Daniel Imwalle

Today we celebrate mothers everywhere for their strength, guidance, and grace as pillars in family life.

“For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” The passage from the Gospel of John (Jn 20:9) at the end of the reading for this Easter Sunday. Today is a day to celebrate mystery.

Sometimes, a person might seem to want to ask what the ashes on your forehead mean, but are too shy or don’t want to offend you by asking.

I have a tradition of listening to the U2 song “New Year’s Day” at some point on January 1. I realize the song may have more to do with social and political commentary, but there is something about it that always seems to resonate with me.

Think of a gift you can give someone that is not a physical product with a receipt and return policy. Could it be a hug? A kind word? A beautiful memory shared? These are the kinds of gifts that truly reflect the meaning of Christmas.

In today’s Gospel reading from Luke (21:25), Jesus tells his disciples about the coming of the Son of Man in some rather chilling terms: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.”