4/24/2013 – Wednesday of 4th week of Easter - Acts 12:24-3:5A

        We are in the middle of the Easter season – this is now the 4^th week of Easter.  The Easter season ends on May 19 with Pentecost, which is just before the school year ends for all of you.  We have been hearing readings from the Acts of Apostles during these past few weeks in the Easter season.  Just last week we heard about the stoning of Stephen, in which a man named Saul was a participant, and then heard about Saul’s persecution of many of the followers of Jesus.  Then, Paul has a great conversion and he becomes very involved in the Christian community.  Today, we hear how Saul and Barnabas were preaching in the church, and were chosen by the Holy Spirit at work in the community to go to a special mission to Cyprus.  Saul will later be known by the name Paul, the great missionary in the Early Church who spread the Gospel of Jesus to so much of the ancient world. 

         The reading said that God’s word continued to spread and grow, but this happened because of the work, zeal, and enthusiasm of men like Barnabas and Saul.  I know that some of you worked in the Hilltop program this passed weekend.  When I met you all for dinner on Saturday evening, I heard many of you telling me how hard you worked, but also about how enthusiastic and excited you were about help others and about serving God in this way.  And I know that a lot of you are very excited about your trips this summer to St Louis and to Jamaica as a part of Catholic Heart Work Camp.  As young followers of Christ, your enthusiasm and love for God will touch many hearts.  God gives us our gifts and talents for a reason, and it is important for us to use our gifts to serve God and to serve our brothers and sisters.

         I know that some of you will be going away to college next year.  I know that all of you are looking forward to the summer and to the different activities you will be involved in.  For the seniors – know that the Catholic faith that nurtured you here at St James Catholic Church will always be a part of who you are.  Know that the love that this community has for you will always be at your side.  This is our last Wednesday night youth mass this school year.  I have enjoyed having these past few youth masses with all of you this year.