Fr. Ken's Pastoral Care

Disconnected Readings: Acts 9:26-31; Psalm 22; 1John 3:18-24 and John 15:1-8.  WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE MASTER?   The moment we break the connection between earphones from phones, piece of equipment and basic supply of electricity, gas, water or internet, we automatically disconnect and become less effective. Disconnection also take place when we fail to pay the necessary bills or purchase data needed for connection. Christ in today’s liturgy makes us understand that when we disconnect from him, we can do nothing. However, the liturgy helps us understand better what can cause our disconnection from Christ and what can lead to our reconnection with Him.   In the Gospel of last Sunday, Christ addressed himself as the good shepherd. Today, he is referring to himself as the true vine. Put differently, He communicates the theme of Christian unity and the consequences of disconnection from Him, the true vine. Using the imagery of the true vine and the bra...

Christ the Good Shepherd Readings: Acts 4:8-12; Psalm 118; 1 John 3:1-2 and John 10:11-18.  ARE THERE BAD SHEPHERDS?    Traditionally, on the forth Sunday of Easter the Church celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday, on which the gospel is centered on John chapter 10 which has the parable of the good shepherd and is taken in the three years of the liturgical circle. Simultaneously the Church celebrates Vocation Sunday, a day of special prayers for those who are “shepherds” in the Church. Practically, when we reflect on the Good Shepherd, we also reflect on the flock and our vocation. Who then is the Good Shepherd and who are the flocks? If some are termed good, then, who are the bad shepherds and flock? What are the qualities expected of the Good Shepherd and flocks?   Culturally in Israel, being a shepherd is not just a profession, it is a vocation; it is a call to service and sacrifice. That is, there is a deep bond of love, care, protection between the shepherd an...

Readings: Acts3:13-15.17-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 2:1-5 and Luke 24:35-48.  ARE YOU STILL IN DOUBT OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST?    We often think that Thomas was the only one who doubted the resurrection of Christ as John’s Gospel presents it to us (John 20:19-21). Is that really the case? Did the other apostles doubt his resurrection too? Today’s gospel describes how the other apostles came to believe that Christ had risen from the dead and how their faith was strengthened through the Scripture.   We recall the event of Easter Sunday, how John and Peter ran to the tomb, Simon Peter went into the tomb, saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin. He was still in doubt till John entered the tomb, saw the signs and believed. John also helped Simon Peter and other disciples to believe in the resurrection when Jesus stood on the sea shore of Tiberias after his resurrection but they did not know it was Him until John said to them, “ It is the Lord ” (John 21:4-7). Als...

Greetings of Peace Readings: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 118; 1 John 5:1-7 and John 20:19-31.  WHAT ARE YOUR FEARS FEARS?  Today, there is a mix of feelings. The memory of the crucifixion was so fresh in the heart of the apostles, this made them lock themselves in the upper room for fear of the Jews, and most likely having the thought that what was done to their master will get to them. Probably the voice of the murderous crowd shouting “ Crucify him ” still echoes in their ears and their peace was distorted. When they saw the risen Lord, they were glad. So we can place side by side their fear of death and the joy of the resurrection. If we claim to be Easter people, do we still live in fear?   Over the week, we saw Christ’s apparitions to Mary Magdalene, to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus and to the eleven. Today, John’s gospel presents to us his greeting of peace and commissioning of the disciples “ Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, even so I send you .” ...

Paschal Candle Readings: Acts 10:34.37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4 and John 20:1-9.  THE LORD HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD: CATECHESIS OF THE RESURRECTION.     We begin our Mass by ascending the Easter/paschal candle (presence of the Light of the world), the light of Christ who dispels the darkness of our hearts and our minds. We are called to be Light and to live in the Light, which is Christ. That is why we traditionally light up our candles from the paschal candle. The letters, numbers and art work we see on the paschal candle are significant. It symbolizes Christ yesterday and today, beginning and end, Alpha and Omega, to Him belongs all time and eternity, glory and power, for centuries without end.   Today we celebrate with joy the Sunday of the Lord's resurrection. In the first reading from Acts of the Apostles, Peter presents a catechesis that summarizes the life of Christ (v. 39-41), that He is a Jew, anointed for the mission, he was killed by the aut...