it is good to know that for a time, they were, as Scripture says, “devoted” to each other, to hearing the apostles’ instructions, to the communal life—breaking bread together, sharing all things in common and dividing everything on the basis of need. But this is the human condition; we are flawed, which is the definition of being human and must continually go back to our source—Jesus, to see how we are doing.

Now, just like in the time of these first followers of Jesus, there are many poor and disadvantaged among us. In fact, during this time of pandemic; we have become aware of how it unfairly hits those who are poor. We are told to practice social-distancing and wash our hands—how does one do that when you are homeless and have no soap? There was a reason in Jesus’ time for him teaching his would-be followers, “to divide everything on basis of need.” If we wish to follow him, we can hardly do less!

The reading this week from Acts also tells us that, “a reverent fear overtook them because of signs and wonders being performed by the apostles.” Stories abound in our time as well of the over-the-top love being expressed by our sisters and brothers around our world for those suffering physically, emotionally and spiritually from the coronavirus.

We have seen nurses and doctors putting their lives on the line to serve their patients, often without the protective equipment needed to keep them safe.

One nurse from New York shared this week on the evening news that he felt badly because, even when the protective equipment is available, it limits his ability to truly and humanely care for his patients because the proper equipment is so cumbersome to work in. I got the sense from listening to him that much is being called forth to be “resurrected”—changed within him to be the type of nurse that these times call for.

Then there are the patients themselves and their families who must be separated without the comfort of each other at such a scary time, even unto death—alone, except for their caregivers. We can only imagine what is being called to, “resurrect,” to be changed within each of them. What will we all learn from this pandemic?

The Scriptures of the Easter Season call us believers to, in many ways look at the “perishable” versus the “imperishable” in our lives, whether we choose to or not. This time of pandemic calls us to the same. “What is it that lasts?” Peter asks in today’s second reading.

If we look at living our physical lives for whatever time we are given, and then one day facing our mortal deaths, with the hope of resurrection and a new life, merely with our minds, reasoning all that out with our faith, which causes us to believe in something we can’t see nor fully understand; we can perhaps accept it as inevitable. But what seems to be the case for many of us, even if we say we believe, is that we simply don’t know and when we are sick, tired, frustrated, depressed, or alone, or any combination of the above, then is when our ability to believe and to hope, far above our human condition to do either, is truly tested.

Sister Joan Chittister, this past week had somewhat of an answer to these times of doubt: “I have discovered, over time, [she says] that the cross is supposed to take its toll on us. It forms us to find God in the shadows of life. Ironically enough, it is the cross that teaches us to hope.”

I find the truth of what Sister Joan says in the stories that are shared on the nightly news on all of the major networks. They are stories of “crosses” people are bearing, “because it is their job,” “because these are their kids and that is what a good parent does,” “to those who die without their families ,” “to families who know their loved one died alone and must come to terms with that.”

I also, though, am hearing the stories of hope, after the fact of, “the cross” that was born that demonstrate a new appreciation for life, a desire to uplift the good, the beauty of creation, the realization that when people work together for a common good; we are all better—we are resurrecting” in us what is best—what each of us is called, by our Creator, to show our world in the time that we are given.

The gospel selection from John this weekend is a very hopeful one—I lift up just two of Jesus’ instructions for all of us before he physically left the earth. First, “peace be with you”—he didn’t want us to fear, letting us know that he would be with us. Secondly, he said, “I am sending you!” This is our calling card as his followers—our great responsibility and challenge! Jesus will only live in our world if we allow him to live through us! Amen? Amen!

Prayers of the Faithful

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Jesus, in your risen state, be our guide to live out your loving example toward all people, especially the least among us—let them be foremost in our minds and hearts, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

2. O Risen Jesus, let peace reign in our hearts and give us the strength and grace to be people of peace, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

3. Jesus, risen Savior, you who were a healer in every way, freeing people’s minds, hearts and bodies of illness of every kind, grant us health in these same ways, especially now, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Risen Jesus, you who have said, you will never leave us—help us to desire a close relationship with you and strive to form that closeness by taking time each day to communicate in our own way, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Risen Jesus, our brother and friend, give hope to those who are suffering now due to job loss in these uncertain times due to Covid 19—show them the way through this painful time, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

6. Risen Jesus, help us to be alleluia people and resurrect in our lives that piece that is ours to give our world, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Risen Jesus, in your new, resurrected life, continue to be our constant model of one who lived very simply upon the earth, and teach us to do the same, as we reverence our beautiful planet, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

8. Risen Jesus, you who never turned anyone away, be with our community, All Are One—continue to bless us, especially during this time of separation, and assist us to be open to all of your people and guide us to always make a place of welcome at our table, but more importantly, in our hearts, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Loving Jesus, be with all families who have lost loved ones this week, especially due to the coronavirus—give them your peace, and help them to find their way through their grief, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus

***Let us pray for your particular needs—you may say them aloud, we pray, then response

***Let us pray for the silent petitions on our hearts (pause) we pray, then response

Let Us Pray

Jesus, you have truly risen! Alleluia! Be the strength we need each day to be people of the resurrection—true to our calling to be people of peace and of love. Let us never falter in our commitment to you and your world. Give us the strength and grace to do what we can to make our world better—help us to be the change we want to see. Let us truly be Easter people of joy, knowing that because you rose, we will too one day. We ask all of this of you, our Savior and with the Creator and your Spirit— all, one God, living and loving us forever and ever, Amen.

Let Us Pray

Prayer after Communion (again, friends, we must remember that in the absence of physical bread—the Body of Christ, Jesus our brother is with us—always! And we must share him with our world—be “bread” for all that we meet!)

Merciful God, may this Easter sacrament that we have received live forever in our hearts and minds. We ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name, Amen.

Bulletin – 2nd Weekend of Easter in the time of Pandemic 2020

April 15, 2020 / kredig

NO MASS THIS SATURDAY–APRIL 18, 2020 due to the need for social distancing during this time of pandemic!!! If we could meet for Mass this week, it would be on Saturday–let us meet in spirit, sharing our goodness, our love for each other and for the God who made us all.

Dear Friends,

Once again, we won’t be meeting, but our hearts are joined in this Easter–alleluia time! Do reach out in the ways that you can, to those in need. Our board has voted to give $300 to Habitat for Humanity here in Winona because due to the pandemic, The ReStore has had to close as well as Habitat’s major fundraiser has had to be cancelled. In order to keep them afloat, some local friends have given a $40,000 matching grant and local churches have been asked to help them make the additional $40,000.

Stay safe and well, my friends–peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

Readings:

Acts 2: 42-47
1 Peter 1: 3-9
John 20: 19-31

News Item

April 12, 2020 / kredig

Dear Friends,

I just realized that I overlooked mentioning one of our special deceased members in my Holy Thursday homily, and that is, Bob Sherman. We continue to miss his good and gentle presence among us. My apologies to his wife, Mary and their family.

Peace and love in this Easter time,

Pastor Kathy

Homily and Other Materials for Easter Sunday

April 11, 2020 / kredig

My friends, as Easter Sunday dawns on us, we still find ourselves in that new and strange place, living with the coronavirus in our midst—a nasty bug that has the power to kill, literally, and at a time when we would choose to be with each other; we must separate ourselves to keep each other safe!

This pandemic has called for each of us to be creative as we attempt to stay connected. You may have done the type of “fasting” during these Lenten days that called forth the best in you, in the form of reaching out to others who may have needed a call, an email, a card—from YOU! And if you didn’t do any of those things yet, there are six weeks of Easter time still coming! 🙂

Entrance Antiphon

Jesus has indeed risen, Alleluia! Glory be his forever and ever! Alleluia!

Opening Prayer

Loving God, Creator of all, today is the day of Easter joy. This is the morning on which Jesus appeared to the people who had begun to lose hope and opened their eyes to what the Scriptures foretold: That first he must die and then he would rise and ascend into his Abba’s glorious presence. May the risen Jesus breathe on our minds and open our eyes that we may know him in the breaking of bread and follow him in his risen life. Grant this through Jesus, the Christ, the Only Begotten, who lives and reigns with you and the Spirit—one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Readings:

Acts 10: 34, 37-43 Psalm 118–“This is the day our God has made, let us rejoice and be glad!”
1 Corinthians 5: 6-8
John 20: 1-18

Homily:

As you know, our parish each year at this time celebrates either the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday Mass, depending on when our monthly Saturday Mass falls. Had we been able to meet this year, it would have been on Easter Sunday and so I decided to use parts of both the Easter Vigil and the Easter Sunday readings to give us a focus for this beautiful day that apparently, before day’s end, here in Minnesota, is supposed to be a full-blown, wintery storm!

Many of the readings from the Easter Vigil are what some might call, “salvation history,” but I would like to call it, the story of our God’s love for creation, culminating in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, our brother. I will simply lift up a line or two from the readings that I would have used for this service for us to hold on our hearts:

In the creation story from Genesis; we hear that God looked on all of creation and said that it was very good. For that reason; I chose not to speak about another of the choices for the Vigil, that of the story of Moses fleeing the Egyptians and God drowning them in the Red Sea. It seems that as the prophets become more involved in the story of the Israelite people, God becomes a much more loving figure and certainly the God of Jesus, was.
In the reading from the prophet Isaiah, we hear, “come to the water, all who are thirsty.” This is a good image for us to think of during this time of pandemic when we so “thirst” for normalcy—which includes companionship with others who we need now, strangely, to separate from in order to protect each other.
And in the reading from Ezekiel, we hear, “You will be my people and I will be your God.” A thought that comes to me in this regard is the knowledge that our loving God stands with us at this time, more than ever.
We see the compassion of God expressed in the gospel selection from Matthew in the Vigil Service, as twice we hear, first from angels and then from Jesus, “Don’t be afraid.” I like to ponder these words, especially from Jesus as we find ourselves afraid at times in new ways now, more than ever before, as we encounter something that we don’t understand and for the time being, can’t really fix.
The epistle from Paul to the Romans speaks in a somewhat cloaked fashion of sin and the truth about being Jesus’ followers—simply that it will mean we have to leave sinful ways behind, striving to be our best selves.

But that will come soon enough—now is the time for joy in the fact that Jesus is still with us. That he is truly risen! Let us hold on to that thought—that Jesus is truly, “still with us” as this will support us through this time of unknowing.

We move then to the readings of Easter Sunday to complete our thoughts for this glorious day. The Easter gospel comes from John 20:1-9, but I think it is important not to stop after verse 9 but to continue on to verse 18 as it includes the beautiful encounter between Mary of Magdala and Jesus in the garden. The reading shouldn’t stop after verse 9 as the story simply isn’t complete at that point! The reading for the Easter Vigil stops short too and that is why I always add verses 8-10 to that reading.

It is significant that these faithful women who stood by the cross to the very end would be the first to see Jesus in his risen state and I think that only an all-male hierarchy would set up the readings in this way, completely discounting the women!

Another point in this gospel that is most significant especially for those who may find it hard to believe in the resurrection and might say, “The body was simply stolen will find an answer in the way John describes the scene at the tomb. [Simon Peter] observed “the linen wrappings lying on the ground and saw the piece of cloth that had covered Jesus’ head lying not with the wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself.” Exegetes tell us that if one’s intent was to steal a body, you would hardly unwrap it first and certainly not take the time to fold up a piece of cloth covering the head!

John also gives us another interesting tidbit in his account of the resurrection—when Mary of Magdala first encounters Jesus, now risen, in the garden—she doesn’t recognize him! We might ask—how can this be? Again, exegetes tell us that one apparently doesn’t appear the same in resurrected form as they would, if they were merely sleep and awakened.

The same phenomenon seems to be true in Luke’s account of Jesus joining the disciples the next day on the way to Emmaus. Just as Mary didn’t recognize Jesus until he did something familiar—saying her name, the disciples on the road didn’t know him either until he likewise did something familiar—when he broke bread with them.

So, my good friends, hopefully, these few thoughts you can carry on your hearts on this Easter morn as we all think anew on what it means to be an Easter people! Hopefully, before too very long, we can again unite and sing our Alleluias with each other! A peace-filled and joyful Easter to each of you!

Prayers of the Faithful–response–“Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Jesus, in your risen state, be our guide to live out your loving example toward all people, especially the least among us—let them be foremost in our minds and hearts, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

O Risen Jesus, let peace reign in our hearts and give us the strength and grace to be people of peace, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

3. Jesus, risen Savior, you who were a healer in every way, freeing people’s minds, hearts and bodies of illness of every kind, grant us health in these same ways, and most especially now as our city, country and world struggle with the coronavirus, we pray—

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

4. Risen Jesus, you who have said, you will never leave us—help us to desire a close relationship with you and strive to form that closeness by taking time each day to communicate in our own way, we pray—

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

Risen Jesus, our brother and friend, give hope to those who are suffering now due to the virus, from illness, grief in loss, the economy—show us all the way through this painful time, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

6. Risen Jesus, help us to throw out the “old yeast” in our lives and replace it with the new bread of justice and compassion for all, we pray—

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

Risen Jesus, in your new, resurrected life, continue to be our constant model of one who lived very simply upon the earth, and show us new ways to live likewise going forward, we pray— Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

8. Risen Jesus, you who never turned anyone away, be with our community, All Are One—continue to bless us and assist us to be open to all of your people and guide us to always make a place of welcome at our table, but more importantly, in our hearts, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

Loving Jesus, be with all families who have lost loved ones this week, especially as a result of Covid19—give them your peace, and help them to find their way through their grief, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

***Let us pray for your particular needs—you may say them aloud, we pray, then response

***Let us pray for the silent petitions on our hearts—pause—we pray, then response

Let us pray:

Jesus, you have truly risen! Alleluia! Be the strength we need each day to be people of the resurrection—true to our calling to be people of peace and of love. Let us never falter in our commitment to you and your world. Give us the strength and grace to do what we can to make our world better—help us to be the change we want to see. Let us truly be Easter people of joy, compelled to live justly, with mercy and goodness in our daily lives. We ask all of this of you, our loving Savior, Creator and Spirit— all, one God, living and loving us forever and ever, Amen.

Let Us Pray

Prayer after Communion (Again, let us remember that in the absence of the physical bread, we indeed are “bread” and we must share that with others)

God of Love, watch over your Church and bring us to the day of the resurrection promised by this Easter sacrament. We ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name. Amen.

Homily for Good Friday and Other Materials for your Meditation and Prayer

April 10, 2020 / kredig

Hello Friends,

Here is a series of things that you may find helpful for today, Good Friday. I would suggest Franco Zeffirelli’s film Jesus of Nazareth for viewing over these next days–it is several hours of viewing, but so very well done–you can find it, I think, on Netflix. Have peace these days in the knowledge that our God loves us so much! –Pastor Kathy

Friends, the following document is what I would use to preside so that you will have all the prayers–

Good Friday Service

prostrate—in silence as we begin before the cross

Opening Prayer—Loving Creator, today we remember with gratitude Jesus’ suffering and death for us. He was willing to give the final measure because of his love for us. Give us the strength and deep love necessary to be his instruments for peace, justice, mercy, goodness and love in our world. We ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name, with you and the Spirit, One God, living and loving us forever and ever—Amen.

Liturgy of the Word

Isaiah 52:13—53:7

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5: 7-9

Passion Reading—John 18:1—19:42

Homily

Friends, if we were together today in our liturgical space, we could hardly miss the starkness of this day—the space would cry out with the bareness—no candles, no altar coverings, no liturgical drapes. We are truly a bereft people on this day that marks the earthly, physical death of our brother, Jesus. This is the way that any of us feels when a loved one dies—bereft, sad—somewhat lost, even though we have come to call the Memorial Services we do for deceased, loved ones, “Celebrations of Life.” The Church asks us to hold off on the celebration for a day or two and steep ourselves for a bit on what it is like to be without Jesus in our lives.

John’s gospel is always used on Good Friday because it gives us a different focus than the other accounts from Matthew, Mark and Luke. We remember from Palm Sunday and Luke’s passion account that his focus was placed not so much on the detail of the suffering, but more on its meaning for each of us as depicted in Paul’s reading to the Philippians—“his state was divine, yet he did not cling to it, but became as each one of us.”

In John’s account today, we simply heard Jesus say, in regard to his own personal needs, “I am thirsty.” His concern isn’t for himself but for his apostles—that they would be set free. When he does die, he simply, “gives up his spirit.” We very much get the impression that John is trying to give; of Jesus being in control of all that is happening to him. He had the power to avail himself to what would be asked of him and he accepted his fate with no complaint. As Isaiah said in the first reading; he did not cry out, even though he was badly abused.

Even with all the suffering Jesus was asked to bear, we see only the silence with which he carried himself, so the silence built into today’s service is very appropriate. Isaiah gives the truth to this notion as well—“You were like a lamb led to slaughter and didn’t open your mouth.” John’s account does not include the purely human moments of the Last Supper or the agony in the garden. John shows us Jesus as one who suffers, yes, but one who is truly the high priest spoken of today in the letter to the Hebrews—one who stands with us and loves us in all our weaknesses, continually calling us to more.

John’s purpose it would seem is to let us know that Jesus freely accepted his death and did not struggle against it—he lived his human existence constantly showing us how we must live and accepted the consequences in his time for living a life demanding justice for all.

The evangelist further tells us that because Jesus freely chooses death, he can just as freely choose life—the new life of the resurrection. This is our hope in Jesus— to one day do the same. In this spring-time of year, even though the snow insists on being with us!—the idea of resurrection is one we can get our hearts around—out of the cold and damp ground comes so much life.

The Holy Thursday liturgy talked about gratitude being our response to our God for loving us so much in Jesus and that really continues to be our response today. It calls to mind again, Paul’s letter to the Philippians—he was God, but did not hold onto that, but became human and took upon his shoulders our existence, for no other reason, but love. We can be sure that Jesus, our brother, during this time of crisis in our country and world, is very much walking with us!

And for that reason, one can hardly walk through Holy Week and not come out on the other side believing anything but that we are loved by God. We can all stand before our loving God unafraid because of Jesus—one who came among us and was so morally perfect, coming to be one with us, living by example what each of us is called to. He only asked that we would follow in his footsteps. Sometimes that can feel daunting, but we must always remember that we will not have to do it alone—Jesus will be with us and knowing that takes my fear away—I hope it does yours as well. After today—we begin walking toward Easter joy—this is our hope—because of Jesus; we all will have new and everlasting life.

Several from our community as well as others not from this community, but of our hearts have completed their life journeys this past year. Some reading this perhaps know of victims of Covid 19. May they all rest in peace now as we all look forward one day to that eternal life that Jesus opened up for each of us due to his life, death and resurrection. And we continue our prayers for all those who are completing their life journeys at this time and for their families. May they and each of us know peace and many blessings today and always. Amen? Amen!

General Prayers for the Church

Response: “Because of Jesus, have mercy on us loving God.”

For the Church—For our Church throughout the world that God, our Creator would guide it and gather it together so that we may praise God in peace and tranquility, we pray, Response: “Because of Jesus, have mercy on us loving God.”

For the Pope—For Francis, our pope that God may give him health and strength to guide and govern your holy people with truth, love, compassion and mercy, we pray, Response:

For the Clergy and Laity of the Church—For our bishops, Nancy and John and all bishops, priests and laity who minister to the People of God, we pray, Response:

For Those Preparing for Baptism—For those within our Church preparing for baptism that our Merciful God would make them responsive to Jesus’ love, let them be born again in the waters of new birth and give them life in Jesus, the Christ, our Brother and Friend, we pray, Response:

For the Unity of Christians—For all who profess belief in Jesus the Christ, ourselves included—teach us and show us the way Jesus to truly live your command, “that we would all be one,” we pray, Response:

“Because of Jesus, have mercy on us loving God.”

For our Jewish Brothers and Sisters—For our Jewish sisters and brothers, the first to hear the word of God, that they and we may continue to grow in the love of Jesus, himself a Jew, and that we may all grow in faithfulness to the covenants our God has made with us throughout time, we pray, Response:

For Those Who Do Not Believe in Christ—For those who do not believe in Christ, that the light of the Spirit may show them ways to fulfillment, we pray, Response:

For the Other Great Religions of the World—For those who belong to the other great religions of the world, that all would be inspired and brought to fulfillment, we pray, Response: “Because of Jesus, have mercy on us loving God.”

For All in Public Office—For all those in public office, that God may guide their minds and hearts, so that all people may live in true peace and freedom, we pray, Response:

For Those in Special Need—That our loving God may heal the sick, comfort the dying, give safety to travelers, free those unjustly deprived of liberty, and rid the world of all abuse, hunger and disease. Hear the prayers of all who call on you in any trouble—give them your strength, peace, love and joy, we pray, Response:

Veneration of the Cross

“Were You There?”

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?