Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr

“Jesus with his Disciples”
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

(Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter)

Alternate Proper for the Memorial of St. Justin

Readings for Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter[i][ii]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[iii]

Reading 1: Acts 17:15, 22—18:1

After Paul's escorts had taken him to Athens,

they came away with instructions for Silas and Timothy

to join him as soon as possible.

Then Paul stood up at the Areopagus and said:

"You Athenians, I see that in every respect

you are very religious.

For as I walked around looking carefully at your shrines,

I even discovered an altar inscribed, 'To an Unknown God.'

What therefore you unknowingly worship, I proclaim to you.

The God who made the world and all that is in it,

the Lord of heaven and earth,

does not dwell in sanctuaries made by human hands,

nor is he served by human hands because he needs anything.

Rather it is he who gives to everyone life and breath and everything.

He made from one the whole human race

to dwell on the entire surface of the earth,

and he fixed the ordered seasons and the boundaries of their regions,

so that people might seek God,

even perhaps grope for him and find him,

though indeed he is not far from any one of us.

For 'In him we live and move and have our being,'

as even some of your poets have said,

'For we too are his offspring.'

Since therefore we are the offspring of God,

we ought not to think that the divinity is like an image

fashioned from gold, silver, or stone by human art and imagination.

God has overlooked the times of ignorance,

but now he demands that all people everywhere repent

because he has established a day on which he will 'judge the world

with justice' through a man he has appointed,

and he has provided confirmation for all

by raising him from the dead."

When they heard about resurrection of the dead,

some began to scoff, but others said,

"We should like to hear you on this some other time."

And so Paul left them.

But some did join him, and became believers.

Among them were Dionysius,

a member of the Court of the Areopagus,

a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

After this he left Athens and went to Corinth.

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Commentary on Acts 17:15, 22—18:1

This selection sets St. Paul in Athens speaking to the pagans in one of their principle venues.  In his rhetoric he uses their own beliefs to bring them to an understanding of first, God the Father using their “Unknown God” as a starting point, telling them that God is not bound in gold, silver or stone (as their idols are) but existing all around them, creator of all that is and will be.

When he gets to a point at which he begins talking about Jesus and the Lord’s resurrection he looses most of them but some remain and the beginning of Christianity in that city has begun.  From Athens they move to Corinth.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14

R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Praise the LORD from the heavens;

praise him in the heights.

Praise him, all you his angels;

praise him, all you his hosts.

R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Let the kings of the earth and all peoples,

the princes and all the judges of the earth,

Young men too, and maidens,

old men and boys.

R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Praise the name of the LORD,

for his name alone is exalted;

His majesty is above earth and heaven.

R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

or:

R. Alleluia.

He has lifted up the horn of his people;

Be this his praise from all his faithful ones,

from the children of Israel, the people close to him.

Alleluia.

R. Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

or:

R. Alleluia.

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Commentary on Ps 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14

Psalm 148 is a hymn of praise.  In this selection we find it singing of the omnipotence of God, His power and majesty, and His promise of salvation.

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Gospel: John 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples:

"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.

But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,

he will guide you to all truth.

He will not speak on his own,

but he will speak what he hears,

and will declare to you the things that are coming.

He will glorify me,

because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

Everything that the Father has is mine;

for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine

and declare it to you."

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Commentary on Jn 16:12-15

Jesus’ farewell speech continues.  His reference to the coming of the Holy Spirit is explained further and the unity of the trinity comes into focus as the Lord tells his friends that this Advocate will give them what is also his (the Lord’s).

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Reflection:

Any skill or craft may look simple or easy on the surface.  Take the making of a table; what is there to it?  It will have legs and a top.  How simple is that?  Yet a great carpenter will know what kind of wood to use.  They know what tools will be needed and how to use them and those tools will change depending on the size of the piece to be built and the complexity of its design.  A true artist of the craft will take a lifetime to perfect their skill.

Apply that same idea to Jesus’ farewell to his disciples being described in St. John’s Gospel.  He tells them straight out “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.”  Although he is a young man by our standards – in is early 30’s, he is going to meet his passion and death.  With this statement it appears that his disciples have figured that out and are understandably distraught.

While we do not know exactly how old his friends are, we do know they have a huge task in front of them.  They are to take the Good News to the world.  As they do so, principally because of the gift of the Holy Spirit to be received on Pentecost, they will understand more of what they cannot understand at the moment of this telling.

It is like this with us as well.  Who among us did not grow up with our parents telling us about Jesus and how we needed to love him and be loved by him?  That very simplistic understanding was what we could grasp at that phase of our relationship to him.  As we grew older we began to understand better what it meant to love the Lord and be loved by him.  And now as we recall the words of St. John once more we see how far we have come and know that like the disciples we have a long way yet to go.

Today we give thanks for our relationship to the risen Lord and we ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to take us further as we truly come to understand all that God will let us understand before we meet him face to face.

Pax

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[i] ALTRE

[ii] The picture used today is “Jesus with his Disciples” Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

[iii] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL).  This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“The Visitation”
by El Greco, 1610-13

Information about the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary[1]

Readings for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary[2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!

Sing joyfully, O Israel!

Be glad and exult with all your heart,

O daughter Jerusalem!

The LORD has removed the judgment against you,

he has turned away your enemies;

The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,

you have no further misfortune to fear.

On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:

Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!

The LORD, your God, is in your midst,

a mighty savior;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

and renew you in his love,

He will sing joyfully because of you,

as one sings at festivals.

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Commentary on Zep 3:14-18a

This reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah is part of a hymn of joy sung by the remnant restored to Zion.  It comes at the end of the oracle as the faithful worship God their savior who has given them what he promised and forgiven them of their many sins against him.

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Or Romans 12:9-16

Brothers and sisters: Let love be sincere;

hate what is evil,

hold on to what is good;

love one another with mutual affection;

anticipate one another in showing honor.

Do not grow slack in zeal,

be fervent in spirit,

serve the Lord.

Rejoice in hope,

endure in affliction,

persevere in prayer.

Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,

exercise hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you,

bless and do not curse them.

Rejoice with those who rejoice,

weep with those who weep.

Have the same regard for one another,

do not be haughty but associate with the lowly;

do not be wise in your own estimation.

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Commentary on Rom 12:9-16

St. Paul gives a litany of instructions to those who wish to remain faithful to Christ’s teachings.  He is speaking to a community that is one in faith in Christ. He tells the community that in their union the gifts of each must serve the needs of all and these gifts need to be exercised. In this selection the Evangelist gives a litany of exhortations to live the love of Christ, following his command to love one another sincerely and to forgive those who persecute them.

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Responsorial Psalm Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

R. (6) Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

God indeed is my savior;

I am confident and unafraid.

My strength and my courage is the LORD,

and he has been my savior.

With joy you will draw water

at the fountain of salvation.

R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;

among the nations make known his deeds,

proclaim how exalted is his name.

R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;

let this be known throughout all the earth.

Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,

for great in your midst

is the Holy One of Israel!

R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

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Commentary on Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

This canticle from the Prophet Isaiah emphasizes the peace and confidence of his servant in the salvation of God.  He sings his praise to God and exhorts all of Israel to praise Him as they see his constant presence among them in his blessings upon them.

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Gospel Luke 1:39-56

Mary set out

and traveled to the hill country in haste

to a town of Judah,

where she entered the house of Zechariah

and greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,

the infant leaped in her womb,

and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,

cried out in a loud voice and said,

"Most blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

And how does this happen to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,

the infant in my womb leaped for joy.

Blessed are you who believed

that what was spoken to you by the Lord

would be fulfilled."

And Mary said:

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever."

Mary remained with her about three months

and then returned to her home.

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Commentary on Lk 1:39-56

The Gospel selection from St. Luke gives us the story of Mary’s journey from Nazareth, over the mountains to Hebron, south of Jerusalem, to visit her cousin St. Elizabeth who was also with child.  St. Elizabeth’s greeting gives us substance for the “Hail Mary” and Mary’s response is the great Canticle of Mary which exemplifies her faith and faithfulness, appropriate for the Mother of Jesus who is the Christ.

Mary’s meeting with Elizabeth follows the annunciation by Gabriel that she would carry the Son of God which proclaims the coming of the Lord and the faith of Mary before the nativity event. We note that Elizabeth is first to identify Jesus as Lord as she says” …how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” She not only professes the identity of the infant but foreshadows Mary’s leadership standing, elevating the stature of her much younger cousin with reverence. Elizabeth continues her praise of Mary by establishing that her (Mary’s) faith had allowed her to accept even the incredible role God had offered her.

In response we hear Mary’s humility as she gives us the Magnificat “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior...”  This opening phrase establishes that the Blessed Mother gives herself to God eternally (her eternal self -Soul) and completely (the very core of her being -Spirit).  What follows in her great song is an abject expression of faith in the Father’s omnipotence and her own humility and awe in the face of his request of her – to carry God’s only Son.

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Reflection:

As we reflect upon the Visitation, as sometimes happens, we consider the event in broad or general terms – Mary, the vessel of Jesus visits St. Elizabeth, the vessel of St. John the Baptist.  The mothers greet each other but only after the Lord and St. John have already communed in spirit.  St. John “leaped for joy” in the presence of the Lord, communicating his own exultation to his mother. 

We see this reaction in St. Elizabeth when she greets Mary, already knowing the identity of the child she carries.  St. Elizabeth clearly recognizes the holiness of Mary.  This is remarkable when we consider that St. Elizabeth is far older than her young cousin.  We were told that she was barren “And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived * a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;” (Luke 1:36) when Mary received the news of her own conception from the Archangel Gabriel.  Yet, her cousin not only differs to her but offers her worshipful praise “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”.

This meeting, as we look back upon it is much more than an encounter between faith-filled women; rather it is the Messiah, the Only Begotten Son of God, being introduced to the world in the persons of St. John the Baptist and, secondly, to his mother St. Elizabeth.  It is for this reason we celebrate this event in solemn worship.  It is in essence our first meeting with the Incarnation.

Our joy in this meeting is echoed by St. Elizabeth who gives us the words of the Hail Mary in her salutation.  It is a reminder, not only of the Blessed Virgin’s own faith in God and acceptance of His will, but our own need to thank St. Mary for her obedience, St. Elizabeth for her understanding, and St. John for his recognition of this wondrous event.

Today we pray that our faith may be as perceptive as St. Elizabeth’s in recognizing Christ in our brothers and sisters and that St. Mary’s unwavering obedience to God might give us courage to obey him as well.

Pax 

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[1] The image used today is “The Visitation” by El Greco, 1610-13

[2] ALTRE

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL).  This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter

“The Descent of the Holy Ghost”
by Vecellio Tiziano, 1545

Readings for Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Acts 16:11-15

We set sail from Troas, making a straight run for Samothrace,

and on the next day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi,

a leading city in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony.

We spent some time in that city.

On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river

where we thought there would be a place of prayer.

We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there.

One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth,

from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened,

and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention

to what Paul was saying.

After she and her household had been baptized,

she offered us an invitation,

"If you consider me a believer in the Lord,

come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us.

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Commentary on Acts 16:11-15

This passage recounts how St. Paul and his companions leave for Philippi in Macedonia.  We hear of the conversion of Lydia and her family.  It is not clear if Lydia is part of the Jewish Community of that region or like the Eunuch converted by Philip (Acts 8:26-40) a “God-fearer” who embraced the concept monotheism.  It appears that she gives St. Paul a base from which the rest of the community can be evangelized.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b

R. (see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Sing to the LORD a new song

of praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Let Israel be glad in their maker,

let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Let them praise his name in the festive dance,

let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

For the LORD loves his people,

and he adorns the lowly with victory.

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Let the faithful exult in glory;

let them sing for joy upon their couches.

Let the high praises of God be in their throats.

This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

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Commentary on Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b

Psalm 149 is a communal song of praise, rejoicing in God’s kingship and inviting the faithful to celebrate his saving works. We rejoice because God brings victory to the lowly and hope to the oppressed.

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Gospel: 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 who 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."

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Commentary on Jn 15:26—16:4a

Jesus continues the theme of the strength to be given in the “Advocate”, the “Spirit of truth”, the Holy Spirit (see commentary on John 14:15-21).  In this instance he predicts to his friends that once they begin to spread the Good News he gives them, they will face serious condemnation from their own faith community. 

Jesus tells them they will be martyred by people who believe they are doing God’s will. They do this because the people to not know Jesus or understand that the Father is in him and he is in the Father and he is in his dispels so his disciples are also in the Father.  This foreknowledge is intended to strengthen them when their hour comes (“I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”)

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Reflection:

With only two more weeks to go before Pentecost, we are looking forward to our celebration of the great gift of the New Advocate. Holy Scripture reminds us of that impending event and gives us more information about what it can do for us if we are open to its guidance. We also get a pretty clear idea that, to our logical minds, following the guidance of that Holy Spirit might not be the safest thing to do.

Jesus tells his disciples that when they start spreading the Lord’s story to people who believe, as they do, in God and His salvation, they will not accept that Jesus was the fulfillment of all the Law and Prophets. They will reject the disciples, expel them from the Synagogues and kill them. St. John tells this story as the only Apostle not martyred but sent into exile. All of this probably would not have come to pass if the Lord had not left them the Holy Spirit to strengthen them (remember how they cowered in the locked room following his passion and execution?).

In the reading from the Acts of Apostles we see the Holy Spirit acting again as Lydia hears St. Paul’s words. We note that their fame (infamy) must have preceded them since they are not speaking in synagogues. Lydia hears the Word and confesses her faith being baptized with her whole household and invites St. Paul and his companions to use her house while they are in Philippi. We know the result of that visit as we later see St. Paul craft a letter to the church he establishes there.

We are reminded by these events that as we leave our doors today we enter Mission Territory and are called to be a voice for the Lord in that sometimes hostile land. We pray once more for the strength we were given in the Holy Spirit who will be our advocate and guide today.

Pax

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[1] ALTRE

[2] The picture used is “The Descent of the Holy Ghost” by Vecellio Tiziano, 1545

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

“Blessing Christ”
by Raffaello Sanzio, 1506

Readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8, 14-17

Philip went down to the city of Samaria

and proclaimed the Christ to them.

With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip

when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing.

For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice,

came out of many possessed people,

and many paralyzed or crippled people were cured.

There was great joy in that city.

Now when the apostles in Jerusalem

heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God,

they sent them Peter and John,

who went down and prayed for them,

that they might receive the Holy Spirit,

for it had not yet fallen upon any of them;

they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Then they laid hands on them

and they received the Holy Spirit.

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Commentary on Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

St. Philip begins his missionary activities immediately following the death of St. Stephen.  We hear many of the Hellenists were scattered following the deacon’s witness against the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.  St. Philip goes with them into Samaria and proclaims the arrival of the Messiah in Christ.  The Word is spreading through the persecution of Saul.

We note the omission of verses 9-13.  From a historical perspective this passage speaks of the conversion of Simion the magician, important for the community in that it differentiated the signs being done by the Apostles and those believed to be sorcerers by the local inhabitants of the region This important distinction is qualified in Acts 8; 6-7; “With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing.”

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

R. (1) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth,

sing praise to the glory of his name;

proclaim his glorious praise.

Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia.

“Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you,

sing praise to your name!”

Come and see the works of God,

his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam.

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia.

He has changed the sea into dry land;

through the river they passed on foot;

therefore let us rejoice in him.

He rules by his might forever.

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare

what he has done for me.

Blessed be God who refused me not

my prayer or his kindness!

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or:

R. Alleluia.

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Commentary on Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

Psalm 66 is a song of thanksgiving. As it continues today the selection starts with part of the community blessing of the Lord and follows with the second and third strophes being individual response to the communal prayer. In the final strophe, v.20, we see the usual action of the person who has been rescued coming forward to teach the community what God has done.

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Reading II: 1 Peter 3:15-18

Beloved:

Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.

Always be ready to give an explanation

to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,

but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear,

so that, when you are maligned,

those who defame your good conduct in Christ

may themselves be put to shame.

For it is better to suffer for doing good,

if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.

For Christ also suffered for sins once,

the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous,

that he might lead you to God.

Put to death in the flesh,

he was brought to life in the Spirit.

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Commentary on 1 Pt 3:15-18

Speaking again to the persecuted Christian community, St. Peter tells them to always be ready to bear witness to their faith but to do so without condescension, with love.  Witnessing in this way with “gentleness and reverence” and not being defensive or vehement, their attackers will look cause the Christians to look the victims giving no one a reason to punish them. In this way they were to follow the example of Christ who “suffered” (many sources read “died”) for all mankind, the righteous and the unrighteous.

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Gospel: John 14:15-21

Jesus said to his disciples:

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

And I will ask the Father,

and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always,

the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept,

because it neither sees nor knows him.

But you know him, because he remains with you,

and will be in you.

I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

In a little while the world will no longer see me,

but you will see me, because I live and you will live.

On that day you will realize that I am in my Father

and you are in me and I in you.

Whoever has my commandments and observes them

is the one who loves me.

And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,

and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”

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Commentary on Jn 14:15-21

The farewell speech of the Lord continues with the promise of the Holy Spirit – the Paraclete. We note he says “another advocate”; Jesus himself is the first advocate (in St. John’s Gospel the term used synonymously with spokesman, mediator, intercessor, comforter, and consoler).  Jesus says this gift is “The Spirit of truth” (from the Quamram or Dead Sea Scrolls- a moral force put into a person by God.). This promise is made because the disciples are becoming worried and are afraid of being left without Jesus’ guidance. In addition to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he leaves his peace, not just the greeting “Shalom” but an inner peace that conquers fear.

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Reflection:

As always on the Day of the Lord, we are asked to be imitators of Christ.  Taken as a statement like; “All you need to do to earn a place in heaven is imitate Jesus of Nazareth and do what he asked people to do.”  It sounds so easy, just this one thing.  Yet, even with the practical advice given in Holy Scripture, we find living the commandments of Christ to be the hardest thing we have ever attempted.

We are constantly faced with opportunities to fall from grace.  It is like walking a tight-rope, one moment of inattention, one false step and we loose our balance and fall.  With deeper understanding of the message of Jesus we see how hard it is and may think, “Why try? There is no way I can be like that.”

Into our questioning and doubt comes the Lord with help for us.  Through St. John he tells us (as he told his disciples) that even though he is going home – the join his Father in heaven, he is not making us orphans.  He is leaving us with a “New Advocate”.  He, who is both man and God, leaves us God, indwelling as a guide and counselor.  We feel it as that inner voice guiding us, that warning voice telling us where not to go, that consoling voice that gives us hope.

Strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit, we should be convinced that what is asked of us by God’s perfect expression of love is possible, a reasonable expectation by the one who created us and should know.  Even though we still doubt (who, after all, has seen the Holy Spirit? (AKA “Holy Ghost”)), we are called onward by the voice of Jesus “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.” 

Ironically, it gets easier with that statement.  If we love the Lord and know what pleases him, it becomes a matter of keeping our love for him in the back of our minds constantly.  Like one we are desperately in love with is always on our mind; not to the point of distraction (that is obsession) but always near by.

Still, it is not easy what the Lord asks, commands!  But he did not leave us without resources so we only need to reach for that strength and it will be there.  We pray today for the strength to call on that font of hope and wisdom left to us by the Prince of Peace.

Pax

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[1] ALTRE

[2] The picture used today is “Blessing Christ” by Raffaello Sanzio, 1506

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.