The Window In The Wall The world sees only bread. Faith sees a window. A window through which heaven enters earth. A window through which Christ enters our lives. He comes to the world in Jesus Christ. And now He comes to us in the Eucharist. Every Holy Communion is a reminder of this. So why does this matter to you and me? IF the Eucharist truly is Jesus, then nothing in our lives is more important than our relationship with Him. Nothing. Not work. Not sports. Not entertainment. If Christ Himself is waiting for us in the Eucharist, then we cannot treat Him as an occasional visitor in our lives. He must become the center. So here is one simple takeaway for all of us—adults, teenagers, and young people alike: Spend one intentional moment with Jesus in the Eucharist every week beyond Sunday Mass. Maybe 3 to 5 minutes Maybe a visit before work. Maybe a stop after school. Speak to Him. Listen to Him. If you cannot do this physically then make a spiritual communion – Jesus I wish to receive you as Mary and the saints did! When you kneel before the Blessed Sacrament, you kneel before the window through which heaven comes to earth. And one day, the window will no longer be necessary. One day we will see face to face the One whom we now receive hidden beneath the appearance of bread. NEARING THE END And until that day, Christ gives us the Eucharist. The living Bread from heaven. The Window in the Wall --- through which heaven comes to us, comes to you!

“What difference does the Ascension make on Monday morning?” Here are some answers: Because of the Ascension: • your life has eternal meaning, • your struggles are not wasted, • you are never abandoned, • heaven is possible, • and Christ is actively helping you become a saint. That is what is in it for you. But then comes the deeper question: “What Are You Going To Do About It?” Every truth of the Gospel demands a response. Jesus has united Himself to His Church. He gives us grace. He opens heaven. What are you/we going to do about it? Not theoretically. Practically. Not someday. This week. Practical Resolution for Adults Choose one concrete way each day to live with “the end in mind.” For example: Before beginning work each morning, pray: “Jesus, help me live today for heaven.” Practical Resolution for Youth As soon as you get out of bed (and if you have a phone – don’t look at it) make the Sign of the Cross slowly and pray – and several times through the day: “Jesus, stay close to me today.” Simple. Concrete. Memorable. The Ascension means Jesus is not far away. He is near.

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.