A grain of wheat: On this 5th Sunday of Lent, Jesus tells us that “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat, but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” When a kernel of wheat dies in the ground, mysteriously life is released from its shell and it produces thousands of other grains containing its same nature. Through the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus, we become children of God, inheriting eternal life and sharing in God’s divine nature. Another interesting aspect about the grain of wheat – in the Old Testament, the feast of Pentecost was originally a celebration of the fruits of the harvest. This festival took place 50 days after Passover. Corresponding to the feast of the harvest (Pentecost), Jesus was killed and buried at Passover. As the Jews were celebrating the feast of the harvest 50 days after Passover, the Holy Spirit came upon those in the upper room (the descent of the Holy Spirit). Peter went out and preached and 3,000 people were baptized. Jesus, through the power of His Spirit, produced much fruit—and still does!
Raised: This weekend our candidates and elect who will enter the Church at the Easter Vigil will hear the Gospel of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. It’s a powerful scene. Lazarus had been dead for four days. But Jesus has power over the grave. As much as we try, we are not in control of our life. May we surrender to Jesus’ love and mercy for us.
Retreat: Speaking of those in our RCIA, please pray for them as they go on a retreat next weekend at the St. Francis Prayer Center.
Music: Our wonderful choir is performing a musical Lenten service this Thursday at 6:30 pm. The theme is “prayer from sacred songs.” Hope to see you there.
Miscarriage: There will be a Mass at 1 pm this Sunday, March 18, at the Church of the Resurrection in Lansing with Bishop Boyea, for anyone who has gone through the dramatic experience of a miscarriage or the loss of a child. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Great News: I’ve been a big fan of Formed.org. It used to be when getting on to Formed you would have to punch in our parish code. Now it’s very simple. Just go to hfgb.formed.org to set up your personal login and you will get a ton of information on the Catholic Church. It’s really the best Catholic content all in one place. Most of us look for great resources—books, videos, movies, especially during Lent. This is a great place to go—all at your fingertips.
Living Stations/Fish Fry: This Friday our 8th graders will be performing the “living stations” in our Church again. Please attend if you are able and while you’re at it attend our fish fry in the Fr. Bush Parish Center. Speaking of our 8th graders, they had a wonderful time in Washington DC on their annual trip. Additionally, I heard wonderful reviews for some of our youth attending the Youth Retreat in Wixom last weekend.
Holy Week: Our liturgy committee decided that during Holy Week we will have Eucharistic adoration from after our 8 am morning Mass until 9 pm on March 26, 27, and 28. We will also have extra confessions those three days from 7 – 8 pm.
Feast of St. Joseph: Join us for an all-school Mass on Monday, March 19, at 8:00 am in honor of St. Joseph. I always find it fascinating that there are no recorded words from St. Joseph in the bible.
May you continue to have a blessed Lent.
In Christ’s love,
Msgr. Jerry
The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:18-21
“Though you have recourse to many saints for your intercessors, go specially to St. Joseph, for he has great power with God.” – St. Teresa of Avila