Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 05-26-14. M, St. Philip Neri, Priest

[CATHOLIC CAUCUS] Impossible to Man's Powers, But Not To God's
Impossible to Man's Powers, But Not To God's, All Priest [St. Philip Neri]
St. Philip Neri on Sanctification
St.Philip Neri at the High Altar

Information: St. Philip Neri

Feast Day: May 26

Born: 22 July 1515 at Florence, Italy

Died: 27 May 1595

Canonized: 12 March 1622 by Pope Gregory XV

Interactive Saints for Kids

St. Philip Neri

Feast Day: May 26
Born: 1515 :: Died: 1595

St. Philip Neri was born at Florence, in Italy to poor parents. His father Francisco Neri who worked as a lawyer had two sons and two daughters. But Philip's brother died when he was a little child.

As a child, Philip was affectionately called "Good little Phil." He was always so jolly and friendly that everyone he met loved him. Philip went to Rome as a teenager. He studied theology and philosophy for three years under Dominican priests and was a good student.

Above all, Philip was a very active Christian. He lived simply and worked hard. But he also did much good for the people around him. He helped poor children and spent time with the sick. He was a friend to people who were troubled and lonely. In fact, he reached out to everybody he could for the love of Jesus.

Philip with the help of a few people started an organization to take care of poor pilgrims. That ministry gradually continued as a famous Roman hospital. The priest who guided him realized that Philip was doing so much to help the Christians of Rome come close to God again.

But when Philip was thirty-six he felt a strong calling to be a priest. It was then that he began his most wonderful ministry for others. He was available for the sacrament of Reconciliation for several hours every day. The lines of people who came to him grew longer. But Father Philip was never in a hurry. He never ran out of patience and gentleness.

People began to notice that he could often read their minds. He could sometimes tell the future and the Lord even worked miracles through him. But all Philip wanted to do was bring Jesus to the people. To avoid their admiration, he acted silly once in a while. He wanted people to laugh and forget that they thought he was holy.

St. Philip was making a difference, though. Because of him, the whole city of Rome was becoming better. Once he started to think about being a missionary to far-off lands. He was very impressed by the life of St. Francis Xavier, who had died in 1552 at the gate of China.

Philip had been a priest for just one year at the time of St. Xavier's death. Should he leave Rome and volunteer for the missions? A holy Cistercian monk told him "Rome is to be your mission land." After that, Father Philip was at peace.

St. Philip spent the last five years of his life offering the sacrament of Reconciliation to the people. He began working with youth, finding safe places for them to play, becoming involved in their lives. He died at the age of eighty in 1595.

Reflection: "A servant of God must always be happy." How can I become more cheerful and generous? I can pray for these gifts.

John
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	John 15
26.	But when the Paraclete cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony of me.	Cum autem venerit Paraclitus, quem ego mittam vobis a Patre, Spiritum veritatis, qui a Patre procedit, ille testimonium perhibebit de me ;	οταν δε ελθη ο παρακλητος ον εγω πεμψω υμιν παρα του πατρος το πνευμα της αληθειας ο παρα του πατρος εκπορευεται εκεινος μαρτυρησει περι εμου
27.	And you shall give testimony, because you are with me from the beginning.	et vos testimonium perhibebitis, quia ab initio mecum estis.	και υμεις δε μαρτυρειτε οτι απ αρχης μετ εμου εστε
	John 16
1.	THESE things have I spoken to you, that you may not be scandalized.	Hæc locutus sum vobis, ut non scandalizemini.	ταυτα λελαληκα υμιν ινα μη σκανδαλισθητε
2.	They will put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth a service to God.	Absque synagogis facient vos : sed venit hora, ut omnis qui interficit vos arbitretur obsequium se præstare Deo.	αποσυναγωγους ποιησουσιν υμας αλλ ερχεται ωρα ινα πας ο αποκτεινας υμας δοξη λατρειαν προσφερειν τω θεω
3.	And these things will they do to you; because they have not known the Father, nor me.	Et hæc facient vobis, quia non noverunt Patrem, neque me.	και ταυτα ποιησουσιν οτι ουκ εγνωσαν τον πατερα ουδε εμε
4.	But these things I have told you, that when the hour shall come, you may remember that I told you of them.	Sed hæc locutus sum vobis, ut cum venerit hora eorum, reminiscamini quia ego dixi vobis.	αλλα ταυτα λελαληκα υμιν ινα οταν ελθη η ωρα μνημονευητε αυτων οτι εγω ειπον υμιν ταυτα δε υμιν εξ αρχης ουκ ειπον οτι μεθ υμων ημην

26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me.
27. And you also shall bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

CHRYS. The disciples might say, If they have heard words from Thee, such as none other has spoken, if they have seen works of Him, such as none other has done, and yet have not been convinced, but have hated your Father, and you with Him, why do you send us to preach? How shall we be believed? Such thoughts as these He now answers: But when the Comforter is come, Whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of Me.

AUG. As if He said, Seeing Me, they hated and killed Me; but the Comforter shall give such testimony concerning Me as shall make them believe, though they see Me not. And because He shall testify, you shall testify also:

And you also shall bear witness; He will inspire your hearts, and you shall proclaim with your voices. And you will preach what you know, Because you have been with Me from the beginning; which now you do not do, because you have not yet the fullness of the Spirit. But the love of God shall then be shed abroad in your hearts by the Spirit which shall be given you, and shall make you confident witnesses to Me. The Holy Spirit by His testimony made others testify, taking away fear from the friends of Christ's, and converting the hatred of His enemies into love.

DIDYMUS. The Holy Spirit He calls the Comforter, a name taken from His office, which is not only to relieve the sorrows of the faithful, but to fill them with unspeakable joy. Everlasting gladness is in those hearts, in which the Spirit dwells. The Spirit, the Comforter, is sent by the Son, not as Angels, or Prophets, or Apostles, are sent, but as the Spirit must be sent which is of one nature with the Divine wisdom and power that sends Him. The Son when sent by the Father, is not separated from Him, but abides in the Father, and the Father in Him. In the same way the Holy Spirit is not sent by the Son, and proceeds from the Father, in the sense of change of place. For as the Father's nature, being incorporeal, is not local, so neither has the Spirit of truth, Who is incorporeal also, and superior to all created things, a local nature.

CHRYS. He calls Him not the Holy Spirit, but the Spirit of truth, to show the perfect faith that was due to Him. He knew that He proceeds from the Father, for He knew all things; He knew where He Himself came from, as He says of Himself above, I know whence I came, and whither l go (John 8:14).

DIDYMUS. He does not say, from God, or, from the Almighty, but, from the Father, because though the Father and God Almighty are the same, yet the Spirit of truth properly proceeds from God, as the Father, the Begetter. The Father and the Son together send the Spirit of truth: He comes by the will both of the Father and the Son.

THEOPHYL. Elsewhere He says that the Father sends the Spirit; now He says He does: Whom I will send to you, thus declaring the equality of the Father and the Son. That He might not be thought however to be opposed to the Father, and to be another and rival source, as it were, of the Spirit, He adds, From the Father, i.e., the Father agreeing, and taking an equal part in sending Him. When it is said that He proceeds, do not understand His procession to be an external mission, such as is given to ministering spirits, but a certain peculiar, and distinct procession, such as is true of the Holy Spirit alone. To proceed is not the same as being sent, but is the essential nature of the Holy Ghost, as coming from the Father.

AUG. If it be asked here whether the Holy Ghost proceeds from the Son also, we may answer thus: The Son is the Son of the Father alone, and the Father is the Father of the Son only; but the Holy Spirit is not the Spirit of one, but of both; since Christ Himself said, The Spirit of your Father which speaks in you (Mat 10:20). And the Apostle says, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts (Gal 4:6). This indeed, I think, is the reason why He is called peculiarly the Spirit. For both of the Father and the Son separately we may pronounce, that each is a Spirit. But what each is separately in a general sense, He who is not either one separately, but the union of both, is spiritually. But if the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Son, why should we not believe that He proceeds from the Son? Indeed if He did not proceed from the Son, Christ would not after the resurrection have breathed on His disciples, and said, Receive you the Holy Ghost. This too is what is meant by the virtue which went out of Him, and healed all. If the Holy Ghost then proceeds both from the Father and the Son, why does Christ say, Who proceeds from the Father? He says it in accordance with His general way of referring all that He has to Him from whom He is; as where He says, My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If the doctrine was His, which He says was not His own, but the Father's, much more does the Holy Spirit proceed from Him, consistently with His proceeding from the Father. From whom the Son has His Godhead, from Him He has it that the Holy Ghost proceeds from Him. And this explains why the Holy Ghost is not said to be born, but to proceed. For if He were born, He would be the Son of both Father and Son, an absurd supposition; for if two together have a Son, those two must be father and mother. But to imagine any such relation as this between God the Father, and God the Son, is monstrous. Even the human offspring does not proceed from father or mother at the same time; when it proceeds from the father, it does not proceed from the mother. Whereas the Holy Spirit does not proceed from the Father into the Son, and from the Son into the creature to be sanctified; but proceeds from Father and Son at once. And if the Father is life, and the Son is life, so the Holy Ghost is life also. Just then as the Father when He had life in Himself, gave also to the Son to have life in Himself; so He gave to the Son also that life should proceed from Him, even as it proceeded from Himself.

Catena Aurea John 15

1. These things have I spoken to you, that you should not be offended.
2. They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time comes, that whosoever kills you will think that he does God service.
3. And these things will they do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
4. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

AUG. After the promise of the Holy Spirit, to inspire them with strength to give witness; He well adds, These things have I spoken to you, that you should not be offended. For when the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us (Romans 5:5), then great peace have they that love God's law, and they are not offended at it (Psalms 118).

What they were about to suffer follows next: They shall put you out of the synagogues.

CHRYS. For the Jews had already agreed, if any confessed that He was Christ, that he should be put out of the synagogue.

AUG. Bu what evil was it to the Apostles to be put out of the Jewish synagogues, which they would have gone out of, even if none had put them out? Our Lord wished to make known to them, that the Jews were about not to receive Him, while they on the other hand were not going to desert Him. There was no other people of God beside the seed of Abraham; if they acknowledged Christ, the Churches of Christ would be none other than the synagogues of the Jews. But inasmuch as they refused to acknowledge Him, nothing remained but that they should put out of the synagogue those who would not forsake Christ.

He adds: But the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he does God service. Is this intended for a consolation, as if they would so take to heart their expulsion from the synagogues, that death would be a positive relief to them after it? God forbid that they who sought God's glory, not men's, should be so disturbed. The meaning of the words is this: They shall put you out of the synagogue, but do not be afraid of being left alone. Separated from their assemblies, you shall assemble so many in my name, that they, fearing that the temple and rites of the old law will be deserted, will kill you and think to do God service thereby, having a zeal for God but not according to knowledge.

These who kill are the same with those who put out of the synagogues, viz. the Jews. For Gentiles would not have thought that they were doing God service, by killing Christ's witnesses, but their own false gods; whereas every one of the Jews, who killed the preacher of Christ, thought he was doing God service, believing that whoever was converted to Christ, deserted the God of Israel.

CHRYS. Then He consoles them: And all these things will they do to you, because they have not known the Father nor Me. As if He said, Let this consolation content you.

AUG. And He mentions these things beforehand, because trials, however soon to pass away, when they come upon men unprepared for them, are very overwhelming: But these things have I told you, that when the hour shall come, you may remember that 1 told you of them: the hour, the hour of darkness, the hour of night. But the night of the Jews was not allowed to mix with or darken the day of the Christians.

CHRYS. And He predicted these trials for another reason, viz. that they might not say that He had not foreseen them; That you may remember that I told you of them, or that He had only spoken to please them, and given false hopes. And the reason is added why He did not reveal these things sooner: And these things I said not to you at the beginning, because I was with you; because, that is, you were in My keeping, and might ask when you pleased, and the whole battle rested upon Me. There was no need then to tell you these things at the first, though I myself knew them.

AUG. In the other three Evangelists these predictions occur before the supper; John gives them after. Still if they relate them as given very near His Passion, that is enough to explain His saying, These things I said not to you at the beginning. Matthew however relates these prophecies as given long before His Passion, on the occasion of His choosing the twelve. How do we reconcile this with our Lord's words? By supposing them to apply to the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the testimony He would give amidst their suffering. This was what He had not told them at the beginning, and that because He was with them, and His presence was a sufficient consolation. But as He was about to depart, it was meet that He should tell them of His coming, by whom the love of God would be shed abroad in their hearts, to preach the word of God with boldness.

CHRYS. Or, He had foretold that they should suffer scourgings, but not that their death could be thought doing God service; which was the strangest thing of all. Or, He there told them what they would suffer from the Gentiles, here what from the Jews.

Catena Aurea John 16

The Martyrdom of St. Demetrios

The Monastery of Megisti Lavra
Mount Athos

Day 162 - How often should one go to confession? // Can I go even if I have not committed any serious sins?

When is a Catholic obliged to confess his serious sins? How often should one go to confession?

Upon reaching the age of reason, a Catholic is obliged to confess his serious sins. The Church urgently advises the faithful to do this at least once a year. At any rate one must go to confession before receiving Holy Communion if one has committed a serious sin.

By "the age of reason", the Church means the age at which one has arrived at the use of reason and has learned to distinguish between good and bad.

Can I make a confession even if I have not committed any serious sins?

Confession is a great gift of healing that brings about closer union with the Lord, even if, strictly speaking, you do not have to go to confession.

In Taizé, at Catholic conferences, at World Youth Day celebrations - everywhere, you see young people being reconciled with God. Christians who take seriously their decision to follow Jesus seek the joy that comes from a radical new beginning with God. Even the saints went to confession regularly, if possible. They needed it in order to grow in humility and charity, so as to allow themselves to be touched by God's healing light even in the inmost recesses of their souls. (YOUCAT questions 234-235)

Dig Deeper: CCC section (1457-1458) and other references here.

Part 2: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery (1066 - 1690)

Section 2: The Seven Sacraments of the Church (1210 - 1690)

Chapter 2: The Sacraments of Healing (1420 - 1532)

Article 4: The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (1422 - 1498)

VII. THE ACTS OF THE PENITENT ⇡

The confession of sins ⇡

1385
2042
(all)

1457

According to the Church's command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."⁵⁶ Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession.⁵⁷ Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.⁵⁸

56.

Cf. CIC, Can. 989; Council of Trent (1551): DS 1683; DS 1708.

57.

Cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1647; 1661; CIC, can. 916; CCEO, can. 711.

58.

Cf. CIC, can. 914.

1783
2468
(all)

1458

Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.⁵⁹ Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful:⁶⁰ Whoever confesses his sins ... is already working with God. God indicts your sins; if you also indict them, you are joined with God. Man and sinner are, so to speak, two realities: when you hear "man" — this is what God has made; when you hear "sinner" — this is what man himself has made. Destroy what you have made, so that God may save what he has made. ... When you begin to abhor what you have made, it is then that your good works are beginning, since you are accusing yourself of your evil works. The beginning of good works is the confession of evil works. You do the truth and come to the light.⁶¹

59.

Cf. Council of Trent: DS 1680; CIC, can. 988 § 2.

60.

Cf. Lk 6:36.

61.

St. Augustine, In Jo. ev. 12,13:PL 35,1491.

Daily Readings for:May 26, 2014
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Father, you continually raise up your faithful to the glory of holiness. In your love kindle in us the fire of the Holy Spirit who so filled the heart of Philip Neri. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

RECIPES

o Genoise Book Cake

ACTIVITIES

o Explanation and Origin of Rogation Days

o Family Procession for a Blessing on the Crops

o Marian Hymn: Ave Maria Dear

o Marian Hymn: Beautiful, Glorious

o Marian Hymn: Bring Flowers of the Fairest

o Marian Hymn: Salve Regina

o May, the Month of Mary

o Rogation Days: Cross Days

o St. Philip's Suggestions for Idleness and Learning Patience

PRAYERS

o Blessing of Sprouting Seed, Rogation Days

o Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven)

o Easter Season I Table Blessing 2

o Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Litany of Loretto)

o Rogation Day Prayers

o Rogation Days Procession

o Ceremonies for the Observance of the Rogation Days

LIBRARY

o Saint Philip Neri and the Priesthood | Rev. Frederick Miller

· Easter: May 26th

· Memorial of St. Philip Neri, priest

Old Calendar: St. Philip Neri, confessor; St. Eleutherius, pope and martyr ; Other Titles: Philip Romolo Neri; Apostle of Rome; Amabile Santo

St. Philip Neri (1515-1595) was born in Florence and died in Rome. He lived a spotless childhood in Florence. Later he came to Rome and after living for fifteen years as a pilgrim and hermit was ordained a priest. He gradually gathered around him a group of priests and established the Congregation of the Oratory. He was a man of original character and of a happy, genial and winning disposition. A great educator of youth, he spent whole nights in prayer, had a great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and burned with an unbounded love for mankind. He died on the feast of Corpus Christi.

According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. Eleutherius, who governed the Church for 15 years, after the persecution of the Emperor Commodus. He died in 192. This feast may be celebrated in particular churches.

St. Philip Neri
This gracious, cheerful saint was Rome's apostle of the sixteenth century (1515-1595). A peculiar charism was his burning love of God, a love that imperceptibly communicated itself to all about him. So ardently did this fire of divine love affect him during the octave of Pentecost in his twenty-ninth year that the beating of his heart broke two ribs. It was a wound that never healed.

For fifty years the saint lived on in the intensity of that love which was more at home in heaven than on earth. Through those fifty years his was an apostolate to renew the religious and ecclesiastical spirit of the Eternal City, a task he brought to a happy conclusion. It is to his credit that the practice of frequent Holy Communion, long neglected in Rome and throughout the Catholic world, was again revived. He became one of Rome's patron saints, even one of the most popular.

Philip Neri loved the young, and they responded by crowding about him. As a confessor he was in great demand; among his penitents was St. Ignatius. To perpetuate his life's work, St. Philip founded the Congregation of the Oratory, a society of secular clergy without religious vows. The purpose of his foundation was to enkindle piety among the faithful by means of social gatherings which afforded not only entertainment but religious instruction as well. Joy and gaiety were so much a part of his normal disposition that Goethe, who esteemed him highly, called him the "humorous saint." It was his happy, blithe spirit that opened for him the hearts of children. "Philip Neri, learned and wise, by sharing the pranks of children himself became a child again" (epitaph).

As a youth Philip Neri often visited the seven principal churches of Rome. He spent entire nights at the catacombs, near the tombs of the martyrs, meditating on heavenly things. The liturgy was the wellspring of his apostolic spirit; it should likewise motivate us to Catholic Action.

— Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.

Patron: Rome; United States Army Special Forces.

Symbols: Rosary; lily; angel holding a book.

Things to Do:

St. Philip Neri was well known for his sense of humor. To honor him today try to laugh at yourself when something annoying happens, try to make someone else happy by your cheerful disposition.
St. Philip's favorite feast was Corpus Christi. Make a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Eleutherius

Eleutherius was born at Nicopolis in Greece. He was a deacon of Pope Anicetus, and was chosen to govern the Church during the reign of the emperor Commodus. At the beginning of his pontificate he received letters from Lucius, king of the Britons, begging him to receive himself and his subjects among the Christians. Wherefore Eleutherius sent into Britain Fugatius and Damian, two learned and holy men; through whose ministry the king and his people might receive the faith. It was also during his pontificate that Irenaeus, a disciple of Polycarp, went to Rome, and was kindly received by Eleutherius. The Church of God was then enjoying great peace and calm, and the faith made progress throughout the whole world, but nowhere more than at Rome. Eleutherius governed the Church fifteen years and twenty-three days. He thrice held ordinations in December, at which he made twelve priests, eight deacons, and fifteen bishops for diverse places. He was buried in the Vatican, near the body of St Peter.

— Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.

Symbols: Model of Tournay cathedral; flaming oven; dragon; scourge; angel bearing scroll.

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Acts 16:11-15

Saint Philip Neri, Priest

One of them, a woman named Lydia, … opened her heart. (Acts 16:14)

In today’s reading, Paul journeys to Europe, where he meets a businesswoman named Lydia. And what had begun as a normal day by the river turns into a life-changing spiritual encounter for Lydia and her family. Lydia, a Gentile, was already a worshipper of the God of the Jews, but God had plans for her to know his Son, Jesus, as well. Luke tells us that God opened Lydia’s heart to Paul’s preaching, and she became his first European convert to Christianity (Acts 16:14). From this point on, Lydia’s life would be characterized by a loving, life-giving relationship with Jesus.

This is the very nature of conversion: God touches our hearts and makes us aware of his love, our sinfulness, and our need for his mercy. Such an awareness moves us to turn toward him so that he can begin a process of teaching and empowering us to embrace his goodness and reject the glamour of evil.

While the story of Lydia in Acts is short, we can be sure that it didn’t end where Luke leaves it. Lydia’s conversion not only prompted her to accept baptism; it also moved her to welcome Paul and his companions into her home. Such an act of generosity shows that “conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures, and works of penance” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1430). It also shows that conversion is not just a one-time event but a lifelong process. It involves continually being open to God and bearing good fruit as we learn to cooperate with his Spirit.

As God continues to help us open our hearts to him, we are transformed bit by bit. The most important changes we experience do not come as a result of big, spectacular events but from the ordinary events of our day. We leave behind the marks of our old life as selfishness gives way to service, wasted time becomes opportunities for prayer, and the approval of God eclipses human praise. So let us keep the doors of our hearts wide open to Jesus so that we can be molded into his beautiful image!

“Father, deepen the conversion of my heart, and let me experience greater intimacy with you. May my experience of your vast love inspire and strengthen me to love and serve people in the name of your only Son, Jesus.”

Psalm 149:1-6, 9; John 15:26–16:4

Marriage=One Man and One Woman 'Til Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for May 26, 2014:

Memorial Day is a time for picnics and parades. But why? It is only because others have given their lives for us that we get a holiday. Have you or any of your relatives served in the armed services? For whom and for what cause would you give your life?

Vultus Christi

Rogation Monday

Monday, 26 May 2014 08:19

What greater friend have we than he who gave his body for us? (Saint Ambrose)

At Matins this morning, Saint Ambrose gave the following commentary on the Gospel of the Day:

At that time : Jesus said unto his disciples: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves. And the rest.

Homily by S. Ambrose, Bishop Bk. 7 on Luke 11

This is another instance of the teaching that prayer is to be offered at all times, not only by day, but also by night. For behold, the man who sought out his friend at midnight and asked three loaves of him and persisted in his request, was not denied his prayer. What are these three loaves, except the food of the heavenly mystery? And if you love the Lord your God, you will be able to obtain it, and not only for yourself, but for others as well. For what greater friend have we than he who gave his body for us?

From him David asked bread at midnight, and received it. He asked when he said, At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto. thee. Thus he gained those loaves which he has set before us to eat. He asked when he said, Every night wash I my bed. Nor was he afraid of disturbing his friend’s sleep, because he knew him to be always watchful. And therefore, mindful of the Scriptures, let us be instant in prayer day and night, and let us ask pardon for our sins.

If David praised God seven times a day, and was always present at the morning and evening sacrifice, he who was so holy and so occupied with the needs of his kingdom, what must we do, who have greater need than he had to beseech God, since we fall so often through weakness of mind and flesh; what must we do, to avoid being starved of that bread of life, that bread that strengthens man’s heart; when we are wearied by our journey and exhausted by worldly duties and the winding path of earthly life? The Lord teaches us to be watchful, not only at midnight, but at practically every moment. For he comes at evening, and at the second watch, and at the third, and is apt to knock. Then, Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching.

Regnum Christi

The Spirit’s Witness

U. S. A. | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

John 15:26-16:4a

Jesus said to his disciples: "When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you."

Introductory Prayer: Lord, as I begin this prayer I offer you my whole self: my thoughts, desires, decisions, actions, hopes, fears, weaknesses, failures and petty successes. I open my entire being to you, aware that you know everything already. I’m certain of your mercy and of the purifying power of your penetrating, loving gaze.

Petition: Lord God, help me to live as a true witness to Christ.

1. Witness of Christ: Some people try to invoke the Holy Spirit as justification for ideas contrary to Christ’s teaching. A careful look at today’s Gospel illustrates how this can never be according to God’s plan. The Holy Spirit is not at odds with Christ’s message, nor is he working out a plan of salvation distinct from Christ’s Church. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of Christ and of the Father; his very purpose in coming is to testify to Christ. Every true inspiration of the Holy Spirit moves us to a greater fidelity to the truth. Am I attentive to the Spirit’s urging me to a greater fidelity to my Christian commitments?

2. Witnesses in the Spirit: Our faith is by no means a static reality. Just as the first disciples experienced Christ’s preaching, miracles and personal love, all Christians serious about their faith discover Christ’s presence throughout their daily experience. This is especially true in the sacraments of penance and the Eucharist. Jesus is always with us, and his forgiveness and closeness are the source of our joy. The Holy Spirit empowers us through the grace of our baptism to give witness to what we have freely received. Do I take seriously my Christian vocation to give testimony to Christ’s love? Do I realize that my first act of testimony needs to be the witness of a truly Christian life? Do I remember that in this seemingly daunting task I should rely heavily on the Holy Spirit as my business partner?

3. Fidelity Amidst Opposition: Christ shares with the apostles gathered in the Upper Room that being witnesses to him will not always be met with acceptance. Opposition seems to be an integral part of being a Christian. Deep-seated and unflinching adherence to Christ and the voice of conscience has never been compatible with the popular mindset. In fact, many times Christians are not called to “fit in” but to “stand out”, and this has inevitable consequences as it did in the life of Our Lord. The wonderful part is that we have been promised the final victory. Christ goes before us and the Holy Spirit is at our side.

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, it has always been demanding to be an authentic witness to you. Teach me not to rely on my own capabilities, but to grow in strength and coherence through fidelity to the inspirations of your Holy Spirit.

Resolution: I will make some public sign of witness to my faith today.

Homily of the Day

May 26, 2014

“From the Father, I will send you the Spirit of truth. When this Helper has come from the Father, he will be my witness, and you, too, will be my witnesses for you have been with me from the beginning.”

The entire scenario of this verse from the gospel presents Jesus’ last instructions to his apostles. He is from God yet accepted by the people of his time. He strengthens his statement by his sending the Holy Spirit from the Father to teach for him in addition to the apostles’ testimony. It was very hard for Jesus to convince the people of his time to believe in the Father, to believe in him as God’s only son, so he will send the Spirit of Truth in addition to the testimony of his apostles who on account of their testimony will be expelled and even killed.

In our time we have come to know God, Jesus and the Spirit of Truth through the teachings of the apostles and the Christian believers. Many men and women have dedicated their lives to continue teaching the Word of God. Their activities spread to foreign lands and cultures of different eras. But is Jesus’ mission of unity, of unifying us to the Father progressing? Do we realize that during our age, we still have the mission to continue spreading the Good News as if we were the apostles sent by Jesus? Could we ask Jesus again to send us the Spirit to teach us and to strengthens our faith?

Pray: Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. Let us pray. O God, who did instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 3

<< Monday, May 26, 2014 >>

St. Philip Neri

Acts 16:11-15
View Readings

Psalm 149:1-6, 9

John 15:26—16:4
Similar Reflections

AT HOME WITH JESUS

"If you are convinced that I believe in the Lord, come and stay at my house." —Acts 16:15

Your house is one of your most important resources for evangelization. The Church teaches that your home should be a "domestic church" (Catechism, 1656). You should be able to look at a chair in your kitchen and remember when your neighbor, John, sitting in that chair, gave his life to Jesus. You look out at the porch and remember when Kathy from work was filled with the Holy Spirit in that very spot of your house. Over there is the couch where Ted and Cindy sat, three years ago. They had come to announce their divorce. They left your home forgiving, forgiven, and reconciled.

Next to the family-altar is the table where you taught your children the Scriptures from their infancy (2 Tm 3:15). At the front door, you can see the holy water font where you blessed the kids a thousand times. On the buffet stands the statue of Mary — a little worse for wear. (You told the kids to be more careful.) Above the doorway hangs the crucifix. You still sometimes cry when you see His crucified love.

This is home. This is love. This is life in Jesus. Amen!

Prayer: Father, make my home a house of prayer (see Is 56:7), evangelization, repentance, healing, hope, love, and life.

Promise: "When the Paraclete comes, the Spirit of truth Who comes from the Father — and Whom I Myself will send from the Father — He will bear witness on My behalf. You must bear witness as well." —Jn 15:26-27

Praise: St. Philip was so hospitable to the youth of Rome that his room was known as "the home of Christian mirth."

PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN CHILD

Almighty God, our Father, you who have given us life and intended us to have it forever, grant us your blessings.

Enlighten our minds to an awareness and to a renewed conviction that all human life is sacred because it is created

in your image and likeness.  Help us to teach by word and the example of our lives that life occupies the first place,

that human life is precious because it is the gift of God whose love is infinite.  Give us the strength to defend human life

against every influence or action that threatens or weakens it, as well as the strength to make every life more human

in all its aspects.

Give us the grace...

When the sacredness of life before birth is attacked, to stand up and proclaim that no one ever has the authority

to destroy unborn life.

When a child is described as a burden or is looked upon only as a means to satisfy an emotional need, to stand up

and insist that every child is a unique and unrepeatable gift of God,  a gift of God with a right to a loving and united family.

When the institution of marriage is abandoned to human selfishness or reduced to a temporary conditional arrangement

that can easily be terminated, to stand up and affirm the indissolubility of the marriage bond.

When the value of the family is threatened because of social and economic pressure, to stand up and reaffirm that the family is necessary

not only for the private good of every person, but also for the common good of every society, nation and state.

When freedom is used to dominate the weak, to squander natural resources and energy, to deny basic necessities to people,

to stand up and affirm the demands of justice and social love.

Almighty Father, give us courage to proclaim the supreme dignity of all human life and to demand that society itself give its protection.

We ask this in your name, through the redemptive act of your Son and in the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

(From Pope John Paul II's homily of October 7, 1979.)

Thank you, Salvation!

V’s wife.