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Amazed and Astonished! Family Reflection Video

Amazed and Astonished! Family Reflection Video

Seasonal Reflections

Jesus is alive! Happy Easter!

What struck me in the readings today were the words amazed and astonished.

In the first reading, people were amazed and astonished when they saw a crippled man walking.

In the Gospel reading, the disciples were amazed and astonished when the women told them the body of Jesus was not in the tomb.

During these days of lockdown, I am amazed and astonished to see how God is bringing families together. I am amazed to see people taking time for one another. To see people coming out on their balconies to show their appreciation for caregivers and first responders. I'm amazed to see how people who were previously unnoticed have suddenly become the more important people in society. And, I'm amazed to see how much less we need to live.

In short, I'm amazed to see how the world is transforming and adapting. 

I can see that this pandemic has already caused us to slow our pace. With this slower pace, I pray that we will be more conscious of the presence of Jesus in our everyday lives. And, I pray that we will emerge as people with a new identity, who are more interconnected, and who are more focused on transforming themselves.

What changes for the better do you see in your family that have amazed and astonished you?


Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)

To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)  

About Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.

Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., Ph.D., serves as the International Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries (HCFM). In this role, he provides leadership and support to HCFM ministries in 18 countries across 6 continents, helping advance the mission of strengthening family prayer, faith formation, and spiritual life around the world. Originally from Kerala, India, Father Pinto spent ten years as a missionary in Tripura with the Northeast Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Before his appointment as International Director, he served as Special Assistant to the President of Holy Cross Family Ministries. He also ministered for six years in Campus Ministry at Stonehill College, accompanying students in their faith formation, leadership development, and spiritual growth.