IFTTT Autopost 
On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, we hear the wonderful news that Jesus came not only for the Jewish people, but all for the gentiles (non-Jewish people). We read in the Acts of the Apostles:
On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.'” The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. So, they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13: 44-52).
Do we remember that Jesus came for all people, and not just a select few? Do we give a hearty welcome to all people who find their way to our parish? If not, how can we do better?
In the photo above, we see members of the Deanery of San Francisco de Asís, Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa, entering the Basilica of Suyapa.
Today is also Mother’s Day in the United States, Honduras, and many other nations. The vocation of mother is a profoundly noble one, for without it, there would be no other vocations. For all mothers, grandmothers, and mothers-to-be, may God bless you abundantly today and all the days of your lives!
