Meeting the Risen Lord During Easter

Diane Winkowski • April 21, 2024

Jesus has been meeting his disciples for forty days after his resurrection.  He wanted to reconcile with them and

encouraged them to continue his mission on earth.  Jesus met them in varied circumstances, during their work, traveling, praying, in the upper room, and on the seashore.  There was always the same pattern to the meetings.  The disciples were confused and closed, full of fear and doubt in faith before they met the Risen Lord.  But after the meeting, they understood everything, their faith became firm, they were open and enthusiastic, wanted to go out to preach the good news of the resurrection, and they were ready to suffer and die for Christ.  The meeting with the Risen Lord was absolutely crucial and totally changed their life.

 

The long training, listening to Jesus for three years, witness of all the miracles performed by Jesus, even Jesus’ passion and death on the cross were not convincing enough for Jesus’ disciples.  It was necessary to experience the resurrection and meeting the Risen Lord for them to make everything meaningful and understandable.  Without personal experience of the Risen Lord the cross would be just a cross, a symbol of Roman torture and death, and Jesus would be remembered as a great teacher who was able to perform miracles and helped those who were oppressed.  The personal encounter with the Risen Lord changed everything and made everything meaningful to Jesus’ disciples. It totally transformed their life.

 

Today’s gospel this Third Sunday of Easter brings us an example of one of the meetings of Jesus with his disciples.  Jesus met two disciples on the way to Emmaus.  They were so preoccupied with their confusion and sadness their eyes were closed to others.  They could not see Jesus who joined them on the way.  Eventually they recognized Jesus during the breaking of bread.  Their eyes were open to see the Risen Lord.  It was a short but powerful experience for them.  They understood the truth and everything became clear and complete.  The two disciples decided to go to the roots and return to the community in Jerusalem.  They felt like they received another life.

 

Similar to the disciples we need a personal experience of the Risen Lord during the Easter season.  We must meet the Lord to understand everything, to have enthusiasm of faith and readiness to go to the people to spread the good news of the resurrection.  Our resolutions, an effort during Lent, and meaningful experience of the Holy week is not complete without a personal experience of the Risen Lord.

 

Todays’ gospel is encouraging us to see the Risen Lord in different circumstances and situations in our daily life. 

The Risen Lord is closer to us than we think.  He is searching for us like he was searching for his disciples after his

resurrection.  He might find us in church and sacred places praying but he might surprise us in the least expected

places and time.  You will know when you meet the Risen Lord.  You will experience spiritual joy, peace of heart, and another sense of life.  This experience will stay with you forever.

 

  Blessed Easter season,

 

        Fr. Andrzej

 

Feast of the Epiphany – Seeing Christ Revealed

By Jenny Drzewiecki • January 4, 2026
The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates God’s great revelation: Jesus Christ is made known not only to Israel, but to all nations. Guided by a star, the Magi set out on a journey of faith, searching for the newborn King. Their pilgrimage reminds us that true faith requires trust, perseverance, and generous hearts. When they encounter the Child, they offer gifts that reveal who Christ is – our King, our God, and our Savior. A beautiful Christian legend speaks of a “fourth Wise Man” named Artaban. Like the Magi, he followed the star, longing to meet Jesus. Yet along the way, he encountered people in great need. Each time, Artaban stopped to help, using the precious gifts he had intended for the Child. Because of these acts of mercy, he never reached Bethlehem in time. Still, he continued his journey, serving the poor and searching for Christ throughout his life. Years later, Artaban finally understands the meaning of his journey. He discovers that every act of love he offered to those in need was, in fact, an encounter with Christ himself. The King he sought was present not only in Bethlehem, but in the suffering, the forgotten, and the poor. This story beautifully echoes the message of Epiphany. The Magi recognized Christ in the Child of Bethlehem; Artaban recognized him in acts of compassion. Both remind us that Christ reveals himself to those who seek him with sincere hearts. As Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:40). The Epiphany invites us to ask: Where do we recognize Christ today? We may not see a star in the sky, but we can find him in our neighbors, especially those in need. Like the Magi, we are called to seek Christ in faith, and like Artaban, we are called to serve him in love. May this feast help us recognize Christ revealed in Word and Sacrament, and in one another. Happy Epiphany! Fr. Andrzej

Feast of the Epiphany – Seeing Christ Revealed

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 29, 2025
The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates God’s great revelation: Jesus Christ is made known not only to Israel, but to all nations. Guided by a star, the Magi set out on a journey of faith, searching for the newborn King. Their pilgrimage reminds us that true faith requires trust, perseverance, and generous hearts. When they encounter the Child, they offer gifts that reveal who Christ is – our King, our God, and our Savior. A beautiful Christian legend speaks of a “fourth Wise Man” named Artaban. Like the Magi, he followed the star, longing to meet Jesus. Yet along the way, he encountered people in great need. Each time, Artaban stopped to help, using the precious gifts he had intended for the Child. Because of these acts of mercy, he never reached Bethlehem in time. Still, he continued his journey, serving the poor and searching for Christ throughout his life. Years later, Artaban finally understands the meaning of his journey. He discovers that every act of love he offered to those in need was, in fact, an encounter with Christ himself. The King he sought was present not only in Bethlehem, but in the suffering, the forgotten, and the poor. This story beautifully echoes the message of Epiphany. The Magi recognized Christ in the Child of Bethlehem; Artaban recognized him in acts of compassion. Both remind us that Christ reveals himself to those who seek him with sincere hearts. As Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:40). The Epiphany invites us to ask: Where do we recognize Christ today? We may not see a star in the sky, but we can find him in our neighbors,especially those in need. Like the Magi, we are called to seek Christ in faith, and like Artaban, we are called to serve him in love. May this feast help us recognize Christ revealed in Word and Sacrament, and in one another.  Happy Epiphany! Fr. Andrzej

Christmas Message – The Gift of Peace

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 25, 2025
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, our hearts turn once again to the beautiful message the angels proclaimed over Bethlehem: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.” Peace is one of the most precious gifts Christ brings. It is more than the absence of conflict; it is the deep calm that comes from knowing God is with us. In a world that often feels restless and divided, Christmas reminds us that peace begins in the quiet of our hearts – when we welcome the Lord, trust in his love, and allow his light to guide our steps.  Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta often said, “Peace begins with a smile.” Even the smallest gesture of warmth can open a door, soften a heart, or brighten someone’s day. A smile, a kind word, a helping hand, or a moment of sincere attention can become a seed of peace. When we reach out to our neighbor – whether in our family, parish, or community – we allow Christ’s peace to take flesh once again in our world. May this holy season encourage us to be instruments of peace through these simple acts of love. Every effort we make, no matter how small, becomes a reflection of the peace the newborn Savior brings. Christmas Wishes Dear Parishioners, may the newborn Christ bless your homes with his gentle and lasting peace. May he calm every worry, strengthen every bond of love, and fill your days with hope and grace. May your celebrations be joyful, your gatherings warm, and your hearts open to the quiet presence of God who comes to dwell among us. May the peace of Christ – stronger than fear, deeper than sorrow, brighter than darkness – rest upon you and remain with you throughout the Christmas season and into the New Year. And may each smile and every small act of kindness you offer become a blessing that spreads his peace to others. On behalf of the Parish Staff – Merry Christmas and blessings of Peace to all!

Third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 14, 2025
This Sunday the Church invites us to rejoice. Gaudete means “Rejoice,” and it reminds us that Christmas is near. Even though Advent is a season of quiet preparation, today the liturgy lifts our hearts. The rose candle on the Advent wreath and the brighter liturgical mood are signs of this joy. God is close. His coming brings hope, peace, and spiritual light. The word Gaudete comes from the ancient Entrance Antiphon of the Mass for this day: “Gaudete in Domino semper” – “Rejoice in the Lord always.” It speaks of the spiritual joy that comes from complete trust in God – a joy that cannot be taken away and that brings a lasting peace of heart. Gaudete is a joyful reminder in the middle of Advent that the Lord is near, and our waiting is filled with hope, living faith, and gladness. In today’s Gospel, we meet John the Baptist. He is a strong and humble messenger of Christ. John knows that his mission is not to draw attention to himself, but to point everyone toward Jesus. He prepares the way by calling people to open their hearts and turn back to God. John shows us what real readiness looks like – simple, honest, and faithful. John the Baptist can be an inspiration for each one of us. Like him, we are called to prepare the way for the Lord in our own lives and in our parish community. We do this when we pray, when we forgive, when we care for someone in need, and when we bring peace into our homes. Every small act of goodness makes more room for Christ to come. As we enter this joyful Sunday, let us pause and allow God’s hope to rise within us. Let us rejoice not because everything in life is perfect, but because God is with us. He is coming to bring healing, mercy, and new beginnings.  May this Gaudete Sunday fill our hearts with the joy that only Christ can give, and may we, like John the Baptist, help others to see the Lord who is near. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:4–5). Fr. Andrzej

Advent Reflection

By Jenny Drzewiecki • November 25, 2025
As we enter the season of Advent, the Church invites us to begin again. Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year – a fresh spiritual chapter in which God offers us new opportunities for grace, renewal, and growth. Just as the calendar year gives us January to start anew, the Church gives us Advent as a sacred beginning, a time to reset our hearts and refocus our lives on what truly matters. Advent reminds us that God is always giving us opportunities to grow, to change, and to begin again.  Advent is a season of hope and quiet expectation. It asks us to slow down, to reflect, and to prepare. One important theme of Advent is peace – peace in our hearts, peace in our families, our parish community, and peace in the world. During these weeks, we are encouraged to look at our lives and ask where we need God’s peace. In a world often marked by noise, division, and haste, Advent calls us to become people of peace, open to God’s gentle presence and ready to bring reconciliation where it is needed. At the same time, Advent helps us to prepare for Christmas. We often get busy with shopping, cooking, and planning for the holidays. But Advent reminds us to prepare spiritually as well – to make room for Christ in our lives, to welcome him with renewed faith, and to approach the holidays with a deeper sense of gratitude and purpose. When our hearts are prepared, Christmas becomes more meaningful and joyful. May this Advent be for each of us a new beginning: a time of reflection, a season of peace, and a joyful preparation for the coming of Christ. Let us walk these weeks together as a parish family, ready to welcome the Lord who always comes to make all things new. Blessed Advent! Fr. Andrzej

Thanksgiving Message

By Jenny Drzewiecki • November 25, 2025
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