Jesus Alive in Our Lives by Philip St. Romain.  Ave Maria Press, 1986 (in part). Reprinted by Lulu Press, 2010.

This work bundles together three related works previously published for different purposes. 
Part One - "The Meaning of the Resurrection," examines the evidence of the Resurrection and then treats its implications for the life of the believer.
 Part Two - "Encountering the Risen Christ," reflects on meeting the risen Christ in his four modes of present to us: personal/historical, communal, sacramental and cosmic.

 Part Three - "The Gift of the Spirit," notes the decisive role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of early Christian believers, and in our own as well.

The theme running through these three parts is that Jesus of Nazareth is risen, and that we can come to know him and give evidence of his life and love in our own as well.                                                              



St. Francis of Paola (1416-1507): April 2

   Francis of Paola was a man who deeply loved contemplative solitude and wished only to be the "least in the household of God." Yet, when the Church called him to active service in the world, he became a miracle-worker and influenced the course of nations.
   After accompanying his parents on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, he began to live as a contemplative hermit in a remote cave near Paola, on Italy's southern seacoast. Before he was 20, he received the first followers who had come to imitate his way of life. Seventeen years later, when his disciples had grown in number, Francis established a Rule for his austere community and sought Church approval. This was the founding of the Hermits of St. Francis of Assisi, who were approved by the Holy See in 1474.
    In 1492, Francis changed the name of his community to "Minims" because he wanted them to be known as the least (minimi ) in the household of God. Humility was to be the hallmark of the brothers as it had been in Francis's personal life. Besides the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, Francis enjoined upon his followers the fourth obligation of a perpetual Lenten fast. He felt that heroic mortification was necessary as a means for spiritual growth.
    It was Francis's desire to be a contemplative hermit, yet he believed that God was calling him to the apostolic life. He began to use the gifts he had received, such as the gifts of miracles and prophecy, to minister to the people of God. A defender of the poor and oppressed, Francis incurred the wrath of King Ferdinand of Naples for the admonitions he directed toward the king and his sons.
    Following the request of Pope Sixtus IV, Francis traveled to Paris to help Louis XI of France prepare for his death. While ministering to the king, Francis was able to influence the course of national politics. He helped to restore peace between France and Brittany by advising a marriage between the ruling families, and between France and Spain by persuading Louis XI to return some disputed land.

Francis died while at the French court.



Q: What do you call a bunny with a large brain? 
A: An egghead.

Q: Where does the Easter Bunny get his eggs?
A: From Eggplants.

Q: Did you hear about the lady whose house was infested with Easter eggs?
A: She had to call an eggs-terminator!

Q: What do you call a rabbit with fleas?
A: Bugs Bunny!

Q: Why was the little girl sad after the race?
A: Because an egg beater!

Q: What day does an Easter egg hate the most?
A: Fry-days.

Q: How do bunnies stay healthy?
A: Eggercise 

- More next week?