With Thanksgiving approaching, Bishop Nelson Perez reminded residents at St. Mary of the Woods in Avon of how blessed they are to be able to share in the Eucharist regularly. He told those gathered for the Mass he celebrated on Nov. 19 that there are places in the world where people are lucky if they can attend Mass monthly – or in some instances, even once a year.
As he reflected upon the Gospel reading (Luke 19:1-10), Bishop Perez talked about Zacchaeus’ determination and how he overcame obstacles just to see Jesus. He said he was just in Jericho a few weeks ago and was shown a sycamore tree that was said to be the tree that Zacchaeus climbed. The bishop joked about it actually being the same tree and went on to say that it’s not about the tree, but what happened on the tree. While it appeared on the outside that Zacchaeus had it all -- a nice house, financial stability and a good career -- he was restless. His heart was searching for more. Zacchaeus knew he would find what he was searching for in Jesus. The bishop pointed out the words of St. Augustine in talking about Zacchaeus: “The human heart is restless until it finds its rest in God.”
He asked everyone to think about those words and what obstacles we overcome to find Jesus. “Listen to Jesus in your heart. Only he can fill it,” he said.
The residents were touched when Bishop Perez personally distributed communion to those who were unable to walk to the altar. A tour of the assisted, skilled and independent living facilities followed Mass, as well as a reception where the bishop met resident Mary Spadaro who will celebrate her 100th birthday on Thanksgiving.
Concelebrants for the Mass included Father Gerald Keller, Father Jerry Lajack and Father Jim Sheil, who lives at St. Mary of the Woods. Ben Massaro, St. Mary’s administrator, was the cantor and Stanley Andrews served as the pianist/organist. The piano he played was donated to facility in memory of his wife who died a year ago.
St. Mary of the Woods is a faith-oriented community offering assisted, independent, skilled nursing and rehabilitation communities. For more information, visit atriumlivingcenters.com.