There was a movie back in the 80s or 90s, entitled Places in the Heart starring Sally Field.  Set in the 1930s, it centers around a young widow who is trying to maintain the family farm.  Surrounding her are her young children and a collection of people who would probably not have a connection.  But the mission of maintaining this farm brought these persons together in commonality—unfolding a love relationship between them.  The closing scene of the movie is all of the characters from the story seated together at a table sharing a meal.
 
The ancient icon of the Holy Trinity depicts a gathering of three divine figures around a table in fellowship with space for the observer of the image.  The figures look at each other in love in addition to having an openness for others at the table.  St. John tells us, from the very beginning of his Gospel, that God so loved the world that He sent His Son into the world to bring us salvation and peace.  Jesus speaks about this sacred and intimate relationship between the Father and Son, and promises the gift of the Spirit to His followers, inviting us to the eternal banquet table in heaven.
 
The crux of the Scriptures is a series of stories about love.  God creates us and proclaims us to be 'good.'  Even as sin enters the world and mars our relationship with God and others, God continues to draw us back to Himself.  In the biblical accounts themselves, we can relate to the manner by which  sin and evil afflicts human life, yet love and truth prevail, and God's grace lifts people above the hurt and pain of human sinfulness.  Our Triune God demonstrates for us what it means to live in a perfect relationship.
 
We find ourselves closest to God and are the most godly, if you will, when we are in a relationship based on selflessness, compassion and kindness.  In our connection to our spouse, family, and friends, when we seek the goodness of the other, we can experience something of the divine and true love.  More over, we are most fulfilled in a relationship based in love.  We are then sharing in the life of the Holy Trinity.
 
Remember Thorton Wilder's Our Town?  There is a scene in which 'Emily' returns to her life and is overwhelmed by how fast people and things go by.  She asks the muse who accompanies her, “whether anyone really notices the beauty of life.”  The response is that usually only poets and saints.  To be sure this is the sadness which afflicts the rich man who has Lazarus at his front gate.  Because he cannot recognize the beauty and value of another, he is cast into a pit of fire for all eternity.
 
In God's loving embrace, so great is His love that it cannot be contained in the heavens, but leaps into human history.  When we begin to perfect a loving relationship in imitation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in heaven, our love will flow out unto our children, neighbors, and community.  We will invite others to our table, at least figuratively, and enjoy the gaze of the Triune God.
 
Fr.  Kenneth J. Anderson

As per cemetery policy, in April on cemetery clean-up day (before Mother's Day) we remove all ornamental flowers and other decorations from the grave sites. This year clean-up day was Saturday, May 4. Also this year, per diocesan regulations, we have removed all shepherd's hooks (aka hanging plant hangers). These hooks present a danger to those visiting and especially to those maintaining the cemetery. All items removed have been placed next to the maintenance garage. They will remain there for two weeks at which time they will be discarded. If you wish to save any of these items, please pick them up this week. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Understanding & Promoting the Catholic Church's Teaching on Marriage