April 19, 2026
Third Sunday of Easter
Rising Up
God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.
Acts 2:32

Several years ago, I received a beautiful Easter-themed brochure from a florist selling fresh multicolored flowers. At the bottom of the page it stated: “Remember this year Easter falls on April 21.” I reflected on the word, “falls” finding that it was not the most correct way to refer to Easter. Easter never falls on any day. All the things about Easter are always rising up.

We celebrate Jesus rising up from the tomb.  Springtime is rising up from winter, and grass is showing fresh new shoots. Dogwood blossoms appear, along with daffodils, tulips and a host of other flowers that awake. It’s new life in Jesus! Let us rejoice in his victory over death! And this celebratory parade continues for the 50 days of the Easter season and beyond. Down with the falls. It’s now up, up and—one fine day—away.

- Fr. James McKarns

Acts 2:14, 22-33 ✚ Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11 ✚ 1 Peter 1:17-21 ✚ Luke 24:13-35
Beautiful closeup bright pink tulips on blurred spring sunny background. Image by icemanphotos | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

Comments

freeter
April 19, 2026 at 10:45 AM

Amen. :)

Salina (not in control)
April 19, 2026 at 09:34 AM

*** Listen very carefully to Peter in Acts 2:14, “Then Peter stood up with the 11 apostles. In a loud voice he spoke to the crowd. “My fellow Jews,” he said, “let me explain this to you. All of you who live in Jerusalem, listen carefully to what I say!” *** It was God’s plan to hand over His Son Jesus to be killed on the cross for us in Acts 2:22-23, “Fellow Israelites, listen to this! Jesus of Nazareth was a man Who had God’s approval. God did miracles, wonders and signs among you through Jesus. You yourselves know...
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Gary
April 19, 2026 at 09:28 AM

Amen!

Scott
April 19, 2026 at 09:21 AM

Rise up, Rising up from the challenges of despair and darkness. Rise up from the grief and mourning knowing that I can dance again. As I journey through life, changes in the work place had a wonderful friend retire on Friday. Monday there will be a lot of holes in the places of many hearts. However, it is a new day today, the showers of blessings are falling only to bring the new life of rising up to celebrate the third Sunday of Easter and continue to be renewed always in life’s journey and changes that come with each season....
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Vicky G
April 19, 2026 at 09:21 AM

My dear dear friends, and I say that with as much love as I can emulate from Jesus when He spoke to His friends, I wish you could have seen what your prayers have done! Our Jennifer was taken off life support 1:05 yesterday and passed at 1:30 with 16 family members plus friends at her bedside. On Friday there was a lot of dissension among family members as to whether to discontinue life support or continue for an undetermined time while her organs slowly shut down. Through prayer and I KNOW only through prayer, Saturday morning the family was...
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Pam
April 19, 2026 at 03:44 PM

Vicky G…Max and I have been traveling, and I’ve just caught up with “Our Family”. My heart breaks for ALL of you who love Jennifer. While it may seem that it is just one overwhelming issue after another and the feeling of wondering where God is, just hurts. Please know, as always, you and your entire family are surrounded by our prayers, our caring thoughts, our love, and yes, even our tears. God Bless You Vicky G. And ALL Who You Love.

Bill L
April 19, 2026 at 03:39 PM

Continuing my rosary dedication to you and your family tonight, VickyG. May Jennifer 'Rise Up' to meet our Savior Jesus Christ!

Debbie H
April 19, 2026 at 02:17 PM

My sympathies and prayers are with you and your son and family, Vicky. May the Lord give you strength to get through this difficult time. One day you will be reunited with your loved one, Jennifer ????✝️

Kjc
April 19, 2026 at 11:18 AM

Jennifer God looked around his garden, and he found an empty place. Then he looked upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put his arm around you and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful. He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering. He knew that you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So he closed your weary eyelids and he whispered "Peace Be Thine " . It broke our hearts...
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Jeff M
April 19, 2026 at 10:31 AM

Having lost my first wife to a sudden illness several years ago, I know how difficult a loss like this can be. I also know that our God is a kind and loving God, and if Andrew places his trust in him, He will bless him in more ways than Andrew can imagine. Yes, it is hard when things like this happen, hard to understand, but God did not put us on earth to have all the answers. I pray that Andrew will continue to place his trust in our loving God, for God will bless him in so many...
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PeggyR
April 19, 2026 at 10:06 AM

My Dear Vicky, as I see tulips in our photo this morning waving in the breeze, I pictureJennifer waving and flying to the freedom of Paradise with Our Lord Jesus Christ. My heart goes out to all of you and I will continue to pray for you and the whole family, especially Andrew as he grieves the loss of his beautiful Bride. May our Lord and His blessed Mother comfort and hold all of you in their hearts. Momma Vicky, you have strength, deep love and the ability to hold your family together in this difficult time. Much love and...
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Salina (not in control)
April 19, 2026 at 09:52 AM

Praise God for His peace, power and presence during this time of grief for your son ✝️ *** Jeremy Camp is the Contemporary Christian singer whose first wife, Melissa, died of ovarian cancer in 2001, just three and a half months after they married. His journey through this grief, his continued faith, and his subsequent marriage to Adrienne in 2003 inspired his hit song "I Still Believe" and the movie of the same name. *** Locate and listen to the testimonies of Jeremy Camp! *** Study the book of Job!

Sandy K
April 19, 2026 at 09:51 AM

Vicki, as an early LF reader I missed this news. I am so sorry to hear about your son and Jennifer and want you to know I have all of you in my thoughts and prayers. My the Lord carry each and every one of you through this time.

JudyF
April 19, 2026 at 09:42 AM

Dear VickyG, my very deepest condolences on the loss of your dear Jennifer. I pray you will all feel the Lord’s presence in the days ahead.

CBR
April 19, 2026 at 09:19 AM

God be with us all this week may we do your willingness every thing we do in your name I pray Amen Amen Amen

Holly
April 19, 2026 at 08:56 AM

Amen!

Mike
April 19, 2026 at 08:45 AM

Amen

Lia
April 19, 2026 at 08:04 AM

Amen! A very blessed Sunday to the Living Faith Community ????

Beautiful closeup bright pink tulips on blurred spring sunny background. Image by icemanphotos | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

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