English Español Mary Immaculate
Catholic Church / Pacoima, CA

Our Hearts Were Burning!

Third Sunday of Easter

It could happen to any of us. It may be happening to you at this very moment. You may be experiencing confusion, frustration, hopelessness and even anger because things have gone wrong or not as you expected them to be. Your marriage is falling apart; your teenager son or daughter has become more and more rebellious; your boss or coworkers do not understand your feelings; you are going through the grief of losing someone you love or is going through a serious illness; your financial situation has left you a headache and sleepless nights. I could go on and on, but I am sure that you got the idea. You feel lost, anxious…empty.


Supper at Emmaus with candlelight by Matthias Stom

That’s most probably how the disciples felt as they were walking on the road to Emmaus that we read in this Sunday’s gospel. They were upset over what had happened in Jerusalem that weekend. They had been followers of Jesus of Nazareth, and had thought that he would be the one who would redeem Israel. Did not happen, at least that’s what they thought. Not knowing that in the midst of their confusion and frustration, Jesus himself was walking with them. They did not recognize Him until the breaking of the bread, the Eucharist. No wonder their hearts were burning as he explained the Scriptures to them.

Even today, there are so many Christians that have not experienced the joy of the Resurrection in their lives. As pope Francis would say, “There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter.” Thus, I invite you to be true witnesses of this joy. Yes, we may be facing a very difficult or painful situation; however, let us never forget this unfailing promise of Jesus to us: “I will be with you always!” Let our hearts burn by His presence in our midst. AMEN.

Fr. Abel Loera, Pastor

Readings for the Week

Monday: Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29 or, for the memorial, Gn 1:26-2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Ps 90:2-4, 12-14, 16; Mt 13:54-58
Tuesday: Acts 7:51-8:1a; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab; Jn 6:30-35
Wednesday: 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn 14:6-14
Thursday: Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6:44-51
Friday: Acts 9:1-20; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Jn 6:52-59
Saturday: Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12-17; Jn 6:60-69
Sunday: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Ps 23:1-6; 1 Pt 2:20b-25; Jn 10:1-10

“Our faith and hope are in God who raised Jesus from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:17-21

The Saints & Special Observances

Sunday: Third Sunday of Easter
Monday: St. Joseph the Worker
Tuesday: St. Athanasius
Wednesday: Ss. Philip and James
Thursday: National Day of Prayer
Friday: First Friday; Cinco de Mayo
Saturday: First Saturday

“The effect of our sharing in the body and blood of Christ is to change us into what we receive.” Pope Saint Leo the Great

St. Joseph

St. Joseph has two feast days on the liturgical calendar. The first is March 19—Joseph, the Husband of Mary. The second is May 1—Joseph, the Worker.

“Saint Joseph is a man of great spirit. He is great in faith, not because he speaks his own words, but above all because he listens to the words of the Living God. He listens in silence. And his heart ceaselessly perseveres in the readiness to accept the Truth contained in the word of the Living God.” Pope John Paul II

There is very little about the life of Joseph in Scripture but still, we know that he was the chaste husband of Mary, the foster father of Jesus, a carpenter and a man who was not wealthy. We also know that he came from the royal lineage of King David.

We can see from his actions in scripture that Joseph was a compassionate man, and obedient to the will of God. He also loved Mary and Jesus and wanted to protect and provide for them. Since Joseph does not appear in Jesus’ public life, at his death, or resurrection, many historians believe Joseph had probably died before Jesus entered public ministry.

Joseph is the patron of many things, including the universal Church, fathers, the dying and social justice.

Accessibility Statement