Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” These are words that are both simple and yet deeply challenging. Love in this sense is not just a feeling or a private devotion; it is something lived, something visible. Jesus promises we are not left alone in this task. We are given the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who remains with us and within us. In a world that often feels uncertain, divided, or weary, this promise matters more than ever. We are not navigating life, or faith, on our own.

What does this mean for us today? It means hope is not something we wait for but something we carry. When we choose patience over anger, mercy over judgement, generosity over indifference, we make Christ present. The Spirit works through ordinary people in ordinary moments, through a kind word, a listening ear, a willingness to forgive. These small acts are not insignificant; they are how the love of God takes shape in our world. This begins here at home in our parishes and in the work that we still need to do with the unification of our parishes and accepting how we as church, along with our structures, are challenged to change for vibrancy and survival. There is a lack of priest personnel to fill all the positions needed for pastors and associates. Yes, there are priests; however, priests with the experience and qualifications to manage larger and more complex situations, like ours, are at a minimum. We are reminded today to live with awareness: to see where love is needed and to respond accordingly. It is to trust that even when the world feels heavy, the Spirit is still at work, guiding, strengthening, and renewing. Hope grows wherever love is practiced. If we follow this simple command of Jesus, all is bound to be well.

Today we celebrate Mother’s Day and are reminded of one of the clearest reflections of this kind of love. Mothers, and all the women who nurture, guide, and care for others, embody this gospel in powerful ways. Through their sacrifices, patience, encouragement, and steady presence, they reveal something of God’s own faithful love. Whether it is a mother, grandmother, Godmother, teacher or mentor, these women show us what it looks like to love not just in words, but in action. Today may we honor them, whether living or deceased, by living as they have taught us, loving generously, serving faithfully, and bringing hope into the lives of others.

Happy Mother’s Day to all, and to all who nurture others with a mother’s love. Also, congratulations to those who made their First Communion this weekend and thank you to their parents for allowing us to help shape and form their children for this sacred event in their lives.

With you a Christian, for you, a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish