Christ Our Light Catholic Church - Loudonville, NY

From Ann McCauley

“Peace be with you.” This is the first statement Jesus Christ says to the disciples upon appearing to them after rising from the dead, and it is the statement he says most often when he appears to others after the Resurrection.

What’s the significance behind it? After all, Jesus wouldn’t say something over and over if it didn’t have some sort of deeper meaning. Peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a deep sense of knowing all will be well! We are reminded of our Lenten theme, Courage, it’s me, do not be afraid!

If Jesus were to appear in front of us today, what would our reactions be? Would we be fearful or startled? Christ likely said “peace be with you” to calm these feelings. As anyone would be, the apostles were “startled and frightened” when Jesus appeared out of nowhere – and Jesus said “peace be with you” to calm their fears. Additionally, even though the apostles were not perfect in all their actions, having abandoned Jesus during his Passion, Jesus wanted them to know that they are forgiven, that only peace lies between Him and them. It is this forgiveness and this peace that He commissioned them to preach to all the nations.

Are we fearful? Are we troubled? What weighs on our heart and mind? What robs us of our sleep and peace? We need to give it to Jesus. We need to remind ourselves of his love and presence and his gift of peace. As often as worries assail us, let us go to Jesus and meditate and pray on these things with him. May the peace of Christ be with you.

Unable to join us at Church - our Saturday 4 PM Mass is live streamed, on YouTube.com. Go to YouTube and search Christ Our Light Church Loudonville 

Attending Mass? Check out our Re-Opening Church tab for details on how to prepare for Mass.  So we might provide a safe environment for all, we are required to track Mass attendees for use of potential contact tracing in the event there is a confirmed case within our parish community.  For your convenience, Registering for Mass just got a whole lot easier.  Just click on the Register For Mass button.  Choose your Mass, complete the form, and submit it.  It's that simple!  The option to call in to register is still available, but it's a great help to the office staff if registration is done online.  Deadline for Registering online or by phone is Friday at 3 PM.  Forgot to register in time?  We welcome walk-ins but you may risk being turned away if we are at capacity.