Dear Preachers:

Remember: Each week I post the names of three inmates on Raleigh’s death row.

        Easter is a good season to send a message of hope to those who experience little to hope in. Their names are listed below.

When we preachers tell one another, “I am preaching on Sunday,” the usual response is, “What’s the Gospel?” That’s fine, but the scriptural possibilities for preaching are much richer than just one passage. So today, let’s broaden our scope and look at the riches of another Scripture: the Acts of the Apostles, today’s first reading.

The Acts of the Apostles is attributed to Luke the Evangelist. It is important for contemporary readers because it shows how faith moves from belief into action. It is the bridge between the life of Jesus and the life of the Church. Without Acts, Christians might know what Jesus taught, but we would have far less guidance on how disciples actually lived those teachings in real communities.

Acts shows believers how the Church began and how it continues to grow. Acts is not just a document about a long-gone past; rather, it reminds modern Christians that the Church was not born fully grown and perfect. It grew slowly through prayer, mistakes, discernment, and courage. These are not ancient values once needed but no longer applicable. Leaders like Peter and Paul struggled and disagreed – sounds familiar? Yet, they also learned to trust the Holy Spirit.

That is reassuring for believers today who experience many challenges in the Church. There is a strong message of hope for us in Acts because it teaches that growth often happens through tension and perseverance. Acts emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. It is a constant reminder to contemporary readers that Christianity is not just about rules and fixed traditions; it is about a living relationship with God’s Spirit.

The Spirit guides decisions, strengthens courage, and inspires compassion among us. When we are in conflict, seek wisdom in prayer, hope to reconcile differences, or serve the poor, we are participating in the same Spirit-led mission described in Acts.

Acts calls us to be witnesses, not spectators. One of its most important messages is that every believer has a role in the mission of the Church. In Acts, the Gospel spreads not only through apostles and Church leaders but also through ordinary people – families, merchants, refugees, and converts.

Acts is important for contemporary believers because it reminds us that faith is perseverance in the face of struggle. Early Christians faced misunderstanding, persecution, and internal disagreements. Many were expelled from their families. Their story encourages us today, especially when we feel discouraged by division, secular pressures, or personal hardships. Acts reminds us that God works through imperfect people and difficult circumstances to accomplish surprising good.

The Acts of the Apostles is important to modern believers because it tells us: the Holy Spirit is still active; the mission of Christ continues; and hope and courage are always possible. Acts is not time-bound. It is not just the story of the first Christians; it is the story of the Church still being written in our own time.

We can also see the link between Acts and today’s Gospel. Jesus speaks tenderly to his disciples as he prepares to leave them. He tells them that love is not just a feeling, but a way of living. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Love shows itself daily in the choices we make: how we treat others, how we forgive, and how we remain faithful even when it is difficult.

Jesus also promises that we are not alone. He says his Father will send the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, to remain with us. For those who come to worship each week, this is comforting – a reminder that the Holy Spirit is active in our lives: in our families, in our parish community, and in the quiet moments when we seek guidance. Even when we feel uncertain about the future, God’s Spirit dwells within us, strengthening our determination to live as disciples.

Finally, Jesus says, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” These words speak to every believer who has known loss, confusion, and disappointment. Our faith tells us that Christ is present – risen and alive – working with us through every season of our lives. He encourages us to trust his presence and let it shape how we love one another.

In the Acts of the Apostles, when the deacon Philip the Evangelist casts out unclean spirits, the story is not only about dramatic exorcisms. It is also a proclamation that the power of Jesus brings freedom, healing, and joy wherever people are bound by forces that diminish their humanity.

For us today, in the name of Jesus Christ, “driving out evil spirits” usually means confronting the real forces that enslave hearts, communities, and societies. Most Christians are not called to perform formal exorcisms – that ministry in the Catholic Church is carefully entrusted to trained priests – but every Christian is called to resist evil and promote healing.

What might “unclean spirits” mean today? What are the destructive forces that take hold of people and communities? For example: hatred and violence; despair and hopelessness; racism and prejudice; greed and the exploitation of others; fear that paralyzes us; shame that convinces a person they are beyond forgiveness. How can we “drive out” these spirits today?

Not primarily by dramatic gestures, but by faithful, everyday discipleship in the spirit of Christ:

by prayer, inviting God’s presence into places of darkness;

by truth, challenging lies and injustice;

by compassion, standing with those who suffer;

by forgiveness, breaking cycles of resentment;

by community, refusing to leave people alone in their struggle.

In short, the Acts of the Apostles is important for contemporary believers because it tells us:

The Holy Spirit is still active.

The mission of Christ continues.

Courage and hope are always possible.

It is not just the story of the first Christians – it is the story of the Church still being written in our own time.

Click here for a link to this Sunday’s readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051026.cfm

QUOTABLE

“Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.”             Anne Frank

“Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul –

And sings the tune without the words –

And never stops – at all – .”

                                                                Emily Dickinson

Justice Bulletin Board

“Come and see the works of God, his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam.”

Psalm 66:5

Today’s readings focus on the wondrous works of God that shaped the history of the people of God and continue through the example of the life of Jesus, our Teacher, and the Holy Spirit, who animates our good works. What are the signs of God’s presence in the world today? How are you a sign of God’s presence?

We can see some of the wondrous works of God being carried out in the life, dignity, and justice ministries here at HNOJ Cathedral. May is a good month to celebrate our ministries by taking a long view of the saving work that our ministries do through the efforts of inspirited parishioners who seek to follow in the Teacher’s way. Please take a moment to give praise and gratitude for the blessings that our ministries are to the Church and to the community. Many thanks to parishioners who step out in faith to make the world a better place by serving in:

.   *Catholic Parish Outreach food pantry that has grown to be the largest pantry in Wake County

. *Cathedral’s Earth Care Community that seeks to mobilize the parish to care for our common home

. *Crafters for Christ parishioners that make handmade things for babies and homeless citizens

. *Door Ministry that makes keeping a roof over people’s heads a priority  

. *Habitat for Humanity that has built fifteen decent, affordable homes by participating with the Catholic Coalition

. *Helen Wright Center Ministry that provides 4^th Friday meals for 60+ homeless women residents

. *Justice for Immigrants that helps with legal papers and advocates for reform 

. *Oak City Cares Ministry that helps provide meals for 200+ homeless and hungry on two Saturdays every month

. *Prison Ministry that accompanies women in prayer at the prison and helps women and their children with visits

 . *Refugee Resettlement that is currently helping with those already settled here but still struggling  

. *Share the Blessings that calls us into solidarity with Uganda *Walking with Moms in Need that accompanies indigent pregnant women and gives them hope

. *Women’s Center Lunch team that provides nourishment for 100+ women on scheduled Tuesdays

. *Angel Share Tree’s gifts at Christmas for the less fortunate

. *Annual Crop Hunger Walk to end food insecurity          

We have much to celebrate! Come and See and Join! 

Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director 

Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries

Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC

FAITH BOOK

Mini-reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for persons on the run. “Faith Book” is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home.

From today’s Gospel reading:

And I will ask the Father,  and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept,

because it neither sees nor knows him

.

Reflection:

Jesus also promises that we are not alone. He says the Father will send the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, to remain with us. This is a comforting reminder that the Holy Spirit is active in our lives – in our families, in our parish community, and in the quiet moments when we seek guidance. Even when we feel uncertain about the future, God’s Spirit dwells within us, strengthening us to live as disciples.

So, we ask ourselves:

·        How do my daily actions show my love for Christ?

·        When have I sensed the guidance or comfort of the Holy Spirit in my life?  

·        Is there someone I am being called to love more patiently or generously this week?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus,  you promised never to leave us alone and to send your Spirit to guide and strengthen us.  Help us to show our love for you  by the way we live and care for others.

        Fill our hearts with your peace and make us faithful witnesses to your presence.

Amen.

POSTCARDS TO DEATH-ROW INMATES

“One has to strongly affirm that condemnation to the death penalty is an inhuman measure that humiliates personal dignity, in whatever form it is carried out.”

---Pope Francis

Inmates on death row are the most forgotten people in the prison system. Each week I am posting in this space several inmates’ names and locations. I invite you to write a postcard to one or more of them to let them know that: we have not forgotten them; are praying for them and their families; or whatever personal encouragement you might like to give them. If the inmate responds, you might consider becoming pen pals.

Please write to:

·        Stacey Tyler            #0414853    (On death row since 11/14/1995)

·        Russell Tucker        #0413011    (2/21/1996)

·        Jamie Smith            #0376917    (5/10/1996)

Central Prison   P.O. 247 Phoenix MD 21131

(While the prison is in Raleigh mail for inmates is processed at this address)

For more information on the Catholic position on the death penalty go to the Catholic Mobilizing Network: http://catholicsmobilizing.org

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