Posted on 05/13/2015 8:24:03 PM PDT by Salvation
Thursday, May 14
Liturgical Color: Red
St. Maria Mazzarello died on this day in
1881. With the help of St. Don Bosco,
she founded the Daughters of Mary, Help
of Christians to care for girls. She was
known for the great compassion and love
given the girls entrusted to her charge.
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1 It was now two days before the Passover and the feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth, and kill him; 2 for they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be a tumult of the people."
3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the jar and poured it over his head. 4 But there were some who said to themselves indignantly, "Why was the ointment thus wasted? 5 For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, b and given to the poor." And they reproached her. 6 But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you will, you can do good to them; but you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burying. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her."
10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.
the Passover: The yearly Jewish feast celebrating Israel's deliverance from Egyptian slavery (Ex 12). Paschal lambs (14:12) were sacrificed in the Temple courts the afternoon before the feast. At sundown families or small groups would gather to eat a Seder meal of lamb, unleavened bread, wine, and herbs. Combined with the festival of Unleavened Bread, the liturgical celebrations ran seven days, from the 15th of the month (Mar/ Apr) until the 21st of the month (Lev 23:4-8; Num 9:1-14). Passover was one of three pilgrim feasts that required Jewish men to travel to Jerusalem (Deut 16:16).
the people: Jerusalem's normal population of approximately 50,000 swelled to several hundred thousand with the influx of Passover pilgrims. This made the Jerusalem leaders think twice about arresting a popular figure like Jesus, since provoking such unmanageable numbers could easily incite a violent reaction from the Jews and ultimately bring Rome's reprisal upon the city.
Think they’ll cast lots to decide the rest? Lol!
May 14, 2015 by Liz Estler
Pope Benedict XVI taught in a 2009 homily on the Ascension, that this solemnity “invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Lord’s Ascension…[wherein] we [are] urged to fix our gaze on our Redeemer: who died ‘for sins once for all’ that he might bring us back to God, … [and who] ‘has gone into Heaven’ and is at the right hand of God ‘with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him’ (cf. 1 Pt 3:18, 22).”
Christ did not abandon the Apostles, nor does He abandon us, but is present now in a new and different way: a way of continuing presence that is closer and more intimate than His disciples experienced, up until the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, a way that sets aside the human way of clinging to Him, like Mary Magdalene at the tomb, for a newer, fresher, and ever more complete way of being in relationship with Him. This relationship is filled, not with worldly joy, but with the deep joy and peace that only God can give, a joy even greater than that joy the disciples experienced when Jesus departed (cf Luke 24:52).
Just as His followers were commissioned to bring the Good News to all nations, we, too, have been commissioned as priest, prophet and king by our baptism, to live the life of Christ in and through us, as co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord, by the example of our lives in our many different vocations and by our prayers. But, where Jesus is, we also will be. He rules from the throne of the Cross, the mercy seat of God. And, there is no Resurrection without the Cross, no ascending into glory without suffering first (cf Luke 24: 26), no trouble-free life in this world (cf John 16:33).
But, take courage, He has conquered the world (cf John 16:33)! And, where He is, there also will we be. We can take great consolation that He has preceded us into heaven and there intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. We can take great joy that, as members of the Body of Christ, in communion with Him, we are already seated at the right hand of God.
Let us pray that, with all the helps He gives us–His grace, His mercy, the Blessed Mother, the Saints, the holy Angels, His Church to guide us–when our earthly journey is done, we will, like St. Paul, have competed well and finished the race, faithful to the end, so that we may also enter into the fullness of our Master’s joy, the Kingdom of God, prepared for us from the foundation of the world.
Behold, He makes all things new!
Daily Readings for:May 14, 2015
(Readings on USCCB website)
Collect: O God, who assigned Saint Matthias a place in the college of Apostles, grant us, through his intercession, that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us, we may merit to be numbered among the elect. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
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o Judas Iscariot and Matthias | Pope Benedict XVI
Old Calendar: St. Boniface, martyr
The ecclesiastical provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha, and Philadelphia have retained the celebration of the Ascension on the proper Thursday, while all other provinces have transferred this solemnity to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 20. If transferred today is observed as an Easter Weekday. The following readings are used: Acts 18:1-8/Jn 16:16-20 (294).
After the Ascension of Jesus, St. Peter proposed to the assembled faithful that they choose a disciple of Christ to fill the place of the traitor Judas in the first missionary band. Lots were drawn, with the result in favor of Matthias. According to one ancient tradition, this missioner labored in Ethiopia and was martyred there. Thus did St. Matthias receive "the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him." The Church venerates St. Matthias on an equal footing with the other Apostles, whose voices resound throughout the world, from generation to generation, giving testimony of what they saw and heard in their life with our Lord. His name is mentioned in the Canon of the Mass.
According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, St. Matthias' feast was celebrated on February 24 or 25. Today is the commemoration of St. Boniface who after a stormy youth, was converted to the Catholic faith, suffered numerous tortures, and was beheaded in 307.
St. Matthias
Mathias was one of the first to follow our Savior; and he was an eye-witness of all His divine actions up to the very day of the Ascension. He was one of the seventy-two disciples; but our Lord had not conferred upon him the dignity of an apostle. And yet, he was to have this great glory, for it was of him that David spoke, when he prophesied that another should take the bishopric left vacant by the apostasy of Judas the traitor. In the interval between Jesus' Ascension and the descent of the Holy Ghost, the apostolic college had to complete the mystic number fixed by our Lord Himself, so that there might be the twelve on that solemn day, when the Church, filled with the Holy Ghost, was to manifest herself to the Synagogue. The lot fell on Mathias; he shared with his brother-apostles the persecution in Jerusalem, and, when the time came for the ambassadors of Christ to separate, he set out for the countries allotted to him. Tradition tells us that these were Cappadocia and the provinces bordering on the Caspian Sea.
The virtues, labor, and sufferings of St. Mathias have not been handed down to us: this explains the lack of proper lessons on his life, such as we have for the feasts of the rest of the apostles. Clement of Alexandria records in his writings several sayings of our holy apostle. One of these is so very appropriate to the spirit of the present season, that we consider it a duty to quote it. 'It behooves us to combat the flesh, and make use of it, without pampering it by unlawful gratifications. As to the soul, we must develop her power by faith and knowledge.' How profound is the teaching contained in these few words! Sin has deranged the order which the Creator had established. It gave the outward man such a tendency to grovel in things which degrade him, that the only means left us for the restoration of the image and likeness of God unto which we were created, is the forcible subjection of the body to the spirit. But the spirit itself, that is, the soul, was also impaired by original sin, and her inclinations were made prone to evil; what is to be her protection? Faith and knowledge. Faith humbles her, and then exalts and rewards her; and the reward is knowledge.
— Excerpted from The Liturgical Year, Abbot Gueranger O.S.B.
Symbols: Halbert; lance; carpenter's square; sword held by its point; axe; saw; scroll; scimitar and book; stone; battle axe; two stones; long cross; hatchet.
Patron: Alcoholism; carpenters; reformed alcoholics; smallpox; tailors; diocese of Gary; Indiana; diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Montana;
Things to Do:
St. BonifaceAccording to certain very unreliable "Acts", Boniface was a Roman citizen who for a time lived in sinful union with a noble woman named Aglae. Upon his conversion he determined to do penance by seeking the remains of martyrs and giving them honorable burial. At Tarsus he found many confessors about to be martyred for professing the faith; he kissed their chains and encouraged them to bear their sufferings courageously, assuring them that everlasting rest would follow a brief struggle. Finally he himself was taken captive, his body mangled with iron hooks, and boiling lead poured into his mouth. In spite of excruciating pain only one cry came from the lips of Boniface: "I thank You, Christ Jesus, Son of God!"
When Aglae, who in the meantime had likewise repented and was devoting herself to acts of virtue, was informed by an angel of the martyr's death, she hastened to inter the sacred remains in a church erected to his honor. His martyrdom took place on May 14 in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, during the reign of the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian.
As a penance for his sins, Boniface sought out the remains of martyrs and provided honorable burial. Such an act of penance today would appear strange, even though motivated by love and contrition. And yet it was an act wholly pleasing to the Lord. This penitent became a martyr himself, and suffered the most excruciating torments during which he continuously repeated: "I thank You, Christ Jesus, Son of God!"
— Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch
Patron: Bachelors; converts.
The Ascension of the Lord or Saint Matthias, Apostle
You, Lord, who know the hearts of all … (Acts 1:24)
Have you ever anguished over an important decision, wanting to follow God but unsure if you’re making the right choice? Decision making can be especially challenging when several doors are open before us, and many of them seem good. How much easier it would be if God would simply text us a message or send us an e-mail telling us exactly what to do!
The disciples were faced with just such a difficult decision regarding which of two well-qualified candidates should fill Judas’ spot as the twelfth member of their group. To our modern minds, drawing lots—the method they decided upon—may seem illogical. Why leave such a crucial matter up to the luck of the draw?
The disciples recognized that the matter transcended their natural wisdom. They didn’t know the mind of God, so they prayed to the One “who knows the hearts of all” (Acts 1:24). Then they gave God room to act. They reasoned that God had already made the choice, and drawing lots would make it clear. Biblical scholar Maureen Duffy explained it this way: “They choose not to choose—or exclude. According to the practice of the time, they cast lots, for an outcome unbiased by human ignorance. Perhaps, in secular language, they leave the decision to chance. In their language of faith, they leave it to God.”
In our own lives, many situations are clear-cut with straightforward decisions. But what about those times when we’re trying to choose between things that seem equally appealing, equally advantageous—or equally risky?
First, ask yourself: “Does my choice conform to God’s law? Will it bring me closer to Christ?” Then, rather than trying to control things yourself, seek the Lord for guidance and some sign of direction or confirmation. Give God a chance to show his hand! Even if you make a wrong decision, he’ll find a way to bring good out of it. All he asks is that you try your best. Take a chance, and leave the rest up to the Lord. Isn’t that a really faith-filled way to act?
“Father, I trust you! Guide me in your truth, and teach me, for you are God my savior’ (Psalm 25:5).”
Psalm 113:1-8; John 15:9-17
Daily Marriage Tip for May 14, 2015:
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised to send the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit for help today to be authentic witnesses of the Gospel in your marriage and family.
Letting the Lord Work | ||
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May 14, 2015. Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
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Mark 16:15-20 Jesus said to his disciples: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs. 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 help me to be an apostle of your kingdom. 1. God’s Paradoxical Plan of Salvation: Jesus ascends into heaven, but before he does, he leaves his disciples a mission. He assigns them the task of building up his Church. Maybe we are so accustomed to the story that it no longer astonishes us –– but it is truly incredible. These were the same men who just a few weeks earlier had abandoned Christ and locked themselves up in a room out of fear. Humanly speaking anyone would have bet a good deal that their mission was doomed to prompt and certain failure –– yet here we are two thousand years later! I too, am called by Christ to spread my faith, and if I ever feel that I am not the best qualified for this mission, well… I just have to remember that my Captain is sitting at the right hand of the Father, directing the whole operation. 2. Signs of God’s Providence: Time and time again throughout history, Our Lord has shown signs of his power at work in his Church to strengthen our faith. Extraordinary miracles have always accompanied the preaching of the Gospel right to our own day. Devils are still driven out, and many sick are still being cured in the most extraordinarily unexplainable ways. The greatest miracle of all however is the miracle of Christ’s continued presence with us in the Eucharist and the conversion of heart that takes place in the sacrament of reconciliation. God is constantly at work for his people. Even when he doesn’t grant us astonishing signs, he does shower countless signs of his providence upon us every day. Am I able to recognize them? 3. The Lord at Work: The key to success in the mission of being a witness to Christ and his Gospel is found in letting God work. Like the first apostles, we have to cast our nets where the Lord directs us. So many times pride and human ambition have stood in the way of God’s plan. We don’t have to be anything special to work for the Lord; all we need to do is to follow his direction. What great quality do we really possess anyway that is not a gift from God and his already? Am I confident that the Lord is already at work in me? Do I recognize the signs of his provident love in my life, and do I thank him for them? Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, help me to understand that being an apostle is not an option, but a demand of my baptism. It is the way I can respond to the immense love you have shown to me. Please continue to work in my life. Resolution: I will pause before I go to bed and reflect on the signs of God’s providence in my life, thanking him for them. |
May 14, 2015
After the Ascension, there was a need to replace Judas Iscariot. Since the 12 apostles were chosen by Christ himself, now that he had ascended into heaven, how would they know whom he would choose?
In front of a congregation of about 120 believers, Peter, as head of the apostles, presents the situation and the qualifications of the replacement of Judas: he should be a disciple of Christ from the outset, that is from Christ’s baptism up to his ascension. The one to be chosen will serve as a witness to Christ’s resurrection. Barsabbas and Matthias were nominated. The congregation prayed for divine assistance since only the Lord knew what was in the heart of each member. They cast lots to know God’s will and the lot fell on Matthias. There were no solicitations or intrigues. No one presented himself as being qualified or worthy to fill in the vacancy since to do so would be a sign of self-conceit and pride. In order to assume this ministry, the candidate must first be called by God. It is not the fruit of worldly talents or human industry. The selection is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Eventually, the apostle Matthias preached on the coasts of the Caspian Sea (Georgia), Cappadocia and Jerusalem. One account says he was martyred in Colchis (Ethiopia), yet there is another account that he was stoned to death in Jerusalem. Like Matthias, let us be ardent workers of Christ, not seeking human glory or compensation. May our reward be the Lord himself who rewards us abundantly.
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Parents' Prayer
Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of Man, and Son of Mary, I thank you for the gift of life you have entrusted to my care. Help me be a parent both tender and wise, both loving and forgiving.
Mary, Holy Mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Christ, and our Motherly Queen of Heaven, nourish our family with your heavenly grace. Help us to remain faithful to The Most Holy Trinity, in all our sorrows and joys. Joseph, Earthly father to our Lord God, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.
Holy Family of Nazareth, help our family to walk in your footsteps. May we be peace-loving and peace-giving.
Amen.
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