While the Octave of Easter draws to a close, please remember that we celebrate the Easter season for 50 days. Will Pentecost Sunday find you still rejoicing as exuberantly as you did on Easter Sunday?
This weekend we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday and the conclusion of the Octave of Easter. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13) That is the mercy that has been shown to each of us!
While the Octave of Easter draws to a close, please remember that we celebrate the Easter season for 50 days. Will Pentecost Sunday find you still rejoicing as exuberantly as you did on Easter Sunday?
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Are you experiencing new life in Jesus Christ? As we continue to celebrate the Octave of Easter, let new growth in nature remind you that you are also a new creation in Jesus Christ through your baptism. Whether you were baptized a few days ago or many years ago, is your baptismal garment glowing white because you have truly put on Christ?
I studied this photo for a long time trying to decide what topic to attach to it. One thought kept going through my mind. "That individual needs a bigger truck." That is probably not the message intended.
How do you share God's word with other people? Do you hold up a sign at professional football games with JOHN 3:16 written on it? Do you stand and preach on busy street corners? Do you put signs all over your truck? Do you engage in personal one-on-one conversations with others who are seeking Eternal Truth--Jesus Christ? This photo was shared with me today from someone visiting Washington, D.C. The angle of the sun was caught at the right moment as to appear at the top of the monument. The green grass and blooming vegetation adds to the beauty of the whole scene.
REFLECTION QUESTION: As we continue to celebrate the Octave of Easter, is the Light of Christ shining brightly in your life? Holy Week has concluded and we are now celebrating the Octave of Easter. Getting a little rest yesterday was a welcome gift. I am glad the chancery office was closed on Easter Monday to allow for some down time. While I spent some time resting yesterday, I also spent quite a bit of time signing some books in advance of our gathering at Immaculate Conception Church in Old Monroe, Missouri. While I am more than happy to personalize the books at someone's request, I have come to find out that it sure helps to have some books signed ahead of time to keep the process flowing. This is a picture of the first one hundred books that I autographed. They are all boxed up and ready to go. I am bringing nearly 250 books with me for this event. I am hoping for a good crowd. If you live in the St. Charles or Lincoln County area please consider joining us. The nearly 900 mile drive from Cheyenne, Wyoming to St. Charles, Missouri seems to get a little longer each time I make the trip. As I drove by the Cheyenne Regional Airport today, and saw a particular airplane parked there, I thought about what it must be like to travel "first class." It would certainly be easier than a long car ride. Please Note: I am not making a political statement. I simply took a picture of an airplane parked at the small airport in my town. Apparently, Ivanka Trump and her family are vacationing in Saratoga, Wyoming. Cheyenne was the closest airport that could handle their large plane. I won't be flying into St. Louis on the Trump airplane. I will be driving into town in a regular vehicle. The only thing that will stand out about my vehicle will be the Wyoming license plates. Missouri friends--I hope to see many of you on Friday evening.
The lighting of the fire and then the lighting of the Paschal (Easter) Candle lets me know that the Easter Vigil has begun. It has been my privilege to celebrate this moment for the last nine years at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne. As we process into the dark church it is slowly enveloped in light. We illuminate the darkness one candle at a time with the Light of Christ!
Proclaiming the Exultet is one of my most challenging liturgical duties during the course of a year. Thankfully, I am starting to get more comfortable with the melody that came out with the promulgation of the new Roman Missal a few years ago. After years of singing the old version, it has required a lot of practice to grasp the new style. I am going to spend the afternoon with family and friends enjoying a little "down time." I'll share photos from these past several days in a future post. Have a Blessed Easter Season. Remember--we celebrate for 50 days! |
AuthorThis is my personal blog. The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers. This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. |