The cycle of growing, the passage of seasons, the risks of planting crops—all these activities teach a lot about life. Perhaps that’s why the Scriptures use farming images so frequently.
In addition to the Lord’s encouragement that we come to him with our burdens, he invites us to “take up his yoke” and “learn from him.” His meekness and humility show us a way to bear our burdens.
Being a Christian in gospel terms is serious business indeed. The context of Christian hospitality is self-sacrificing love--the love that leads to accepting one’s cross.
Through the Trinity we have strength to live in relationship to one another. We’re to encourage one another and live in peace. Such a relationship is God’s plan for us.
It’s a characteristic of Catholicism to see God’s goodness in all of creation, in various human endeavors, and in the cultures and histories of human beings wherever the gospel is preached.
The Church is called to go to all the nations to make disciples. That’s a big task, but the "good news" today is that we are equipped to carry out that mission.
Today's Scripture selections continue the Easter instructions for the newly-baptized. The "First Letter of Peter" encourages those fearful of persecution to remember that Christ also suffered persecution.
