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Deacon Luan Tran is scheduled to be ordained by Bishop John J. McDermott on Saturday, May 31 at the Cathedral. The Mass will take place at 10:00 am. A light reception follows in the Parish Hall. Priests wishing to concelebrate are asked to bring their alb; stoles and chasubles will be provided. Priests will vest in the lower level chapel, and line-up for the procession which begins at 9:45 am. The live-stream of the Mass can be viewed at the diocesan website.

On this last Sunday of Easter, we hear first from the Acts of the Apostles with the story of the first martyr, Stephen. The story is sad amidst our Easter joy, following the Ascension feast day, and as we look forward to the great gift of the Paraclete on Pentecost. In the middle of the passage, however, we hear how Stephen saw “the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Another triumphant Psalm cheers us: “The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice.” The second reading from Revelation repeats the message, “I am coming … Come … come … Come, Lord Jesus!” The Gospel of John shows Jesus in anguish like Stephen, giving fervent assurances to his apostle – suffering, which gives glory to God and wins everlasting happiness. Our Easter season closes next Sunday with the great feast of Pentecost.

Our first reading is from Acts, continuing our weekday sojourn through the travels of St. Paul and other evangelizing disciples. When confusion arises, quick action is taken: “it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem … about this question.” Their solution is clear and concise. Following Christ, being saved, is open to all, as long as they abide by some reasonable rules. The psalm sings pure praise. “May all the people praise you!” We wing to heaven in our second reading, from Revelation. “The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.” Our Gospel also is from St. John, with comforting words from our Savior. “Whoever loves me will keep my word, … and we will come … and make our dwelling with him.” Our Lord promises the Holy Spirit: “The advocate … will teach you everything.” Jesus tells his disciples how to regard his leaving them. “You would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.”

Parishioners should adjust their driving route to the 10:00 AAM Mass Sunday, May 25 to manage street closings for the Marathon. North Avenue, Church Street, Cherry Street and Pine Street will close Sunday morning. Elmwood Avenue, Allen Street and Peru Street will stay open. Here is a link to the road closure map: https://www.runvermont.org/race-day-essentials/transportation-street-closures/

The Liturgy of the Word begins with a matter-of-fact report of the wide-ranging, and indeed, incredible work of the apostles Paul and Barnabas as they minister to the Gentiles. We hear the list of cities and regions they visit, and of their diligence in spreading the Word of God. They remind us, as they travel and preach, that their mission is no easy one: “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” The Psalm extols the sublime goodness of God: “Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages.” From Paul and Barnabas’s earthly toils, we rise to mystical visions in our second reading, from Revelation. “I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven.” We return to earth with the Gospel reading of Jesus at the Last Supper, after Judas has departed to carry out his sad plan: “My children, … I give you a new commandment: love one another.”

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, our first reading from Acts finds St. Paul and Barnabas turning to the Gentiles to proclaim the Word, after rebuking their Jewish brethren for rejecting the new teachings. The Psalm continues the shepherd theme: “his we are; his people, the flock he tends.” In the second reading from Revelation, Christ stands as the heavenly shepherd: “the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them, and lead them to springs of living water.” St. John’s Gospel passage is short but vivid:” “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”

Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeks transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally. May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed by glory and praise for ever. Amen.