Welcome

Holy Redeemer of North Bend Oregon welcomes you!

APRIL 20, 2008- 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

HOMILY BY FR. KARL SCHRAY

Acts 6:1-78, 1Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12

CHRIST, OUR WAY HOME

Homing pigeons are amazing birds. When released far from their home they keep circling until they find their bearings- then they are on their way home. In many birds this homing instinct is a built-in thing. But for the pigeons it is learned. And you want to keep the pigeons in good health because they will have many obstacles to overcome- like wind and rain and fog- as they find their way home.

We, too, have a homing instinct. God, who made us for himself has not left us without a rudder- He has put a homing instinct in us. It takes the form of an inner restlessness and discontent. A longing that we are unable to identify. An emptiness that demands to be filled.

Just as the homing instinct doesn’t save the birds from the struggle against the wind and rain, so faith doesn’t shield us from the storms of life and death. But it does give us bearings. It enables us to live in this often daunting world without getting lost or giving up hope. It assures us that we have a home to go to, and points us in that direction.

During the Last Supper when Jesus told the apostles that he was leaving them, they were very distressed. But he consoled them with the words of today’s Gospel: “There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I am going to prepare a place for you. I shall return to take you with me; so that where I am you may be too.” These words assure us we have an eternal home- but the question remains, how do we get there?

If you are in a strange city and ask for directions, a person may say, ‘Go straight down several blocks and then make a series of turns.’ When the directions are too complicated we cannot remember them. However, you may meet a kind person who says ‘Look it’s hard to explain. Follow me and I’ll show you the way.’ Isn’t that what Jesus does for us? When the practical Thomas asked Jesus, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus didn’t give him a lot of complicated directions- he simply said, “I am the Way’. In other words, ‘Follow me and I’ll show you the way.’

In today’s First Reading, we see the apostles creating an effective way to face an occasion of division. Some Christian widows of a different language were neglected and asking for justice. The apostles turned it into an opportunity for healing, growth and a new form of ministry, namely choosing and ordaining the first 7 deacons- including Stephen who would become the first Christian martyr. Thus, the unity of the community was preserved and enhanced.

Internationally acclaimed artist ‘Dame’ Patti Hendrickson of North Bend, Oregon, has achieved distinction in many media, including casein, oils, pastels, water colors, and mosaic. Her estate graciously donated 105 original painting’s of ‘Dame’ Hendrickson’s to our parish that are now available for sale to the general public.

Click here to see her biography and painting’s exhibited for sale.

Email & Telephone

(click on a name below to email)

Father

Karl Schray

756-6901

Deacon

Marty Bozulich

271-3243

Administrative Assistant

Bobbi Wilson

756-0633