With Lent drawing to a close. Bishop Edward Malesic traveled to St. Gabriel Parish in Concord Township for a fish fry and to pray Stations of the Cross on March 31. He was welcomed by Father Fred Pausche, pastor; Father David Stavarz, parochial vicar; parish staff, fish fry volunteers and others.
The bishop enjoyed a meal and mingled with the diners before heading to the church for Stations. The fish fry drew a good crowd, all of whom spoke highly about the food. The menu included homemade seafood chowder, fish, mussels, shrimp, fries, cheese pizza and a variety of desserts.
After praying Stations of the Cross, the bishop shared some thoughts with the congregation. He recalled growing up in a parish named St. John the Evangelist, which is the name of the mother church of the Cleveland Diocese.
(See photo gallery above.)
The bishop talked about how receiving a Gideon Bible during his first year in college, which was a difficult time for him. That Bible helped him develop a new relationship with the Lord, he told the congregation.
He also told them how through his brother he experienced the crucifixion in a deeper, more special way – through the popular 1970s musical “Jesus Christ Superstar,” noting that his brother had double album.
However, he said the original version of the story ended with the Crucifixion. “Jesus died, the story ended and everyone went home,” he said.
In the new version, he said Jesus’ “blood” is tossed everywhere and at the end, the actors playing Jesus and Judas came out and sat at opposite ends of the cross.
Jesus’ blood is more precious than gold, the bishop and he said he likes to believe the interaction between Jesus and Judas occurred. “The show finally ends with the Resurrection,” he added.
“Jesus came back and Judas asked for forgiveness,” the bishop said, comparing this to what happens during the Mass. “We receive the Eucharist at every Mass. We eat his body and drink his blood in the consecrated host and wine,” he said. “Jesus says to follow him from the cross to the resurrection,” he added.
“We stand at the foot of the cross with the Lord. That’s why we pray the stations. Thank God we have the faith of Christ,” he said, wishing everyone a happy Easter.