Third Sunday of Easter, Apr. 22, 2012
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48 “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures”
(Summary of sermon) Remember when Pope Benedict was elected he asked for our prayers, that he would not flee for fear of the wolves? But doesn’t the Pope have the guarantee that he will not fail? Why does he need our prayers?
All of us are scarred with original sin and prone to weakness and sin. There is no ultimate victory until we have died. The Pope is faced with the daily struggles for his own salvation.
Live Gently With a Valiant SpiritWould you like to have the courage of the Holy Spirit to face everyday life? Gentleness and strength of spirit are part of the Salesian spirituality. Crafted by St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, this spirituality is for both religious and laity. Read “Salesian Spirituality is Strong and Growing.”
The Pope is faced with the question of how does he shepherd his flock against the wolves of this world. He is faced with issues such as “gay marriage” and Obama’s mandates.
Should he deal gently or harshly? He receives criticism no matter what he decides. We don’t know the pressures exerted upon the Pope. The wolves ask, why doesn’t the Pope just go away?
We must stand our ground against the wolves, and pray for the Pope, too.