If Christ and the Church are one (we believe they are!) Then the way we welcome… the way we greet… the way we notice people… 👉 is theological. meaning … it 👉 shows people what we believe about God. It either reveals Christ… or it hides or even distorts Him.” Because how do people actually come to Christ? Very often, not in the order we assume. The older way (that doesn’t work anymore) Believe → Behave → Belong Now it is 👉 Belong → Believe → Behave People experience the Church first… And if that experience reflects Christ… Then belief begins… And transformation follows. So the question becomes very simple—and very serious: 👉 When someone walks into this parish… Are we intentional about showing Jesus in our actions: Do they meet Jesus? Takeaway for adults: this week --- at Mass: • Notice one person you don’t know or who is alone • Greet them by name (or ask their name) • Say something simple: “I’m glad you’re here.” For Youth This week: • Invite someone into your group • Learn one new person’s name To see Jesus is to see the Father Jesus and the Church are one When people walk into this Church do they see or experience Jesus?

How Do We Learn His Voice? 1. Daily Prayer (Silence) → You need quiet to hear God’s voice—He often speaks gently, not loudly. Or – to put it another way: → God usually speaks in a quiet voice. If we don’t make space for silence, we miss Him. 2. Scripture → This is where His voice is clearly revealed “My sheep hear my voice…” (John 10:27) 3. The Eucharist → Not just hearing Him… but receiving Him (only and always when properly prepared!) 4. The Church (Community) → As Acts shows: we learn His voice together 👉 “The voice you listen to will shape the life you live.” Takeaways For Adults This week: 👉 Take 5 minutes of silence each day (no phone, no noise) • Read one line of Scripture – from the daily Gospel! • Sit with it • Ask: “Jesus, how to apply this to my life today?” And then—listen. For Young People Very simple: 👉 When you hear a negative thought: Stop and say: 👉 “Jesus, what do You say about me?” And listen for His voice instead. There are many voices in this world. But only one voice leads to life. 👉 The voice of the Good Shepherd. And He is calling you… Not as part of a crowd— 👉 but by name. Remember – the evil one calls you by your sins or your defects! Jesus always calls you by your name! So, the question is: 👉 By your intention will you listen for His voice… and follow Him?

Jesus makes it clear: 👉 His greatest desire is to pour out mercy! For all of these reasons – is why people are coming back. Not because they have everything figured out— 👉 but because they are searching for: • Mercy instead of judgment • Truth instead of confusion • Love that is real And when the Church lives her mission well— 👉 people recognize it. But here is the question: It is one thing to say the world is empty. It is another thing to allow Jesus to fill your heart. Because we can remain in that locked room too. And Jesus is standing there… saying: 👉 “Peace be with you.” 👉 “Receive My mercy.” Practical Takeaways For Adults • Plan and prepare for Confession this week Do a good examination of conscience, pray for the gift of repentance and have a firm purpose of amendment. 👉 Ask yourself: What sin am I finally ready to let Jesus heal—not just confess? • Practice Mercy where it costs you something Identify one person you find difficult (family member, colleague, parishioner). This week: o Speak kindly about them (no criticism) o Pray daily: “Jesus, have mercy on them—and on me.” For Young People • Give Jesus real access (2–3 minutes daily) In silence, speak honestly: o Tell Him one struggle o Tell Him one fear And say: 👉 “Jesus, I trust in You.” Closing The world can show us our emptiness. But only Jesus Christ can fill it. And today—Divine Mercy Sunday— He is entering the room of your life and heart. He is speaking peace. He is offering mercy. 👉 The question is: Will we open the door?

Take Away: And here is a very concrete way to begin—before this day is over: Do one act that proves the Resurrection is real in your life. Just one. • Reach out to someone you have been distant from. • Invite someone back to Mass. • Pray intentionally as a family today. Do something that moves you from hearing about the Resurrection to living it. Because Easter is not the end. It is the beginning. Of a new life. Of a new mission. Of a parish alive in Jesus Christ. A people who can say—not just with words, but with their lives: Jesus Christ is risen. And His victory is real.

But now comes the challenge. To you, our newly baptized and soon-to-be confirmed – I give you this advice: The enemy is not concerned that you will be baptized, confirmed and receive HC What he will be concerned about is if you take you faith seriously, live it daily and Stay connected. Do not let this grace slip by you. Stay close to Jesus. Stay close to the Sacraments—especially the Confession and the Eucharist Keep learning your faith. Remain in community. Because victory must be lived daily, every day, every day, every day… not just received. And to all of us as a parish: We cannot stop here. If this is the fruit… then we must cultivate the tree. This is why we need to seriously be considering Life Groups – ongoing gatherings in people’s homes where a small group meets for connection and ongoing formation, learning. St Josemaria taught: “dream and your dreams will fall short.” Let us make this dream a reality! Because faith cannot be lived alone --- even for … yes, even for introverts! If we want more people to encounter Christ… if we want more fruit like this… then we must walk together, support one another, and grow as disciples. So tonight: The victory has been announced. And now— the question is this: Will we live in that victory? Will we remain connected to it? Will we allow it to bear fruit in our lives… and in our parish? Because tonight is not the end. It is the beginning. Of a new life. Of a new mission. Of a people who live as witnesses that: He WON! Jesus Christ is risen.

The glory moment reminds us that the valley of bones is not the end. The sealed tomb is not the end. Suffering is not the end. The glory moment gives us courage. It gives us strength. It is meant to help us be faithful … today. Takeaway For Adults 1. Identify one “glory moment in your life this week – look for it and you will find it. Tonight – write it down and look at it 1x every day through this week! Could be an Alpha experience A family encouraging moment A sense from God that you were not alone A team meeting – like mine – that gave you encouragement For Young People 1. You too – think about a moment that can be identified as a “glory moment” – that has happened this past week. God doesn’t stop giving us these – it’s just that we are not paying attention! Before this day is done – identify it, write it down Maybe it is having that “courage” to turn away from the screens to pray more or not complaining about going to Church. These are more than “good feelings” – they are glory moments – God helping you to be better and you said “yes, that is what I am going to do.” The glory moment is real. Identify your Glory Moment, live it and gives thanks to God for it!!!

2nd Lent If Genesis 12 teaches us anything, it is this: When God blesses a community, it is because He intends to bless others through that community. REPEAT THIS That is why Catherine being with us is significant. Her presence is not merely helpful support. It is about parishes (St Anthony’s and CC) being on Mission – help/assisting each other – the blessing received is given! In Scripture, God often strengthens a people before expanding their responsibility Leaders are formed. Culture deepens. And Mission is reinforced This is not about improvement for its own sake. It is about mission fidelity. Takeaways For Adults 1. Realize that your Blessings are Assignments This week, do not ask: “What do I get from this?” Ask: “What is God entrusting to me?” Your marriage. Your children. Your influence. Your parish. These are not simply benefits. They are responsibilities. Choose one concrete act this week where you lead for the good of others, not for personal ease. For Young People 1. See Your Advantages Clearly Education. Faith. Opportunites in life. Talent. These are not random. They are preparation. 2. Do One Courageous Thing for God Stand up for someone. Choose integrity over popularity. You are not blessed merely to succeed. You are blessed to serve. Conclusion Abraham was blessed — and sent. Peter, James, and John were strengthened — and sent. A parish can be renewed — and sent. A person can be graced — and sent. Blessing is never the final word. Mission is. And Lent is the season where we decide whether we will stay on the mountain or descend and walk where Christ leads.

Takeaways For Adults Every night this week: Ask yourself one question before bed: “Did I love today — or just follow rules?” Then ask Jesus: “Where do You want to go deeper in my heart?” One honest minute of examen each day will change your life. ⸻ For Youth Before school or before bed, pray: “Jesus, help me bring my best today.” Not perfect. Your best. In kindness. In effort. In truth. And when you fail and you will!? There is gold in failure!!! Learn. Adjust. Up and --- Go again. Final Thought Nothing is free. The Christian life is not casual. Our hope? When you bring your best, The grace of Jesus becomes truly powerful in your life. And His grace goes further than your effort ever could. If we want to go higher in holiness, we must go deeper in love. And if we open our hearts and ask Him — He will help you and will never stop helping you!