Homily, May 10, 2026
From The Pastor
On Tuesday, May 19th and again on Thursday, May 21st, we will have our Listening Sessions as we prepare for the Reconstruction of our Parishes in July of 2027. Each session will offer the same material, videos, and presentation. It is not necessary to attend both meetings. When signing up for the session, please only sign up for one session. You may attend both sessions, but it is not necessary. Registration is for the sake of noting and reporting pertinent comments and feedback that can be used to direct and support the final outcome for each parish.
What is the session for and what does it hope to accomplish? Initially, the priests of the Archdiocese gathered for three days to create proposals for parish realignments. These initial proposals were reviewed by the Catholic Leadership Institute and core leaders from the Archdiocese. The Diocese is interested and concerned to solicit as much pertinent information as possible from all parties impacted by these historic changes. These listening sessions are an opportunity for the people of each parish to give feedback and added information or insight into the value or strength of each parish.
Please note that this is not a time for complaining or arguing about why the Reconstruction is necessary, or why ‘my parish must stay open.’ The session is looking for previously unknown or otherwise unnamed resources or strengths of a parish that may be favorable in support of the parish. It is these comments, especially those repeated by several people, which will be recorded and considered in the decision-making process.
Participants are encouraged to pray and come to one of the sessions with an open mind and steady heart to offer insightful feedback for the future of our parish. I invite and encourage as many parishioners as possible to attend a session with the intention of adding your voice and feedback on this most important matter. I will be present for each of the sessions. Each session will be led by a facilitator and other support personnel to help the evening go smoothly. Feedback will be recorded and added to the body of material that will determine the future of our parish. Thank you for your prayerful preparation and participation in this important endeavor.
It is true now, as it has been through the evolution of time, that not all people are interested in God. Some do not believe in God or a Supreme Being. Others resist or reject God because of poor or harmful religious experience. When I meet people who doubt or struggle with faith, the existence of God, or the practice of religion, I ask them if they believe in love.
All human beings are interested in love. Love is our origin, our deepest longing, and our ultimate fulfillment. We are all aware of the pains and challenges of love that has left countless people fearful and resistant to trust new relationships with others or with God. The reality nonetheless remains. Human beings are deeply interested in, dependent on, and longing for a love that makes them whole.
This leads to today’s gospel. Jesus is the essence of Incarnate love sent by God to reveal, through lived experience, the gift of divine love. Love heals, unites, converts, animates, redeems. Having fulfilled his mission as the Divine Son, Jesus prepares the disciples for his departure after the Resurrection. He begins with the promise that the Father will send another Advocate, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.
Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” He is not talking about the ten laws given through Moses, or the rules of religion. Jesus is talking about living in example of his love, mercy, and full surrender for the love of others. To love Jesus is to love God, and to love God is to love yourself. Love of self naturally leads to love and service to others.
This is why we need the person of the Holy Spirit. To learn to love like Jesus, we need the love and truth of the Holy Spirit that animated and directed the life of Jesus. This is why Jesus makes clear that, “I am in the Father and you are in me and I am in you.” To know this, we need the presence and action of the Holy Spirit. To keep the commandment of Jesus is to live in love. The most mature way to love God is to love your neighbor as yourself. Personal prayer is essential. Religious piety is important and enriching. But the true test of keeping the commandment of God is to love one another. It can feel like an impossible task, so remember the words of Jesus, “whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Say yes to love. Always ask the Holy Spirit to help you.
Father John Esper
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