Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Unlike a visit that we may make to a friend or a loved one, a visitation is different owing to the purpose intended. A visitation aims to accomplish something. Specifically, it is an encounter that carries within it a meaning that is exceptional. In the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that meaning is not a message, but rather the exceptional presence of the child she carries within her – the Son of God. We can be certain that the mystery of the Visitation will be effective in our lives, if we do now, what Jesus commanded us to do as he died – “Behold, your mother.”

Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter

John 15:26-16: 4a

Jesus promises that when he sends "the Spirit of Truth," the Spirit "will testify to me."  The Spirit does not come to bring us something different from what Christ brought us, but rather to help us make Christ ours - to make it possible for everything that we have encountered in Jesus to become more and more our own. 

Let us invite the Spirit to open our hearts so that we can pay attention and not fall away.

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8, 14-17

When Philip "proclaimed the Christ" to the crowds, "with one accord" they "paid attention to what was said."  Their full acceptance of the word of God provoked Peter and John to go to them and lay hands on them so that they would receive the Holy Spirit.   This fulfills what Jesus promised us the night before he died:  "The Father will give you the Spirit of truth.  He will be in you."  The "reason for our hope" is a Person we have met:  Christ the Lord whom we sanctify in our hearts and whose commandments we keep.  Just as the crowds today are transfixed by the attraction of Philip, so we are captivated by the One who has loved us and revealed himself to us.  It is the source of "great joy."

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 16:1-10

"Day after day the churches grew stronger in faith and increased in number."

This was due in large part to Paul and Timothy's attentive docility and obedience to the Holy Spirit.  They had been "chosen out of the world" by Jesus.  When we act out of that belonging, conscio that we do not "belong to the world," we change the world.

Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Saint Augustine of Canterbury

Saint Augustine was sent in 597 from Saint Andrew's monastery in Rome by Saint Gregory to Great to preach the Gospel in England.  He was aided there by King Ethelbert andchosen bishop of Canterbury.  He converted many to the faith and established many dioceses, especially in the kingdom of Kent.  He died on May 26, about the year 605.

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Saint Philip Neri

Saint Philip Neri was born in Florence in 1515.  He went to Rome and began to work with young men among whom he fostered Christian life and formed an association for the poor and the sick.  Ordained to the priesthood in 1551, he founded the Oratory where spiritual reading, singing, and works of charity were practiced.  He excelled in his love of neighbor and in evangelical simplicity along with a joyous service to God.  Saint Philip died in 1595.

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Saint Bede The Venerable

Saint Bede was born in the neighborhood of the Wearmouth monastery in 673.  He was trained by Saint Benedict Biscop and later entered the monastery.  Ordained to the priesthood, he spent his ministry teaching and writing.  Saint Bede wrote theological and historical works in the patristic tradition and explained sacred Scripture. 

He died in 735.

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

John 14:27-31a

"Do not let your hearts be troubled…”

Today’s Gospel, which is often heard read at funerals is one that gives us hope and comfort. I recently attended a funeral and after every reference to Jesus' promises, the homilist repeated Jesus’ words -  “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Right there in the midst of grief and loss, just hearing his words silenced the sobs around me.  As we were  being reminded of the promise of heaven Jesus made to us our troubled hearts were comforted.  "I am going to prepare a place for you.”  Everything Jesus did and said revolved around heaven.  Every miracle he performed pointed to the way we will be transformed in heaven.

People lose hope when they are in the midst of loss and believe they have no future. Yet, no matter our situation, we are citizens of heaven! We are destined for glory.The hope of heaven tells us that even if nothing seems to be going right here on earth, we can still find a place of eternal rest, peace, and comfort at the end of our lives. It tells us that those who persevere in their faith will finally come to a place where there is no more suffering, tears, pain or separation. 

It tells us about a future that is worth living for, a future that more than makes up for all the hardship of the present. And it is a future that each one of us can know as we embrace Jesus and his Gospel message.

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter

John 14:21-26

Jesus said to His disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”

Words alone will not be enough. But, where there is real love, Jesus will return that love by coming with his Father to dwell in that person.
 In this verse of John’s Gospel, it is Jude’s turn to ask a question. Jude is called “son of James” and listed among the Twelve. He is believed to be the ‘Thaddaeus’ of Matthew and Mark. He wants to know why Jesus only revealed himself to his disciples and not to the world. In his reply, Jesus is saying that anyone who responds to Him with love will certainly experience His love. The ‘world’ by definition in John’s Gospel consists of those who turn their backs on Jesus, his message and his love. “He who does not love me does not keep my words.”

Jesus reminds his disciples that everything he passes on to them comes ultimately from the Father and not from him alone. He is the mediator, the Way, and the Word of God. And later, after he is gone, the role was to be taken over by the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. The word ‘paraclete’ has many meanings but the most fitting is the explanation that it is someone who stands by you and gives you support and comfort. The Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, fulfilled this role in the Church after Jesus returned to his Father.

Observe the life of the person who practices love and makes of their life a gift for others. The practice of love gives them a profound peace. It is in this willingness to love, that the soul becomes an invitation to the Spirit of Jesus to act in the heart of the believer, counseling and comforting him, even when the Lord is no longer physically present.

What Jesus said to Jude Thaddeus is in fact addressed to the Church today, as it waits on the Lord in hope and confidence until He comes again.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.

Enkindle within us the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be created.

And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Amen.

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

 John 14:1-12

Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)

An old saying tells us that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, meaning that children are likely to take on their parents’ features, philosophies, and behaviors. And though some apples roll far from the parental tree, the likeness can still be quite remarkable.

Even so, nothing can compare to the “like Father, like Son” relationship we see in today’s Gospel!  “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).  For a moment consider who this Father is. He is the all-powerful Creator of the universe, the Author of life who keeps everything in existence. He is the God whose beauty, only partially revealed, dazzled Moses and made his face so radiant that people were afraid to approach him. Glorious in holiness, robed in light, majestic beyond compare—that’s the Father.

And that is the Son as well. To see the one is to see the other, for “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” (John 14:10,11) If we want to know what God is like and how to reach him, look to Jesus. He has given us access to every grace and spiritual gift, to an imperishable inheritance, and to none other than God himself!

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Psalm 98:1-4

“Sing a new song to the LORD.” (Psalm 98: 1)

Why should we sing? Because singing engages our hearts and emotions as well as our minds, and God cares about our whole person, emotions included.

Lucky for us we have a musically talented man who attends our Bible Study sessions and behind the scenes was busy writing songs about us and our studies!  On our last night of the current study series, he brought his guitar and “engaged” all of us in song.  We sang joyfully!

The Lord wants to breathe life into our spirits, minds and bodies. Singing offers him entry into our whole being in a way that ordinary speech does not. And if we have difficulty opening our hearts, singing can open the pathway for God’s Spirit to move in. So go ahead and sing a new song! Sing because God loves us.  Sing because God has given us victory through Christ. Sing because we do not have to live steeped in guilt and shame.  Sing as our consciences are cleansed and we are given rest. Sing the new song that all the saints and angels are singing in heaven.  Sing joyfully.

Thank you Al!

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

John 14:1-6

I am the way and the truth and the life.

"Let not your heart be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way. Thomas said to him, Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’"

From this passage of scripture you could find three thoughts of comfort.

The first is that peace is promised. "Let not you heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me". Even in the midst of turmoil or sorrow you can have peace. Why? Because we have faith - we believe. We believe that even in the midst of the storm we know that God is with us. He is here. He is present. If you believe and trust in Him, God will grant you his perfect peace.

The second thought of comfort is that God has prepared a place for us. "I go to prepare a place for you." Though Scripture tells us that God created the heavens and the earth in six days, Jesus has been preparing a place for us for two thousand years. "In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places." God has prepared a place for us.

The next thought of comfort is that God has prepared a way for us to get there. Everyone wants to go to heaven, some just don’t know the way. But Jesus tells us "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me." We are all travelers on this road of life. There are many detours and many side streets. We don’t need to be confused - we don’t need to be lost. All we need to do is follow Jesus. He the way. He will lead and guide us.

In heaven, the lights are on, the door is open. There is a meal prepared. There are our loved ones and there is comfort.

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Acts 13:13-25

“God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.” (Acts 13:23)

Isn’t it amazing that we tend to focus on what’s right in front us, but lose sight of God’s plan for our lives? This is so true when it comes to our own acts of faith. We are so worried about getting to Mass and saying our prayers that we miss their significance or power. Or we can be so intent on getting God to answer a particular prayer that we fail to see how much he has already done for us. And how much more he promises to do for us if we stay close to him.

In today’s passage from Acts, Paul is showing the people in Pisidia the “big picture.” He outlines very carefully how God’s plan has unfolded over thousands of years, culminating in the sending of Jesus as Savior. And by doing this, Paul shows how God has fulfilled his promises – that if we believe in his Son, we will have eternal life – that he will be with us always in this life and for all eternity.

The “big picture” for us here and now is that in the midst of our concerns and obligations, God does keep his promises! He has a plan for us. Whatever the specific circumstances of our lives may be, God’s vision for us never changes. We must keep God’s love and his purposes for us at the forefront always – from the moment we wake up each morning and until we close our eyes each night.

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

John 12:44-50

“… I came into the world as light, so that everyone

who believes in me might not remain in darkness.”

John’s Gospel summarizes Jesus’ teachings - that He has come as the light of the world – to dispel darkness, not to judge, but to save it. To live in darkness is to refuse to become drawn into an intimacy with Jesus’ identity and a refusal to engage with the activity of the one has come to save the world. The dynamic of God’s love is that he comes to be fully engaged in saving the world – it isn’t a vicarious act of salvation but the direct involvement of the source of the true light – and such is the quality of this light that the darkness is very clear and stark, so clear and so stark that it brings judgment on those who live in it.

“…I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me

commanded me to say and speak.”

Jesus' commands came from God, therefore we would be wise to heed them. What He says, we must do. When we take a closer look at John 12:44-50, coupled with other texts to gather more perspective, we find an ironic and heartbreaking reality: the same God the Pharisees claimed to follow was the very same God they crucified.

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

John 10:22-30

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area of the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “how long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

Chapter 10 of John’s gospel is filled with imagery of sheep and shepherds. Here, Jesus compares himself to a shepherd watching over his sheep as well as the gate through which the sheep enter. John compares Jesus to a lamb being slaughtered during the crucifixion. The sheep/shepherd imagery is perhaps John’s favorite metaphor, and would have been understood by his early readers. Shepherding was a common occupation during the time of Jesus, though a lowly and undesirable one. Shepherds were typically those who had no property or obligation to family, those who turned to the itinerant life of herding sheep in the wilderness as a last resort to making a living. That Jesus would compare himself at all to one of society’s best-known outcasts is striking, but becomes even more so when in the same breath he declares “the Father and I are one.” There is something about the life of a shepherd that tells us about who Jesus is. There is something about shepherding that reveals God.

We do not do so well with shepherd imagery since we do not see many shepherds these days. What was once commonplace has become obsolete. Our unfamiliarity with the task of herding sheep makes it difficult to fully appreciate the meaning behind John’s metaphor. We tend to reduce the image of shepherds and sheep to one of pastoral tranquility. While such a connection may be appropriate and necessary for those needing to be comforted, it nevertheless overlooks the dangers and difficulties that shepherds faced.

The primary task of a shepherd was protecting the sheep. There were constant threats of predators or thieves wherever the shepherd happened to be. Jesus alludes to this reality in the first eighteen verses of chapter 10, where he speaks of both thieves and wolves. It falls to the shepherd to defend the sheep from these constant threats. In comparing himself to a shepherd and his followers to sheep, Jesus means to invoke this kind of image – the sheep living under constant threat, though blissfully ignorant most of the time, while the shepherd constantly protected and put his own life in danger for the sake of his flock. In fact, this very willingness to confront the danger and “lay down his life for his sheep” is what makes a shepherd “good” (John 10:11-14). Here again John’s Gospel tells us in no uncertain terms that Jesus’ life is in danger. It is no coincidence that the Good Shepherd chapter of John ends with Jesus nearly being stoned. Not a very tranquil image, but no one ever said that the Christian life would be tranquil. At times we fall into the trap of assuming that we Christians should somehow enjoy benefits that others do not by virtue of our belief. Jesus himself teaches us that following him means just the opposite. Our lives will be tested. When we come face to face with the evils of the world, we will be called to respond with the same love, grace, and sacrifice as our Lord Jesus did. Claimed as his sheep, Jesus wants us to be his shepherds in this world. No small task since there are countless voices competing for our time and attention, vying for our allegiance. In this day of twenty-four hour cable news, we are constantly bombarded with voices on top of other voices, one talking head after another. The media presents us with slants and spins designed to convince listeners that this or that voice is to be trusted above all others making it difficult to hear the Voice of our Shepherd above the cacophony of words. We must learn to hear His voice above all the other voices in our world and to connect with that One Voice that says, “This way! You belong here with me!”

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

John 10:11-18

"They will hear my voice." (Jn 10:16)

In today’s Gospel, Christ tells us that He is the Good Shepherd who gave his life for us. Jesus, the Good Shepherd knows his own, and they know him! He promised "they will hear my voice" He didn’t say maybe they will or I hope they will. He just said "They will." As long as we quiet the busyness and distractions in our lives and give him room to speak, we will hear him.

God knows everything about us. The good, the not so good, the things we hate to admit, and those we wish weren’t true but can’t quite bring ourselves to admit. God knows it all—and still he loves us! If we believe his promise that we can experience a deep and personal relationship with him and the Father, we will see him in a way that goes beyond what we might normally expect in any human relationship.

As we grow deeper in our faith, we can begin to feel the same feelings that move Christ’s heart. St. Paul told the believers in Corinth: "We have the mind of Christ," and he tells us the same thing today (1 Corinthians 2:16). We really can know his thoughts, because he is eager to share them with us. We really can hear him, because he created us for this kind of relationship. He has given us his own Holy Spirit to help us know his love in the deep recesses of our hearts.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

John 10:1-10

"The sheep hear his voice." (John 10:3)

 The people who first heard Jesus compare him to a shepherd.  They had some background knowledge that we are unfamiliar with. They knew that when shepherds brought their sheep in for the night, they put them into pens with other flocks. They were able to distinguish their sheep from all the others when it was time to go out to pasture again. And how was that possible? Each shepherd had a distinctive call, which only his sheep would recognize and follow.

This is a perfect metaphor for our relationship with Jesus. He is the Good Shepherd whose sheep know how to respond when he calls! Or do they? This may be an area where some of us need a bit more training. Do you believe that you have the potential of becoming so familiar with Jesus that you can quickly hear his voice from the other voices in the world? This gift of "hearing" which is every believer’s inheritance in Christ, is developed as we imitate the first Christians, who "devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers" (Acts 2:42).

Scripture and church teaching can help us recognize God’s voice. Bonding with other followers of Christ can build us up and give us a place to help us see if our ideas are on target. Personal prayer can become a conversation where we learn to hear the voice of God. And the Eucharist can become an intimate encounter with the Lord, who wants to lead us into a deeper understanding of his will for us.

Isn’t it comforting that we can hear Jesus say, "I love you"? This is our Shepherd’s distinctive call. Do you recognize his voice?

Saturday of the Third Week of Easter

Today is also the feast of Saint Matthias. Because he had been a witness to the resurrection, he was chosen by the other apostles to take the place of Judas. The Acts of the Apostles tells of how he was numbered among the twelve.

Acts 1:15-17,20-26

St. Matthias

The lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:26)

This is exactly what the apostles did in today’s first reading! They didn’t know who to pick as the next apostle. Matthias and Barsabbas were both equally qualified for the role. They both had their own set of strengths, and they both matched the requirements that Peter had set. Both were bold in preaching, and both were deeply committed to Jesus and the new church. So which one should they choose? The apostles didn’t have a long, drawn out process of discernment: They drew lots and left it up to God to decide for them.

God knows where he is leading us, and there are times when he’s the only One who knows how we’re going to get there. The last thing we want to do is over think a decision. We can get so caught up in methods of discerning God’s will and making sure that we are absolutely right that we forget to let go and let God take control. There will be times when we will simply not know what to do— but God will.

Are there any decisions you have to make today that will require you to "let go and let God"? If so, quiet your mind. Then, say a prayer of surrender, make your best decision, and ask God to direct your path. Believe that if you let go in this way, he will guide you.

Friday of the Third Week of Easter

Acts 9:1-20

"Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him,
he said,  ‘Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me,

Jesus who appeared to you on the way.’" (Acts 9:17)

Saul and his friends never got tired of telling the story of his conversion. Barnabas uses it to explain why the Christians no longer need to fear this man (Acts 9:26-29). Paul tells it to those who want to arrest him (22:1-21) and to King Agrippa who met the apostle during his long imprisonment (26:1-23).

This passage is significant because it shows how deeply the resurrection of Jesus can change people’s lives. At the beginning of Chapter 9, Saul is making threats, bent on capturing these heretics and bringing them to justice. By the end, he is docile and pensive, eager to put aside his old life, join a new community, and learn all he can about the things he had been trying to eradicate. Saul is no longer a murderer but rather God’s chosen instrument.

How has Jesus’ resurrection changed you? Perhaps you were paralyzed by fear, burdened by anxieties or driven by selfish ambition until God set you free to give generously. Perhaps you couldn’t let go of a hurt until Jesus showed you the way to forgiveness. How might the Spirit of God want to change the way you see someone else? Maybe you will see the person you consider an enemy in a new light. Maybe you are another "chosen instrument" to help that person to encounter the transforming love of God.

Friday of the Third Week of Easter

Today is the anniversary of the Blessed Mother's first appearance at
Fatima, Portugal.  Let us remember the continued importance of
these approved apparitions and the
great Miracle of the Sun which was given to us at Fatima.

Thursday of the Third Week of Easter

John 6:44-51

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven;

whoever eats this bread will live forever;

and the bread that I will give is my Flesh

for the life of the world.”

To be nourished and fed by the “Bread of Life,” is to draw Jesus into yourself and to be united with him. The old adage, “You are what you eat,” becomes more true here than in any cafeteria or kitchen in the world. Eating the “Bread of Life” is transformative because as he remains in us and we in him we become more like Jesus.

We are called by Jesus to feed on the “Bread of Life” until we are truly satisfied. Abide in Jesus, and allow Jesus to abide in you. Feast on him in daily devotions and prayer. Feast on him in your heart and in every way that you possibly can. The more we feed upon him, both literally and in our hearts, the more like him we shall become.

Wednesday in the Third Week of Easter

John 6:35-40

“I am the bread of life.” (Jn 6:35)

Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant by this? How is he the bread of life for us, and what kind of “life” does he give?

“The Fathers of the Church took the example of physical nourishment to explain this mystery. It is the stronger form of life, they said, that assimilates the weaker and not vice versa. The vegetable world assimilates minerals, and animals assimilate vegetables, and the spiritual assimilates the material. To those who receive him, Jesus says: ‘You shall not change me into your own substance. Instead you shall be changed into me.’

“Food is not a living thing and therefore cannot give us life. It is a source of life only in that it sustains the life we have. The bread of life is a living bread, and those who receive it live by it. So while the food that nourishes the body is assimilated by the body and forms human blood, the complete opposite takes place with the bread of life. This bread gives life to those that receive it, ‘assimilates’ them, and transforms them into itself.

“Christ calls himself the ‘bread of life’ precisely to make us understand that he doesn’t nourish us as ordinary food does, but that, as he possesses life, he gives it to us…. To say that Jesus ‘assimilates’ us in communion signifies, in fact, that he makes us similar to him in our sentiments, desires, and our way of thinking; in a word he creates in us ‘the mind that was in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 2:5).”

Keep these points in mind the next time you receive communion. Offer yourself to the Lord. Give him your challenges and your sins as well as your gifts and treasures. Let him assimilate you and transform you into himself. You won’t lose your freedom or your identity. On the contrary, as you lose yourself in him, you will find even greater freedom and dignity. You will find the life that he wants to give you!

(from The Word Among Us, 5/11/11)

Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter

John 6:30-35

“Give us this bread always.” (Jn 6:34)

The crowd was excited. Jesus had just used a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread to feed thousands! Now, having eaten their fill, you can almost hear them thinking: “Maybe we could get him to keep on providing for us just as Moses kept giving our ancestors manna. We would never have to worry about food again!”

Jesus is well aware that we need food and drink. He didn’t think it was beneath himself to feed his listeners when they got hungry. Jesus is also well are that we are always hungering for peace, security, forgiveness and dignity. He knows that whatever our physical state may be, the “food” he offers can meet our inner needs. This bread of life can strengthen us so that we can face any situation. It gives us the clarity that only comes from knowing we belong to Christ.


Sharing a meal after Bible Study or coffee after Mass is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and a great way to go home satisfied. But Jesus offers us something even more life-giving. Each and every day, he offers himself to us on the altar. He seeks to draw us deeper into his life so that we can be transformed. As we receive him in the Eucharist, he can satisfy our deepest hunger. He can give us the wisdom and courage we need to meet any challenge. He can fill us so much, in fact, that we will have plenty left over to share with the people around us. Jesus Christ, is the bread come down from heaven, giving life to those who receive it!

Monday of the Third Week of Easter

"Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures

for eternal life." (John 6:27)

Easy to say, but not so easy to do when we get caught up in wanting to possess the latest technology or a new outfit. Isn’t it funny that we are initially happy and excited, but then they soon lose their attraction?  Despite what we hear and see in TV ads, our lives are much richer when we invest ourselves in things that endure. God created us for love, not just to acquire things. He created us to love him and to love one another, not to love things that we can buy.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that God wants us all to live like hermits. Especially if we have families, we have to be concerned about providing for their needs. And God doesn’t want to deprive us of the things of this world. Rather, he wants to make sure we are focusing on him first.

Today, think about how you spend your time, talent and treasure. Perhaps a quick glance at what you have can give you a glimpse into your priorities. Take a look too at the things that preoccupy you.

Jesus told us that wherever our treasure lies, there our hearts lie as well. Are you seeking Jesus first? Where can you do better? If you see a need for change, ask the Holy Spirit to help you. You may find that investing in Scripture, Eucharist and the love of God will indeed give you the change you are seeking.

The Third Sunday of Easter

"God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses." (Acts 2:32)

The resurrection of Jesus was at the heart of Peter’s message on Pentecost, and it became his mission statement for the rest of his life. Two thousand years later, God still wants the resurrection to be at the heart of our faith. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: "The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ and preached as an essential part of the Paschal mystery along with the cross: Christ is risen from the dead!" (638).

Take time today to think about the ways that the reality of Jesus’ resurrection has changed your life. How has it given you hope, strength, comfort and peace? Make it your statement of faith that you can announce to yourself and to the Lord every morning when you wake up. With the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit make it the basis for all your decisions.

Just as the apostles were first-century witnesses to the resurrection, God calls us to be twenty-first-century witnesses to the very same event. We should try to witness through our good deeds, and speak clearly, excitedly, and joyfully about this basis for our hope and our faith!

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

"It is I. Do not be afraid." (John 6:20)

Just what were these seasoned fishermen afraid of? Surely not a storm on the lake! They had seen that before. No, John tells us that the disciples "began to be afraid" when they saw Jesus walking toward them on the water (John 6:19). It wasn’t until they heard Jesus’ voice that their fears faded. It wasn’t until his words reached them that they could look beyond the understandably unnerving image of a man walking on water and catch a glimpse of the Son of God.

Then came his voice, his word. This was Jesus, their teacher and friend! He wasn’t a ghost from the netherworld. He wasn’t an angry god bestriding the seas bringing vengeance and wrath. He was Jesus of Nazareth, and he had come to help them.

In the midst of our inner storms, Jesus calls out: "It is I. Do not be afraid." His word can calm our fears. His word—his voice—can reassure us that he has a perfect plan for our lives and that we can trust him completely.

Make it a point today to listen to Jesus. No matter what is making you worried, anxious, or fearful, quiet your mind. Let the voice of the Lord bring you peace. You’ll be amazed how quickly—and safely—you get to the other side!

Friday of the Second Week of Easter

John 6:1-15

"Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?" 

(Jn 6:5)

In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks Philip what to do in a challenging situation. Philip quickly estimates the size of the crowd and calculates the cost of feeding them. "Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little bit," he exclaims (Jn 6:7). Jesus listens respectfully, hoping the disciples will see clearly that their own resources are woefully inadequate.

Jesus helps make the disciples become part of the solution by giving them specific tasks to do: Have the people recline for a meal. Bring me the few loaves and fishes you have. After I’ve said the blessing, pass the food around. Then, gather up the leftovers. And so unfolded one of Jesus’ most memorable miracles as one generous boy’s lunch becomes a feast for thousands.

Whenever you bring problems or needs to the Lord, have faith. The moment you say, "It may be impossible for me, but not for God," you are opening the door to endless, divine possibilities. Believe! Trust! Who knows how the Lord will multiply the "bread" in your hands.

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

John 3:31-36

"The one who comes from above is above all... whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him."

Belief is certainty that God has shown himself and has opened up for us the view of truth itself. (Pope Benedict XVI) God has shown himself in the different humanity of Peter and the apostles. Their witness moves us to want to obey the God who is trustworthy. If we are men and women of prayer and lead Gospel lives, we will be protected from the powers of evil promised here and in the life to come.

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

John 3:16-21

... the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light because their works were evil ... whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God."

We are among those who "prefer the darkness." But if we "live the truth" we find in our heart, we know that our first preference is for everything about this life. Jesus beckons us to "come toward the light." Then when the prison guards open the doors of the jail of our making, it will be like the empty tomb - they will find no one inside.

Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

Saint Philip

Saint James

Today, Tuesday of the second week of Easter, is the feast of Saint Philip and Saint James.

Philip was born in Bethsaida. He was a disciple of John the Baptist. He became a follower of Christ. James, a cousin of the Lord and the son of Alphaeus, ruled over the Church in Jerusalem. He wrote an epistle and converted many of the Jewish people to the faith. He led an austere life and suffered martyrdom in the year 62.

Monday of the Second Week of Easter

Tucked in the beginning of this Second Week of Easter is the feast of Saint Anthansius. He was born in 295. He accompanied Bishop Alexander to the Council of Nicea and succeeded him as Bishop of Alexandria. He fought courageously against the Arian heresy. For this he suffered many hardships and was exiled several times. His writings are outstanding in their explanation and defense of the true teachings of the faith. He died in 373.

Second Sunday of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday

On this Second Sunday of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday 2011, the light of Blessed John Paul II continues to burn in the world; for the former Pope was one who, always with charity and love, repeatedly articulated the message of Christ's mercy in great and penetrating depth. Through his love for Jesus and through his love for Mary whose "fiat" brought Mercy into the world, he will be forever remembered as a humble and living image of what humanity unceasingly seeks: the regenerative and healing mercy of Christ Jesus.

The Beatification of Venerable Pope John Paul II began at 10:00 a.m. It was truly a sacred moment for which the world has long yearned. During the Rite of Beatification, Pope Benedict XVI raised to the Altar his beloved friend and predecessor, a truly extraordinary Pope whom the entire world knew and loved, and whose memory will remain infused within us all with deep tenderness and veneration for all ages to come.

The Mass was preceded by a gathering of the faithful to recite the Devotion of Divine Mercy, a prayer in which we offer to the Father the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of his dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and the sins of the whole world. In reciting this profound prayer, we are spiritually united with the Paschal Mystery of our Savior who so unreservedly gave of himself for our sake.

Today, let us recall the words of Saint Thomas Aquinas: "mercy consists in bringing a thing of non-being into being." This transpired in the life of the early Church. The believers "devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to prayers." They were filled with awe; they were witnesses of wondrous signs; they lived for the good of the other; they were selfless and generous; they overflowed with "exultation and sincerity of heart." God "in his great mercy" gave them - and us - "a new birth of to a living hope" through the resurrection of Christ.