Catholic Diocese Tucson

CATHOLIC OUTLOOK 9 MAY 2019 Priests gather April 15 for Chrism Mass in cathedral By FATHER JOHN CATOIR Don’t think that the Feast of the Resurrection is a seasonal celebration. St. Paul said, “Rejoice always and in all circumstances! Give thanks to the Lord, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes 5:16) Because Jesus rose from the dead, “We are an Easter people and ‘Alleluia’ is our song.” St. Augustine. The call to joy is intended to last from here to eternity. You may not feel joyous every day, but with the help of God you can learn to cope better with life, improving day by day. To begin the process, start taking Jesus at his word. “Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap. They gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more important than they?” (Mt 6:26) Yes, of course you are! Trust the Lord and listen to His advice. Put your ego aside and become childlike. Literally: “Look at the birds in the sky.” They live in the present moment. They are unself-conscious and seemingly carefree. Use nature to remind you of your supernatural calling: namely, to love God with your whole heart. Bring the Lord with you wherever you go. Be a blessing for everyone you meet. Accept God’s love with gladness and always remember: You and God are intimately united. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in me and me in him, is the one who bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:1-5) Since the life of God is blissful and beatified, your life will be bathed in His light. There is a kind of spiritual osmosis that is taking place all time. “In Him you live and breathe and have your being.” (Acts 17:28) In the state of nature, we live with aches and pains, having good days and bad, but by faith we live in the Lord. We have become a new creation. Can’t you feel it? Yes, you can! Put aside all doubt; the truth will set you free. On the cross Jesus said, “It is consummated.” Mission accomplished! He came to earth that your joy may be complete. Do you ever doubt it, or wonder if He accomplished this miracle for you, in your corner of the world? Jesuit Father Pierre Teilhard de Chardin never doubted. He used these words to express his joy: “It is done. The Fire has penetrated the earth… All things individually and collectively are penetrated and flooded by Divine energy. Jesus is the connecting link in the unity of the cosmos.” “Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!” (1 Chr 16:10) Faith hears the voice of love speaking, dwelling within one’s heart, pervading and permeating one’s whole being. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16) Father Catoir is the founder and current president of St. Jude Media, was CEO of the Christophers, 1978-95, and is the author of 15 books, including bestsellers on Christian joy. Happy Easter Catholic Outlook photos by Steff Koeneman Priests of the Diocese gathered April 15 in St. Augustine Cathedral for the annual Chrism Mass. Clockwise, from above left, Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger adds balsam to holy chrism, the oil provided to parishes for anointing the sick and other sacramental blessings. The priests extend their hands in prayer during the Mass, and the holy oils await distribution.