Why would some Greeks approach Philip to ask to see Jesus? And what are they doing, worshipping at the Jewish feast of Passover?

Philip and Andrew are Greek names, not Jewish. Philip was from Bethsaida in Galilee, a town with a Jewish name but just over the border in Gentile territory. Those Greeks may have been proselytes, people who have totally converted to Judaism or “God-fearers”, a step below. The question I have is: Did they ever get to meet Jesus? The text gives no indication that they did. Philip goes on a mission to consult with Andrew and together they go to tell Jesus about the visitors who, it seems, were standing there and waiting to hear whether Jesus would meet with them. Instead Jesus answers Philip and Andrew by saying what we just heard read in today’s Gospel. Nothing more is said about those Greeks. They are forgotten.

What informs each of the readings including the psalm response is conflict.

Today’s Gospel about the good shepherd is in part a response to the Pharisees who had just thrown out the man born blind who was cured by Jesus. The man tried to argue that Jesus could not be a sinner even though he healed on the Sabbath but one who was listened to by God; and, we know God doesn’t listen to sinners. What was the result? They were highly offended because he was trying to teach them. So they threw him out. Jesus compares them to hired men whose only concern for the flock was as a source of income. In contrast, Jesus is the good shepherd who knows the flock and lays down his life for them.

 How’s Easter going?The reason I ask is that for most of us, Easter is a single day celebration.  But for the Church, it’s a 50 day extended time of joy. That’s 10 more days than Lent! 25% more time to rejoice! Most of us set goals for Lent; Easter, not so much. It seems we are much better being penitent than rejoicing. I wonder why that is. In each of the prefaces of Easter, I proclaim that we are overwhelmed with Paschal joy. Is that true? Do feel overwhelmed with joy?

A special thanks to all who donated to the various collections during our Lenten season. Through your generosity, donations are helping people at Immaculate Conception Shelter, House of Bread and Catholic Worker House. Please know that these personal care items help preserve a person’s dignity and allow us to share our blessings.

Jesus is the good shepherd and laid down his lifefor us that we may have new life. Give your marriage new life by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend.

The next Weekends are Jul 6-8, 2018 and Nov 2-4, 2018 in MANCHESTER, CT. For more information, call Pat & Mary-Jo McLaughlin at 860-315-2127 or visit them at https://wwmectw.org/.

Please participate this Thursday, April 26, in providing turkey/cheese or ham/cheese sandwiches (no mayo) for the guests of St. Vincent DePaul Place in Middletown. 

Sandwiches wrapped in individual baggies may be brought to the front of the church from 7:00 to 7:30 pm on Thursday evening. You may also leave sandwiches in the refrigerator in the St. Thomas More Hall when the church is open during regular Parish office hours on Thursday, from 9 am—1 pm.

Your sandwiches will be distributed to patrons of St. Vincent DePaul Place on Friday for their evening take-home meals.

The Confirmation Community's

Annual Help Us Help Others
collection is scheduled for Saturday, April 28th from 11:30-3:00pm.

All donations will benefit organizations that we support during the year. Items to donate include: household items in good condition such as dishes, glasses, flatware, towels, linens, lights, furniture, as well as books (no reference or text books please). Please be sure all your donations are clean and in working order.

Special thanks to all the artist that shared their vision of God during the First Annual St. John Fisher Art Show.

Art entrants include:
Sue Bagdonis
Deanna Bosse
Audrey Carroll Prucnal
Peg Filloramo
Jim Grabowsk
Rosie Henderschedt
Mary Horrigan
Robert Klimasewiski
Ray Marino
Deacon John McKaig
Erin Peng
Father Sas
Mrs. Hooker’s 5th grade Faith Formation Class
Rosie Henderschedt and Ellie Packer’s 4th grade Faith Formation Class

The Confirmation Community's Annual Help Us Help Others collection is scheduled for Saturday, April 28th from 11:30-3:00pm.

All donations will benefit organizations that we support during the year. Items to donate include household items in good condition such as dishes, glasses, flatware, towels, linens, lights, furniture, as well as books (no reference or text books please).

Please be sure all your donations are clean and in working order.

Would you be interested in calling newly-registered parishioners to welcome them to the St. John Fisher Family? It takes just a minute to reach out and say hello.

If you would like to join others in this ministry, please contact Gale Busemeyer via the Parish Office at (860) 295-0001.

Click photo for a larger view