Together on the Journey: A Weekly Word from Archbishop Hebda
While the Easter octave concluded yesterday, we’re blessed that the Easter season continues for another six weeks—as should the joy that we share when we reflect on all that our merciful Lord has done for us. Our readings from the Acts of the Apostles, continuing throughout these 50 days, illustrate that joy so powerfully. I love how today’s first reading spoke of the early followers of Christ praying so fervently that the ground shook and the apostles were moved to teach with boldness. I’m so grateful that Pope Leo, as he begins his first trip to Africa, manifests for us both that Easter joy and the boldness that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. His call to us to pray and advocate for peace certainly demonstrates that Gospel boldness.
It’s a boldness that comes from knowing God’s mercy. Yesterday’s Feast of Divine Mercy—celebrated around the globe on the Second Sunday of Easter, at the request of St. John Paul II—has always been one of my favorites. I’m always moved by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, particularly when it is sung, and have often experienced the feast as an occasion of great grace. I remember finding it so significant that Pope John Paul passed after praying first vespers for the Feast of Divine Mercy in 2005. Knowing, moreover, that St. Faustina had written that the floodgates of heaven would always be opened wide on the feast, I was greatly consoled that the Lord had chosen to call my mom to himself on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2011.
This year, I had the privileged opportunity of celebrating the Feast of Divine Mercy in three very different contexts: first at the vigil with hundreds of energetic teens at the NET Center (eager to pray for peace along with Pope Leo), then at St. Ambrose in Woodbury (packed to the gills with lots of young families), and then again at the hour of mercy at Divine Mercy parish in Faribault. Each was meaningful.
I’m always impressed by the way that our priests pour themselves out as they and their teams prepare these celebrations. Even though they deserve to be in “recover mode” following the marathon of Holy Week liturgies, they always seem to find the energy for another opportunity to experience the Lord and his mercy. As I prayed with so many of our priests at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday morning, I couldn’t help but think that we are blessed by such fine shepherds committed to bringing the sacraments and the good news to me and to you.
We know, however, that we could use more of them! As Divine Providence would have it, tomorrow the auxiliary bishops and I will have the privilege of meeting with young men interested in learning more about the priesthood in the context of one of our Andrew Dinners. Just as St. Andrew invited his brother, Simon Peter, to encounter the Lord, our Andrew Dinners are opportunities for our priests and pastoral ministers to invite young men for an evening of prayer and fellowship in support of their own vocational discernment.
While only a fraction of the young men who attend will go on to seminary, it’s been my experience that the evening leads many to begin to consider the question of God’s calling—and to set out on a path that helps some of them to discern priesthood, but many more to serve the Church in other vocations as holy husbands, faithful fathers, and committed collaborators in the vineyard.
I would be grateful if you would keep our local priests—and those discerning the priesthood—in your prayers. May God bless you in abundance as we continue our celebration of Easter.
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