'Miracle of the sun' broke darkness of Portugal's atheist regimes
This is the miracle that led to the Fatima children's canonization (Catholic Caucus)
The Miracle for the Canonization of Jacinta and Francesco [Catholic Caucus]
We’re in Danger of Overlooking the Most Important Part of Fatima [Catholic Caucus]
Our Lady of Fatima - Historical Masterpiece by Most Rev. Bishop Sheen 1954 (22 min. U-Tube)
[CATHOLIC CAUCUS] Our Blessed Mother’s Urgent Call

Everything You Need to Know about Fatima (Part 2) [Catholic Caucus]
Our Lady of Fatima’s Antidote To Relativism (Catholic caucus)
Everything You Need to Know about Fatima (Part 1) [Catholic Caucus]
Our Lady of Fatima’s Antidote To Relativism (Catholic caucus)
5 Surprising Revelations of the Third Secret of Fatima (CATHOLIC CAUCUS)
Understanding Fatima
DON’T TURN YOUR BACK ON FATIMA (Catholic Caucus)
Our Lady’s Request: Pray for the Dying! (Our Lady of Fatima [Catholic Caucus]
Original Manuscript of Fatima's 'Third Secret' Will Soon be Part of an Exhibit
Sunday Night Prime with Fr Apostoli and Beth Lynch (Russia and Fatima prophecies) {Cath Caucus]
The Consecration and Fatima, Redux
America Needs Fatima Public Square Rosary
Lourdes and Fatima: True or False?
Fatima and World Peace (Catholic / Orthodox Caucus)
Fatima, Freemasonry, Vatican II and 1960
Our Lady of Fatima and the “...... Connection”
Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima
Pontificate of Pope Francis to be consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima on May 13, 2013 (Cath Caucus)
Francis' Petrine Ministry Consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima (CATHOLIC CAUCUS)
Fatima Shrine recalls Pope Francis' sponsorship of the Pilgrim Image of the Virgin of Fatima
Cardinal Bergoglio wrote to Fr. Gruner about Fatima [Catholic Caucus]
After Venezuela's election results 2 words come to mind: Fatima's Prophecy

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima in the Heart of the Gulag Archipelago
Archbishop Loris Capovilla has "reservations" about Fatima and Marian devotion in general
Not 2012 But 2017!
On Fatima anniversary, Fr. Apostoli sees atheism overtaking the West (Catholic Caucus)
Fatima, A Grace for Mankind [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
High resolution pictures of the miracle of the sun
Pope Benedict XVI and the 'Third Secret' of Fatima (surprisingly fair article)
Bishops must rediscover their role as fathers, declares Benedict XVI from Fatima
Half a million attend the Pope's Fatima mass
[CATHOLIC CAUCUS] Half a million pilgrims join the pope for a Mass in Fatima [VIDEO]
Pope: We Would be Mistaken to Think That Fatima’s Prophetic Mission is Complete
Pope Benedict XVI's Homily on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima
Holy Father's Address at Fatima Shrine
A Marian Offense for Benedict XVI
Vatican cardinal: There is no fourth secret of Fatima
Discourse No. 4.1 Pope Entrusts and Consecrates Priests to Our Lady of Fatima
Pope Benedict XVI in Portugal – Discourse No. 4 Homily Vespers with Clergy and Religious
Benedict brings 'Marian Cool' to fevered Fatima devotion
Daily Marian Prayer And Image [DEVOTIONAL]
Papal Visit to Portugal: Text of the Secret of Fátima with Commentary

Papal Visit to Portugal: Apparitions of Our Lady [of Fatima]
Papal Visit to Portugal: Apparitions of the Angel
Papal Visit to Portugal: The Fatima Children
Papal Visit to Portugal: History of Portugal
Benedict XVI’s presser on plane to Portugal, clerical crisis and “third secret” (Catholic Caucus)
Fatima debate: Some say 'third secret' is still secret
The Third Secret (of Fatima) - Did The Pope Lie?
Fatima. The "Secret" Revealed (Catholic Caucus)
Is There Missing Text Of The Third Secret?
Top Ten Scientific Explantions of Miracle of Sun at Fatima (Catholic Caucus)
Fatima and the Theology of the Body: Part II
Fatima and Akita
Fatima and the Theology of the Body: Part I
The Story of Fatima -- Part 2
The Story of Faitma -- Part 1
Pius XII Saw "Miracle of the Sun" [Catholic Caucus]
Sister Lucia's Beatification Process to Begin ( Pope Waves 5-Year Waiting Period)
The faithful remember miracle of Fatima, Thousands gather in Washington Twp. on 90th anniversary
Giant new church at Fatima shrine
Fatima: Case Closed

Sister Lucia's Last Moments
Rosary Rallies Planned for Fatima Anniversary [Catholic Caucus]
Sister Lucia's Unpublished Writings Released - Visionary Reflects on Marian Apparitions
Fatima Statue Due at Vatican to Mark a Fateful Day 25 Years After Attempt on John Paul II's Life
Last Fatima child buried in final resting place (Sr. Maria's remains transferred to Fatima)
Our Lady of Fatima, ‘counterrevolutionary’ and ‘ecumenical’
Papal praise at Sister Lucia's funeral Sr. Lucia, Fatima, and Islam
No More Secrets," Visionary Said in 2001 (Sr. Lucia Confirmed Russia Consecrated to Mary)
Mystery Fatima: Death of Lucia Accents Famed Secrets & Area's Hidden History
Sister Lucia, last remaining witness of Fatima apparitions, dies at 97
Mourning for Fatima seer (Portugal declares day of mourning)
Virgin Mary Child Dies (Lucia of Fatima)
LAST OF CHILDREN WHO CLAIMED TO SEE VIRGIN MARY DIES AT 97
Sister Lucia, last remaining witness of Fatima apparitions, dies at 97
SISTER LUCIA RIP
Last child who claimed to see "Virgin Mary" dies
Litany of Our Lady of Fatima
Third Secret of Fatima is not fully revealed.
Our Lady of Fatima, May 13

Holy Spirit Interactive Kids: A Saint a Day

St. Andrew Fournet

Feast Day: May 13
Born: 1752 :: Died: 1834

St. Andrew Fournet was born at Maille, a little town near Poitiers, in France. Andrew's parents were religious people and his mother had her heart set on Andrew becoming a priest. The little boy was fed-up of hearing this. One day he declared, "I'm a good boy, but I'm still not going to be a priest or monk."

When he grew up, he went to Poitiers to study college subjects. But he made some bad friends and soon dropped out to have a good time. His mother tried to help by finding him good jobs but Andrew could not keep them. His mother was frantic.

There was now only one more possibility. She talked Andrew into going to stay for a while with his uncle, a priest. His uncle's parish was poor and his uncle was a holy man. For some reason, Andrew agreed. This was God's "teachable moment."

Andrew's uncle recognized his nephew's good qualities. His own example sparked something in Andrew and he settled down. He began to study seriously and to make up for lost time. He was ordained a priest and was assigned to his uncle's parish. In 1781, he was transferred to his home parish in Maille. His mother was delighted. He had become a caring, prayerful priest.

When the French Revolution began, St. Andrew refused to take an oath that was against the Church. He became a hunted man. In 1792, he was forced to flee to Spain. There he remained for five years. But he worried about his people and went back to France. The danger was as great as before.

Father Fournet was protected by his flock nearly escaping death several times. Meanwhile, he heard confessions, celebrated the Eucharist and gave the Last Rites.

When the Church was free again, St. Andrew came out of hiding. He was always inviting his people to love and serve God. One of the good ladies from the area, St. Elizabeth Bichier des Ages, helped St. Andrew very much. Together they started an order of sisters called the Daughters of the Cross. St. Elizabeth's feast day is August 26.

St. Andrew died on May 13, 1834, at the age of eighty-two.

CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Sunday, May 13

Liturgical Color: White

Pope Gregory XIII was elected
pope on this day in 1572. As pope,
he opened many seminaries and
colleges in Rome and across Europe
because he wanted his priests to be
knowledgeable and well trained.

Catholic Culture

Easter: May 13th

Solemnity of the Ascension or the Seventh Sunday of Easter

MASS READINGS

May 13, 2018 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God, and make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving, for the Ascension of Christ your Son is our exaltation, and, where the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope. 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.

Graciously hear our supplications, O Lord, so that we, who believe that the Savior of the human race is with you in your glory, may experience, as he promised, until the end of the world, his abiding presence among us. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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» Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books!

Old Calendar: Sunday within the Octave of Ascension ; Other Titles: Ascension Thursday

At the end of His earthly life Jesus ascends triumphantly into heaven. The Church acclaims Him in His holy humanity, invited to sit on the Father's right hand and to share His glory. But Christ's Ascension is the pledge of our own. Filled with an immense hope, the Church looks up towards her leader, who precedes her into the heavenly home and takes her with Him in His own person: "for the Son of God, after incorporating in Himself those whom the devil's jealousy had banished from the earthly paradise, ascends again to His Father and takes them with Him" (St. Leo).

The ecclesiastical provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, and the State of Nebraska have retained the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord on the proper Thursday, while all other provinces have transferred this solemnity to today, the Seventh Sunday of Easter.

The feast of Our Lady of Fatima, which is ordinarily celebrated today, is superseded by the Sunday liturgy.

We continue the Novena to the Holy Spirit.

Click here for commentary on the readings in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

The Ascension
The death of a member of his family or of a loved friend, must be the saddest event imaginable in the life of an atheist. He is one who really is convinced that there is no God, no future life and therefore that the relative or friend is to turn into dust in the grave, never to be met with again. The thought that every day that passes is bringing him too nearer to that same sad fate, death, which will be the end of all his ambitions, all his enjoyments, the end of everything he thought he was or had, must be something hard to live with.

Thank God, we have the good fortune to know, and reason and faith convince us of this truth, that death is not the end of man. It is rather the real beginning. Today's feast—the Ascension of our Lord in his human nature—to his Father's and our Father's home, is the confirmation and the guarantee of this doctrine of our faith. We shall all rise from the grave with new, glorified bodies and ascend to heaven, as Christ did. There we'll begin our true life of eternal happiness.

While it is true that even for good Christians the death of a beloved one is a cause of sorrow and tears, this is natural as we still are of the earth earthly. Yet the certitude that our beloved one has gone to his true life and will be there to meet us when our turn comes, is always at the back of our minds to console and comfort us. What all human beings want is to live on forever with our dear ones. Death breaks that continuity but only for a little while. That break is necessary for the new life to begin.

It is only in heaven that this natural desire of an unending life with all those we love can be realized and death on earth is the door to that eternal life.

Look up to heaven today. See Christ ascending to his Father and our Father. Say : Thank you, God, for creating me, and for giving me, through the Incarnation of your beloved Son, the possibility and the assurance that if I do my part here, when death comes it will not be an enemy but a friend, to speed me on my way to the true, supernatural life which you have, in your love, planned and prepared for me.

It was written, and foretold, that Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory. The servant is not above the Master. I too must suffer. I too must accept the hardships and the trials of this life, if I want, and I do, to enter into the life of glory. Christ, who was sinless, suffered hardship and pain. I have earned many, if not all of my hardships, by my own sins. I should be glad of the opportunity to make some atonement for my past offenses, by willingly accepting the crosses he sends me. These crosses are signs of God's interest in my true welfare. Through him he is giving me a chance to prepare myself for the day of reckoning, for the moment of my death which will decide my eternal future. For every prayer I say for success in life, I should say three for a successful death, a death free from sin and at peace with God.

Excepted from The Sunday Readings, Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.

Things to Do:

We continue the novena to the Holy Spirit which is said between the feast of the Ascension and Pentecost Sunday.

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Acts 1:1-11

7th Sunday of Easter or The Ascension of the Lord

This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven . . . (Acts 1:11)

When we think of the ascension of Jesus, we often think about how marvelous it must have been to see him whisked away into the sky, heralded by angels and looked upon with awe by the apostles. We focus, in other words, on his act of ascending. But what is even more important is everything that happened after Jesus ascended. Let’s take a look.

First, the ascended Lord took up his throne as King over all of creation. Paul tells us that Jesus is “far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:21). Everything must submit to his gospel of mercy and redemption.

Second, Jesus “has passed through the heavens” as a “high priest” who has been “tested in every way, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15-16). This means that we can now “approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace” for all our needs (4:16). We don’t have to be afraid of him.

Third, by ascending, Jesus opened the door for the Holy Spirit. Just before he left, he promised, “You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5). He promised that “the love of God” would be “poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5).

Finally, Jesus’ ascension creates a longing in us for him to come back. At the ascension, the angel promised, “This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven” (Acts 1:11). It assures us that a time will come when sin, pain, and suffering will be no more. It promises us that Jesus will keep watch over us until that great and awesome day.

So rejoice today! Lift up your heart and lift up your eyes to Jesus, now enthroned in the heavens.

“Come, Lord Jesus, and fill me with your Spirit!”

Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9
Ephesians 1:17-23
Mark 16:15-20

A Christian Pilgrim

AS THOU DIDST SEND ME INTO THE WORLD, SO I HAVE SENT THEM INTO THE WORLD

(A biblical reflection on THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER [Year B] – May 13, 2018)

Gospel Reading: John 17:11-19

First Reading: Act 1:15-17,20-26; Psalms: Psalm 103:1-2,11-12,19-20; Second Reading: 1John 4:11-16

The Scripture Text

And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in Thy name, which Thou hast given Me, I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. As Thou didst send Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate Myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. (John 17:11-19 RSV)

The Church divides its calendar of Sunday readings into three parts called cycles, with a new cycle beginning on the first Sunday of Advent. The Church takes the cycle A Sunday Gospel readings from the Gospel according to Matthew, the cycle B Gospel readings from the Gospel according to Mark, and the cycle C Gospel readings from the Gospel according to Luke. John’s Gospel is part of all three cycles, usually appearing on special occasions such as Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Sundays during the Easter season. Most of the Sunday Gospel readings so far this year have been from the Gospel according to Mark because we are in the middle of the B cycle of readings.

One unusual feature in the Gospel according to John is that it uses the term “disciples” rather than “apostles”. Sometimes priests and ministers use these two words interchangeably as if they mean the same thing. In reality, they have very different definitions.

Jesus’ followers often addressed Him as “Rabbi”, a word that means “teacher”. The word “disciple” comes from a Greek word that means “student”. Some rabbis taught Jewish boys how to read and write in the synagogue schools, but other rabbis taught men how to be rabbis. In either case, the rabbi’s students were disciples. Therefore, John is correct when he uses this word to describe the twelve men whom Jesus chose to be His close companions because they were His students, training to become rabbis.

The word “apostle” comes from a Greek word that means “one who is sent”, and it refers to someone who is sent out to deliver a message. Matthew, Mark, and Luke call the twelve men whom Jesus chose to be His close companions “apostles” because Jesus sent them out to proclaim the Gospel message after He taught them privately. In other words, they were disciples or students first and were apostles after they successfully completed their period of instruction.

It is interesting that we do not find the word “apostle” in the Gospel according to John. The closest John comes to using this word is in today’s reading when Jesus, in His prayer to His heavenly Father, says He “sent” the Twelve out into the world. For John, the true follower of Jesus never stops being a disciple but is always willing to learn more about Jesus and His message.

What kind of disciples are you? How much time do you spend reading and studying Scripture so Jesus can use you as his apostle in the world today?

Source: Jerome J. Sabatowich, Cycling Through the Gospels – Gospel Commentaries for Cycles A, B, and C, pages 158-159.)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, send forth Your Spirit to make us loyal disciples of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, so that He can send us out to preach the Good News to the people we meet. Amen.

Slideshow of the Gospel

Marriage = One Man and One Woman Until Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for May 13, 2018:

“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.” (Mk 16:19) 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.

Squeaky Shoes

Pastor’s Column

Ascension Sunday, 2018

Seeing things in our lives beyond the three dimensions that are natural to us takes practice. When I was in the seminary we were periodically asked to lector in the abbey church on Sunday. No problem, I thought: I have done this for years. Perhaps I was overconfident, but who knew what disasters awaited? We seminarians sat a long way from the ambo, and in between our seats and that podium was a very long row of Monks on both sides, watching and listening! I began to walk the gauntlet that fated Sunday morning. And then the worst possible thing happened.

It was horrible. It was ugly. It was embarrassing. Everyone talked about it. What was the problem? Squeaky shoes: horrible, new, squeaky shoes, echoing in the silence and perfect acoustics of the abbey on that long walk. Brrrack! Brracck! Finally, I made it up there and delivered the reading. Ah, but now we confronted problem number two: how to get back? I think I must have looked like twinkle-toes, walking like a ballet dancer in a vain attempt to stifle a repeat concert of squeaks.

When it was over I was so mad at God! But looking back at it, the moment, and the embarrassment passed. I grew in humility. The world did not come to an end. To me, this was a humiliating disaster. From God’s point of view, it was a learning experience. And no one remembers this but me anyway.

I know that is a trivial incident in the grand scheme of things, but don’t we all find ourselves in situations wearing the equivalent of squeaky shoes, when it seems like everyone is looking severely upon all we do? God wants to shine the light of his perspective on everything. If you are in a squeaky shoes situation at the moment, is there another point of view? Not by looking up at the clouds; not by looking down. Don’t look up! Don’t look down! Look to Jesus. We invite Jesus and his Holy Spirit, whom he promised us, to the table, and the church and her guidance that he promised to be with us until the end of time.

People see Jesus every day. They just don’t recognize him. This is because we are not allowing the Holy Spirit to inform our choices and our vision; but if we use his glasses, we can see beyond the three dimensions of everyday existence and God will begin to show us the connections and solutions to our problems, the reasons we suffer and what to do about it. He didn’t ascend to abandon us, but so that he could give us his heavenly vision from “up there.” But we see this by living our lives as Christ wishes them to be lived.

Do I invite the Holy Spirit into my decisions, my problems? He is waiting to give you a new perspective on everything. Don’t look up! Don’t look down! Instead, look to Jesus and his Church, and he will guide you to see your problems and challenges in a new way. He will give you his divine perspective on squeaky shoes and everything else.

Father Gary

Reflections from Scott Hahn

The Good News: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Ascension of the Lord

The Ascension, Giotto, c.1305

Readings:
Acts 1:1–11
Psalm 47:2–3, 6–7, 8–9
Ephesians 1:17–23 or Ephesians 1:1-13 or Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–13
Mark 16:15-20

(In dioceses where Ascension is celebrated on Thursday, see also the reflection for the Seventh Sunday of Easter.)

In today’s first reading, St. Luke gives the surprising news that there is more of the story to be told. The story did not end with the empty tomb, or with Jesus’ appearances to the Apostles over the course of forty days. Jesus’ saving work will have a liturgical consummation. He is the great high priest, and he has still to ascend to the heavenly Jerusalem, there to celebrate the feast in the true Holy of Holies.

The truth of this feast shines forth from the Letter to the Hebrews, where we read of the great high priest’s passing through the heavens, the sinless intercessor’s sacrifice on our behalf (see Hebrews 4:14–15).

Indeed, his intercession will lead to the Holy Spirit’s descent in fire upon the Church. Luke spells out that promise in the first reading for the feast of the Ascension: “in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5). Ascension is the preliminary feast that directs the Church’s attention forward to Pentecost. On that day, salvation will be complete; for salvation is not simply expiation for sins (that would be wonder enough), but it is something even greater than that. Expiation is itself a necessary precondition of our adoption as God’s children. To live that divine life we must receive the Holy Spirit. To receive the Holy Spirit we must be purified through baptism.

The Responsorial Psalm presents the Ascension in terms familiar from the worship of the Jerusalem Temple in the days of King Solomon: “God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord” (Psalm 47). The priest-king takes his place at the head of the people, ruling over the nations, establishing peace.

The Epistle strikes a distinctively Paschal note. In the early Church, as today, Easter was the normal time for the baptism of adult converts. The sacrament was often called “illumination” or “enlightenment” (see, for example, Hebrews 10:32) because of the light that came with God’s saving grace. Saint Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, speaks in terms of glory that leads to greater glories still, as Ascension leads to Pentecost: “May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,” he writes, as he looks to the divinization of the believers. Their “hope” is “his inheritance among the holy ones,” the saints who have been adopted into God’s family and now rule with him at the Father’s right hand.

This is the “good news” the Apostles are commissioned to spread—to the whole world, to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem—at the first Ascension. It’s the good news we must spread today.

"They went forth and preached everywhere . . . while the Lord worked with them."

The Word: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051318-ascension.cfm

Mark 16: 15 - 20

I do love good movies and plays. In order for all to come together, to convey the moral of the story, to be sure the key players are performing as scripted and with enough convincing emotion, and to make the right impact on the audience, it’s what happens on the other side of the camera or behind the scenes on stage that really makes all the difference to success. In other words, you need a good director. The one who watches the action, knows in their mind what the point of the story is and moves actors and scenes around to make the most lasting impact.

But, as skilled as actors are to embrace the character they portray and as thrilling as our scenes may be, it’s all pretend. Remember how realistic an effort was made with the famed television series “Downton Abbey” and you have a very good example of something so convincing as to seem real. The story line and the eventual effect of the movie or play is the final point.

This weekend, in a large part of the Catholic world, we celebrate a turning point in the Easter season and the earthly ministry of Jesus: the Feast of the Lord’s Ascension is recalled. The scene is familiar to us and would certainly make a stunning effect: The Lord Jesus suddenly lifts off the ground, disappears into the clouds above in a ray of sunlight, angels appear as the Apostles stand staring into the sky above wondering where he went. The risen Lord leaves the company of his Apostles after the glory of the resurrection and commissions them to begin the mission of the Church. He goes from glory to mission.

Yet, what do we often imagine? Our first reading from Acts relates the event: “When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up and a cloud took him from their sight . . .” Then the angel appeared and asked them: “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” Our Gospel passage from Mark, states the same: “So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke with them, was taken up into heaven . . .”Isn’t this how we often imagine this moment to be. Jesus was literally lifted off the ground in his risen body into the sky above?

When Jesus gathered with his disciples for his final communication, he urged them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature . . .” A tall order indeed! So our Lord proclaims and passes on his mission to those who would follow and represent him. “Go” everywhere and tell all humanity what God has done in and through Jesus of Nazareth, his only Son that all are saved and mercy and forgiveness is offered to everyone, everywhere who believe in his name. But then, he leaves them as he disappeared into the clouds above to never be seen again. He went “to heaven” wherever that is and we remain on earth – left behind. So heaven and earth are separated, far far away from each other, and Jesus carries on where he went while we simply plod along trying to do the best we can.

Despite this literal image, as Bishop Robert Barron notes, the Bible implies otherwise. Our passage from Mark’s gospel ends: “But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them.” The implication is clear from this. Our reading from Acts urges the disciples to return to Jerusalem, pray and wait for, “. . . power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” and then, “. . . you will be my witnesses.”

The implication is that Jesus has not left this earth. Though the Lord Jesus is not visible in his risen body, he remains very much in control and involved from his heavenly place as he works in and through his Church. While we aren’t puppets whose strings are pulled willy-nilly by the divine puppeteer, Christ lives in his Church and directs mysteriously through the constant presence of his Spirit. This director enters the action as he himself becomes the message. His real Eucharistic presence is the ultimate living encounter with us that convinces us he is anything but passive and uncaring. It embodies his mission.

At the core of that Christian mission is the command of love. He gave it to his disciples at the Last Supper foot washing, he lived it out, he offered it under bread and wine, and he remains involved with his disciple witnesses; with each of us. To embrace and live fully the truth that we are loved by a merciful God moves us to extend that same fellowship Charity (Agape) for others. Through that mission of Divine love God’s kingdom is established and his will is done here on earth. We await its fulfillment in the salvation of Heaven.

So, one example I ran across was this: “God loves you, Johnny, so be good.” It’s not, “Be good, Johnny, so God can love you.” I found that inspiring, frankly. We neither can earn God’s love nor do we deserve it. God loves us, so we do good because we realize this great truth. Last week’s readings reminded us: “Not that we have loved God but that he has loved us.” (1 Jn 4: 9-10). What could be more simple and transforming to know this truth? As Christ reigns in glory we carry on his mission.

As we prepare for Pentecost next Sunday, we see that moment when Jesus returns in the Holy Spirit and there remains present and active to us: in his Word, in the Sacraments, in the lives of believers everywhere and within the structure of his Church. This being so, a search for Christ can only be fulfilled within the body of the Church; you cannot separate Jesus from his Body, his Church.

So, while our imagination may want to visualize what that event was like for the disciples all the more we must recognize that we are not orphans, abandoned or left completely to our own unruly nature. God is present among us in the here and the now. Christ is very much in control as his Spirit breaths life constantly upon his Church guarding and directing it. But we must love as we are loved. Didn’t we see this concretely in the lives of great saints like St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Vincent de Paul and many others of selfless charity.

See and imitate the same.

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of glory,

give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation

resulting in knowledge of him . . .

(Second Reading: Eph 1: 17 - 23)

Regnum Christi

May 13, 2018 – Consecrated in Truth: Authentic Love

Seventh Sunday of Easter
Father Walter Schu, LC

John 17:11b-19

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe in you and all that you have revealed for our salvation. I hope in you because of your overflowing mercy. Every single act of yours on this earth demonstrated your love for us. Your ascent into heaven before the eyes of the Apostles inspires my hope of one day joining you there. I love you and wish you to be the center of my life.

Petition: Mary, help me to be an ardent witness to the truth of Christian love.

1. “So I Sent Them into the World” – Jesus has ascended into heaven. In today’s Gospel, from the Last Supper, he transmits his mission to his apostles — and to each one of us. Just how transcendent is this undertaking which Christ places in our hands? It is nothing less than the eternal salvation of souls. Real, concrete persons’ eternal destinies are linked to our faithfulness to Christ, to our Christian witness. Does not such a responsibility make us tremble in our weakness and sinfulness? How can we hope to live up to such a mission? Yet Christ invites us to share his joy completely. He does not abandon us in his ascension but promises to consecrate us in the Spirit of Truth — the Holy Spirit, the great advocate in our apostolic mission. May we respond in prayer to the Church’s liturgy this week as she prepares us to receive the Holy Spirit on the great feast of Pentecost.

2. “Consecrate Them in the Truth” – Just who is the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Blessed Trinity, the one who desires to become the gentle guest and consoler of our soul? The Holy Spirit is the personal love of the Father and Son for each other. As the liturgy’s second reading reminds us, “God is love” (1 John 4:16). Only the Holy Spirit can enable us to undergo the journey of purifying and disciplining “eros” (human love or the love of attraction – “ascending love”), so that it can be healed and restored to its true grandeur (cf. Deus Caritas Est, nos. 4-5). If we follow this ascetic path of renunciation, then eros will in the end merge with “agape” (Christian love or love which seeks only the good of the other – “descending love”) (cf. no. 7). The love of agape, forged within us by the Holy Spirit, will impel us to seek the good of souls without counting the cost.

3. “And I Consecrate Myself for Them” – How does Christ consecrate himself? He does so precisely in his passion and cross. That is why Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s saying is ever valid: “Love, to be true love, has to hurt.” Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI directly confronted the question of the renunciation demanded by true love. He asks if the Church doesn’t spoil love. “Doesn’t the Church, with all her commandments and prohibitions, turn to bitterness the most precious thing in life?” (Deus Caritas Est, no. 3). The answer, of course, is a resounding “No!” Only the asceticism of Christian chastity purifies and disciplines love so that it rises above the sensual sphere to become a truly personal act of self-giving. It is no coincidence that only natural family planning requires continence, whereas contraception does not. Are we willing to be hated by the world in standing up for this most fundamental of the Church’s teachings to preserve authentic love?

Conversation with Christ: Holy Spirit, you are the source of love in my life because you are love itself. Help me to win all the graces for souls that Christ is asking of me by consecrating myself in truth — the truth of the cross, renunciation and purification — to live true love in self-giving, without counting the cost.

Resolution: I will both practice and defend the Church’s teaching on chastity, especially natural family planning, in order to live authentic Christian love.

Scripture Speaks: The Ascension of Our Lord

Gayle Somers

On Ascension Day, Jesus gives His apostles, a group of men singularly lacking in influence, a worldwide mission. How would they be able to pull this off?

Gospel (Read Mk 16:15-20)

As Jesus prepares to depart from the apostles, He gives them a lofty charge: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” They were to preach the Good News of Jesus and to offer the sacrament of baptism. Theirs was to be a kind of life-and-death work. Baptism would grant salvation from the condemnation all men have been under since Adam and Eve: death. The Good News consisted of announcing what Jesus did for all of us to escape the just judgment that falls on all sinners. As a result of seeing the Risen Jesus and being taught by Him for forty days, the apostles finally understood this.

Even so, think about what this plan must have sounded like to the Eleven gathered there. They were a motley crew of mostly uneducated and nondescript men—fishermen, a tax collector, a political zealot, etc. It is doubtful any of them had ever left the boundaries of their own nation. Were these men ready to change the world? Surely this scenario was far beyond their ability even to imagine. Fortunately, Jesus said something else that made all the difference:

“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.”

Although Jesus was making a physical departure from the apostles, He was to remain with them in a unique way. He would work miracles through them so that people would believe their message, just as He had worked miracles in His earthly life for the same purpose. In the Acts of the Apostles, we have a historical record of times when many of these signs were performed by the apostles in their work of evangelization (see Acts 2:4-11; 3:6-8; 16:16-18; 28:1-6, 8). When they heard this promise, perhaps their mission seemed less overwhelming.

We know from our first reading today that the apostles had to wait until the descent of the Holy Spirit to begin their preaching mission. When they received the gift of the Spirit’s power, falling on them in such a dramatic way, they knew that Jesus, in heaven and seated at the right hand of God, was beginning His reign on earth through them. This gave them the courage to go forth and preach everywhere. They were not the men they used to be. Formerly, they had been companions of Jesus. Now, they were His co-workers: “…the Lord worked with them and confirmed their word through accompanying signs.”

Thus, one great mystery, Jesus’ disappearance, was followed by another, Jesus’ presence in His Church. Something changed, yet something stayed the same. We’ve been absorbed in this mystery ever since.

Possible response: Lord Jesus, when I doubt You can use me to spread Your kingdom, help me remember that You started with just eleven disciples.

First Reading (Read Acts 1:1-11)

The first verse of this reading tells us that its author, St. Luke, wants to continue a story he began in his “first book,” the Gospel of St. Luke. That book was devoted to a careful account of “all that Jesus did and taught until the day He was taken up” (Acts 1:1). This book (Acts) will show us how Jesus could both depart from and yet remain with His followers. The lesson begins with today’s reading.

We remember that even before His Passion and Resurrection, Jesus promised the apostles that Someone Elsewas coming. Now He tells them explicitly not to try to get started on their mission to “all nations” right away. They must wait for that Someone Else: “John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5). The apostles’ first question about this event revealed them to be focused on the wrong thing (again): “Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). It was not unreasonable for the apostles to be curious about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel, as this was a Messianic hope of long-standing for the Jews. Notice that Jesus doesn’t rebuke them for their interest in David’s kingdom, but rather for their desire to know whenit will happen. Jesus wants them instead to focus on their own work of being His witnesses: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, through Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Ironically, this work He gives them will actually bring about the restoration and fulfillment of the kingdom they earnestly seek. In due time, they will learn that this kingdom, as Jesus had told them earlier, is not of this world. The kingdom Jesus rules is not ethnic; it is not confined to the borders of Israel. Through the preaching of the Gospel, Jews of all the tribes of Israel would find their way to it, as would Gentiles. His kingdom is the universal Church, spread out everywhere, “to the ends of the earth.”

Then, as the apostles were “looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their sight” (Acts 1:9). What does this mean? It helps to understand the symbolic significance of the “cloud” Jesus entered. It reminds us of the Transfiguration, when we get a glimpse of the glorified Jesus. It reminds us, too, of the “overshadowing” cloud of God’s presence in the worship of the Old Testament Tabernacle, filling the Holy of Holies as God and man met. That same cloud of God’s presence led the people of Israel to the Promised Land. As Pope Benedict XVI tells us,

This reference to the cloud is unambiguously theological language. It represents Jesus’ departure not as a journey to the stars, but as His entry into the mystery of God. It evokes an entirely different order of magnitude, a different dimension of being… He enters into communion of power and life with the living God, into God’s dominion over space. Hence, He has not gone away, but now and forever by God’s own power He is present with us and for us. (Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, Ignatius Press, pgs 282-283, emphasis added)

Now we get it! Jesus’ departure has only been a departure from our mode of existence. It is not cosmic but metaphysical. That is how He can be gone and yet still with us. In promising the apostles to send the Holy Spirit, He promises not only this new kind of presence with us but also a share in the great power of which He spoke in the Gospel reading. Did the apostles grasp this?

Not exactly. We see them staring off into space, probably trying to take it all in. Two angels caution them against “standing there looking at the sky” (Acts 1:11). Jesus has ascended into His rightful power and authority, having finished His earthly work for our Redemption. The apostles will not have to stare at the sky to see Him return in power (the meaning of the “cloud”). They will see Him return in power very soon—on the Day of Pentecost.

Jesus reigns on His throne now!

Possible response: Lord Jesus, it is a mystery to me how You can be gone and yet entirely present to me always. Help me believe it.

Psalm (Read Ps 47:1-2, 5-8)

It is impossible to read through this psalm without wanting to “clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness.” When it was written, it rejoiced over God’s exalted reign over all His creation. Now, it expresses the jubilant praise of God’s people for the victory won by Jesus and His ascent to His rightful place of power and authority at God’s right hand. Ascension Sunday is the day for us to celebrate our God’s reign over all creation. The challenge for us now, of course, is to believe this is true. When we look around us, sometimes it is hard to see that Jesus, the King, is now establishing, expanding, and strengthening His kingdom on earth. Believe it! Let this psalm be our antidote to doubt. We should sing out the response with all our hearts on this day: “God mounts His throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord!”

Possible response: The psalm is, itself, a response to our other readings. Read it again prayerfully to make it your own.

Second Reading (Read Eph 1:17-23)

Read these verses carefully, and feel St. Paul straining to find language adequate to explain the dramatic, superabundant implications of our Lord’s Ascension into heaven. This is actually St. Paul’s prayer for his convert friends in Ephesus (and for us, too). What does he most desire for them? He wants them to ponder deeply, with the help of God, “the hope that belongs to [God’s] call, what are the riches of His glory in His inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe” (Eph 1:18). This is exactly what we need on Ascension Day! We need to feel St. Paul’s urgency over the difference it makes for our daily livesthat Jesus is now seated on His throne, ruling over the world through His Church, “which is His Body, the fullness of the One Who fills all things in every way” (Eph 1:23). St. Paul will not allow us to think of the Ascension as simply a line in the Creed we recite at Mass. In every way he knows how, he wants to point us toward the hope, the riches, and the power that belong to us nowbecause of the Ascension. May his prayer for us become our own, for us and for all the Church, today and always.

Possible response: Father, please grant me the understanding for which St. Paul prayed. My problems seem much smaller when I remember that Jesus is on His throne.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 34, Issue 3

<< Sunday, May 13, 2018 >>

Ascension
Pentecost Novena - Day 3

Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 4:1-13 or
Ephesians 1:17-23
View Readings

Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9
Mark 16:15-20
Similar Reflections

"ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW ______"

"No sooner had He said this than He was lifted up before their eyes in a cloud which took Him from their sight." �Acts 1:9

For almost forty years, a good Catholic father told his children to live for Jesus and to love Jesus especially by going to Mass � not only on Sundays but daily, or as often as possible. However, although some of his children went to Mass on Sundays, they never made the decision to live for Jesus. Then the father said again what he had said for all those years, but this time he died. The children could no longer so easily dismiss or ignore their father's words. One of his sons gave his life to Jesus and centered his life on the Eucharist.

For many years, Jesus has told His disciples many things. We are to:

downsize our lifestyles and choose poverty (Mt 5:3),
love and forgive our enemies (see Mt 5:44),
deny ourselves and take up our crosses each day (Lk 9:23),
wash the feet of others in sacrificial service (see Jn 13:5ff),
devote ourselves to God's Word and the communal life (Acts 2:42), and
spend our lives in being witnesses for Jesus (Acts 1:8).

Many Christians have ignored these commands of Jesus. However, when Jesus ascended, His disciples could not so easily dismiss His words.

May we receive this grace of the Ascension today. On this third day of the Pentecost novena, may we respond to Jesus' words and take Him seriously.

Prayer: Jesus, may Your ways of being "absent" help me be more present and obedient to You.

Promise: "The Lord continued to work with them." �Mk 16:20

Praise: Praise the risen Lord, Who ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.