A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
The message for this weekend is transitioning from the culture of death to the culture of life.
On April 13th, 1888, Alfred Nobel opened the newspaper one morning and saw the headline read: ‘The Merchant of Death Is Dead.’ All of us know that Alfred Nobel, the famous chemist, was known more for his invention of dynamite. When Ludvig Nobel, the older brother of Alfred died, the papers had mistakenly reported that Alfred had died.
The obituary condemned him for his inventions, criticizing him as the wealthiest vagabond in Europe who had become rich by finding ways to mutilate and kill innocents. Virtually every newspaper seemed to find glory in his ‘supposed demise’. The error was later corrected, but life had granted Alfred Nobel the rare opportunity of reading his obituary. What he read in the newspaper horrified him and left an indelible mark on his conscience. Alfred survived his obituary for another 7 years. But it had surely given him a perspective on life. In 1893, in a four-page document that he prepared – his will, he selflessly bequeathed over 94% of his fortune to set up the Nobel Foundation. Alfred signed his last will and testament and donated 35 million Swedish kronor (almost his entire possession) to the Foundation which presently amounts to nearly 265 million dollars. From being condemned as ‘the merchant of death’ to be hailed as the founder of the Nobel Foundation, Alfred Nobel lives on in people’s memory more positively!
The spirit of the Lord mentioned in the first and second readings, promote LIFE. Our Christian living, although reflects much on the death of Jesus during the Lenten season, it also celebrates Life. Our duty-call is to transition everyone from the culture of death to the culture of life!
I take this opportunity to thank those of you who plan to leave this week to go back home. I wish you all a safe journey. Your presence, support and solidarity with the parish, despite the inordinate situation of roof issue discomforts, are highly commendable. If you could consider participating further to fulfill our campaign and CFA obligations, please do so.
God Bless,
Fr. Jay Raju
- Reading 1: Ezekiel 37:12-14
- Reading 2: Romans 8:8-11
- Gospel: John 11:1-45
