Thus says the Lord GOD:
I will take the children of Israel from among the nations
to which they have come,
and gather them from all sides to bring them back to their land.
I will make them one nation upon the land,
in the mountains of Israel,
and there shall be one prince for them all.
Never again shall they be two nations,
and never again shall they be divided into two kingdoms. I will make with them a covenant of peace;
it shall be an everlasting covenant with them,
and I will multiply them, and put my sanctuary among them forever.
My dwelling shall be with them;
I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Ezekiel 37: 21-22, 26-27

Here are the complete readings for Saturday, April 12, 2025.

(“The Expectation of Lazarus” by Mamuka Georgadze)

“If you love somebody, set them free.” This is an incredibly difficult ask for a parent, or anyone who nurtures a protege who is ready to face life on their own. One of the lessons in today’s Gospel seems to be the need to recognize the need to say goodbye to those we love or that which we love in order to be able to experience joy. We cannot have one without first surrendering the other. Can this be sad? Of course! Hopefully we admit that letting go is hard and acknowledge when we feel grief. So much about being happy in the present involves the loss of something we clung to for comfort or support. Yet look at how optimistic the passage from Ezekiel presents the future. His words overflow with gratitude about the connections formed in the community, in all its diversity. This vision of the kingdom is possible only when the people are open to change and be transformed before they enter this new reality. This allows us to cherish and celebrate those we love and experience that love here and now.

 You are called
to be of one heart and one mind with them
so that you can participate
in the building up of the reign of God.
This was the vision
Theodore James Ryken had in view
when he founded the congregation:
A band of Brothers
who mutually help,
encourage,
and edify one another,
and who work together.
You are called then by your Founder
to enter into a true mutual sharing
with your brothers and sisters.
This sharing will demand of you
an opening and a giving of yourself to them
at many levels,
and a ready acceptance of each of them
in all their sinful and graced humanity. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, you offer us freedom each day we awake. Thank you for the chance to share this day with you and your creation. When we are lonely and sad, comfort us with the hope and trust that you are present and listening. You remain always at our side.

Amen