May Jesus Christ, who showed us the way to eternal life, be with you!

Today, we continue our celebration of Easter.  We continue to celebrate Jesus' resurrection and our hope for eternal life. This season culminates on Pentecost Sunday when the Church experiences the coming of the Holy spirit into our lives. The readings at Mass, from Ascension Thursday to Pentecost Sunday, prepare us for that great day. Tradition calls it "Expectation Week."  This old term designates the culmination of the Easter Season; the days between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost when the apostles prayed witih expectant faith for the paraclete. May these next nine days be a time for preparation for us as we await the coming of the Holy Spirit into ur lives.  Like the apostles when they received the Holy Spirit, may we continue to be witnesses for Christ proclaiming his message in our speech and action.

We also celebrate with our First Communion children today.  As they receive Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, may they always be aware of his everlasting presence in their lives.

Finally, we hear in our readings for today, the story about Stephen, the first martyr. St. Stephen was a great gift and witness to the Church. He defended the faith to his death.  Every time we celebrate Easter, receive Jesus Christ in Holy Communion and live our lives according to the Gospels, may we remind ourselves how blessed we are to be gifts to each other, to our Church, and to our community.