Ever Ancient, Ever New

Dear Friend,

As I write this, our Holy Week is still unfolding, and Easter is still ahead - the light promised even through the shadows of so much violence, destruction, and discord surrounding Our Lord and surrounding us.

"Ever ancient, ever new" is the phrase that I've been hearing from various quarters as we review our liturgical prayers, music, and scripture readings for the days ahead. On Saturday, at the Vigil, we will be welcoming new brothers and sisters into an ancient faith that is challenging in so many ways. They will be numbered among the 8,000 new Catholics welcomed in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles this year.

We honor them for their response to God's call, which is the vocation we all share with them: to respond wholeheartedly to the love offered to us in the ancient wisdom of the Prince of Peace.  As disciples, we are to make that prophetic wisdom visible in our own lives as we dedicate ourselves to the healing and reconciliation so needed in this our "new day" of history.   

Pope Leo challenged us all with his words on Palm Sunday: "Just as the Church contemplates the mystery of the Lord's Passion, we cannot forget those who today are truly sharing in his suffering. Their ordeal challenges all our consciences."  

Drawing from the example of Sts. Francis and Clare, in an ancient bond of trust made new, may we be instruments of Resurrection hope and healing.  

God bless you on this Easter Day!

Gratefully,

Father Dan