I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me. — Psalm 118:21

Mass readings: Acts 4:13-21 / Mark 16:9-15 

Living Our Faith 

April is a cruel month in Chicago. Yes, spring is here but it’s still a long way to summer and vacation. Work five days, get two off. Fight traffic to work and fight traffic coming home. Shop for groceries, clean the house, take the kids to an activity. Watch TV, read the newspaper, share small talk with friends about the news, the kids, and TV. It’s a cycle of secularism. Like most people, I get caught up in the everyday. Petty annoyances grip me. Minor concerns pile up. Where is God in all this? Why am I so casual about my faith? 

Today’s Gospel recounts one incident after another of disciples not believing Jesus has risen. They didn’t believe in the extraordinary. Our belief needs to animate us and color the dull beat of the everyday. 

Prayer: Lord, let me be fully alert to Your loving presence in the world.