The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Romans 12:9-16
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
Luke 1:39-56

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Many times we forget the role Our Lady has played throughout history, and still plays in our faith and within the Church. Our Lady is the queen of all the saints and is closest to Jesus and the Trinity. Because of this closeness, Mary has a special power of intercession, such as at the wedding feast at Cana when she said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5) Our Lady has a special ability to pray with us and for us before her Son, Jesus. In times of serious trial and difficulty we need to pray and ask Our Lady to help us, and to intercede for us before God. With our firm will, prayers, and Our Lady's help, miracles happen.

- Steve Shawl
(webmaster, Medjugorje.org)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 20:17-27
Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21
John 17:1-11a

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I know it sounds pretty dramatic and self-concerned, but haven't you ever felt like you were “languishing” -- that the things you had a grip on, the plans you had carefully made for some eventual good -- were all kind of evaporating?

Sometimes these experiences make me want to just give up and let someone else take the lead, to be in charge. What I really mean is, I suffer when things don't go well. The truth of it is, however, that we all suffer when we don't do our best, whatever that best might be, even if the results are not all we hoped they would be.

It doesn't matter if others, perhaps, don't do their part; that's between them and God. What does matter is that we do our part and not be judgmental of others and the constraints that life and circumstances heap upon them.

Being often self-absorbed, I think mostly of my own circumstances and fail to rightfully consider those of others. In imitation of Christ, I must more and more forget self, remembering that though He was God, He did not exempt Himself from disappointment or temptation; but instead, relied on His Father for the grace to always and everywhere do what was right and necessary for salvation. That is our call too -- our wild and wonderful call to share with Christ in the salvation of ourselves and that of the world.

“A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance;
you restored the land when it languished."

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, May 29, 2006
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 19:1-8
Psalms 68:2-7
John 16:29-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

During our daily pilgrimage towards Heaven we are called to grow closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ. To do this we must love humbly, thus repent for our sins. John the Baptist knew this, and as St. Paul explains in the first reading, he baptised in the name of repentance. Those that were baptised by John were ready to receive Christ. Therefore, Paul baptised them in Jesus' name and they received the Holy Spirit to guide them along their earthly pilgrimage.

The Gospel continues this theme. Now that the disciples had accepted Christ into their lives, they will find peace. The same can be said for each one of us who opens our hearts to Our Lord. The peace of which Jesus speaks, can only be received when we're united with Him and the Father. Being united with the Holy Trinity enables us to overcome all the trials of this world. We know this because Jesus said: "In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." (John 16:33)

- Danielle

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, May 28, 2006
Seventh Sunday of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20
1 John 4:11-16
John 17:11b-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Eyewitnesses are so important for persuading people of the truth or falsity of allegations, whether it's in a court of justice, or in the privacy of a home. When the news of Jesus’ resurrection was first spread abroad, people believed Peter and the other apostles because they had witnessed the risen Christ with their own eyes. Even Thomas became a believer when he had witnessed Christ’s wounds. So when the time came for the apostles to find a replacement for Judas Iscariot, they narrowed their choice to those who had actually seen Jesus alive after his resurrection.

We may well wonder why the number twelve was so important. Scholars are generally in agreement that Jesus Himself carefully chose twelve to fulfill the mission of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. In any case, the Holy Spirit chose Matthias. In the unanimous witness of those who preached the Gospel, credibility would be assured.

The Gospel continues from last week the farewell address of Jesus at the Last Supper. “Consecrate them in the truth," Jesus prays. All successors of the apostles are so consecrated. Truth is the one great divine force which will assure the unity of the infant church. “One faith, one Lord, one Baptism” binds all who would be faithful branches on the Vine which is Christ.

We have seen through the ages from the beginning how deviation from Christ’s teaching tears asunder the solidarity of one Church. Christian bodies generally separate from this unity on one or another point of doctrine. The physical unity of Christ’s church will only be restored when there is a return to consensus on all aspects of the “deposit of faith."

Our role is to be good witnesses to the truth by our patient endurance of trials, our unshakeable loyalty to our Holy Father, and constant prayer “that they all may be one."

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, May 27, 2006
Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter
St. Augustine of Canterbury

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 18:23-28
Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10
John 16:23-28

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Ask and you shall receive, so that your joy may be complete."

Whatever you ask in the name of Jesus Christ will be granted to you. Many seem to think that if one prays for a million dollars and invokes the name of Jesus at the end of the prayer, one should receive a million dollars. That is so mistaken.

What does it mean to "ask in my name?" A name is an intimate identifier -- it is the identity of the person wrapped up in a single word. We have lost the sense of this, but it is a truth taught throughout the Bible. Moses is so called because he was "drawn from the water." Samuel is so named because he was born to a barren woman and was "asked of God." The name says something about the person, something deep and intimate.

To ask in Jesus’ name means that one is obliged to ask in the spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit did not come down from heaven after the baptism and announce, "This is my beloved Son who is beloved because of his wealth." In His earthly life, Jesus did not teach the value of riches.

To pray in the name of Jesus means to pray in accord with the nature of Jesus, Son of God, humble and obedient. What we should ask for should always be couched in, "Thy will be done." To ask in Jesus’ name means to ask for the things that Jesus would ask for and to be ultimately surrendered to God's will. This prayer will always be answered, and its answer will always increase joy and delight in the Lord. "Your joy will be complete."

Praying in the name of Jesus is not merely using His name as a magical invocation at the end of the prayer; rather it is praying in the spirit of Christ, in the spirit of humble, obedient servants of the Lord.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 26, 2006
Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
St. Philip Neri, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 18:9-18
Psalm 47:2-7
John 16:20-23

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away...." (John 16:22)

The greatest Christian paradox, or seeming contradiction, is its teaching that death actually brings us new life. This does not refer only to the soul's survival after physical death as seen in Christ's assurance to the repentant criminal dying on the cross next to Him, "this day you will be with me in paradise." It refers also to the many "small" deaths, self-denials, that we suffer from living in this sinful world.

In "Acts" Paul is persecuted by Jews who hated him for preaching contrary to their beliefs and attracting many to Christianity. Although in this case, God allowed him to continue preaching in that same location for some time, we know that Paul had to die to self many other times by fleeing from those threatening his life, who beat, reviled and jailed him. Paul, along with other dedicated Christians gave up home, family, comfort, security and freedom for the sake of trying to save people from perishing in sin.

In life's journey we too will suffer, often from our own wrong words and actions. In addition we are hurt by those who claim being Christians or by unbelievers; such people simply have not taken time and effort to come to truly know our Lord in prayer. Man has yet to learn that not forgiving and retaliation only inspire more hatred and revenge. Day by day we are called to deny ourselves for spouse, children, friends or neighbors. We will have to endure frustration, privation, disappointment, illness, unkind words and misunderstanding. Yet, today's Gospel gives us hope, for Christ is ever with us and "our mourning will be turned to joy." If we keep in mind the many torments Christ had to endure for us, we can face our pain with patience and love, knowing that one day He will meet us and "dry our every tear."

Loving and ever-present Lord, we lift our hearts to You in thanksgiving. Give us a deeper knowledge of Your love and the grace we need to live in it. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, May 25, 2006
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
(today is a Holyday of Obligation - please read this)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
Ephesians 1:17-23
Mark 16:15-20

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord into Heaven. It must have been a day of mixed emotions for the apostles. Christ had told them that He must return to the Father and that soon the Holy Spirit would be with them. He also reassured them that He was preparing a place for each of them, but yes, He must leave and they would no longer enjoy His physical presence.

We have not lived in such an era, enjoying the physical presence of Christ; yet we recall that He said He is always with us, even to the end of time. Christ is also present to us in the Holy Eucharist. We can receive His Precious Body and Blood. Even the apostles did not enjoy that opportunity until the Last Supper. The angels of God also don't have that ability! Christ has also promised that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, would be with us. In the meantime, Christ has prepared a place in heaven for each of us.

It is reassuring to keep all of this in mind as we begin again to prepare for the coming feast of Pentecost.

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 17:15, 22—18:1
Psalm 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14
John 16:12-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I am constantly amazed at the exquisiteness of our Lord’s plan to bring us to His kingdom and eternal salvation. The Lord knew His disciples well and knew that they were not ready to hear the entire truth that Jesus came to deliver. So, He had a plan to send the Holy Spirit to bring the fullness of truth to the disciples and to all of us.

Today’s Gospel contains Jesus’ foretelling of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This is truly an amazing story. We find the apostles in fear and hiding after the Lord’s death followed by their amazement and some disbelief at His Resurrection. Then, at Pentecost the spirit comes and the change in them is more than radical: it is something truly divine. The entire truth was revealed to them and through them to all Christians across the centuries to us today. What a truly exquisite plan that could not fail, that could only come from the one true God.

From this plan we all have the truth and with the truth all our fears from unknowns are gone.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 16:22-34
Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8
John 16:5-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The thing in today's Scripture Readings that particularly caught my attention was that the jailer sought conversion only after he had experienced an extraordinarily frightening event. Isn't that the way it so often is! We have to be shocked out of our socks, so to speak, before God has our attention and we're finally in the mood to listen attentively to Him.

There have been times in my life when I have prayed for a docile spirit and temperament that would naturally lead me to hear the gentle urgings of God. Often it has been after realizing to what extent God might have to go to get me to change. It scared me to think of it, for I seem little inclined to suffering and don't like to be frightened.

The wonder and awe and power of God are beyond all our capacity to fathom. Yet He stoops down from heaven and we are told, delights in the children of men. I'm sure He doesn't like to be heavy handed with us, but the alternative however is far worse, the possible loss of eternal glory. So I will continue to pray for docility, but if You must Lord, do whatever is necessary. I don't want to be lost, no matter what.

"Lord, give us joy by these Easter mysteries."
(from the prayer over the gifts at today's Mass)

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, May 22, 2006
Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
St. Rita of Cascia, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 16:11-15
Psalms 149:1-6. 9
John 15:26--16:4

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

". . . the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying." (see Acts 16:14)

In today's first readings, we meet Lydia -- a believer in God and a "dealer in purple cloth.” An intriguing woman who was in the right place, at the right time, with the right heart. Purple is a rare colour often associated with royalty. It also carries the attributes of power, nobility, luxury, extravagance, independence, creativity and femininity. Dyed purple cloth must have been an expensive commodity in ancient times and Lydia was likely wealthy. We are told that members of her household were baptized along with her - so she probably had servants. Lydia likely inspired their conversion through her contagious and joyful faith -- energized and alive with the Holy Spirit.

Paul encountered Lydia at the "place for prayer.” Prayer involves more than just talking to God; more important than what is said in prayer, is what God says to us. It is what enables us to act with faith, compassion, quiet patience and great love – just as Lydia did. She responded to the Gospel by opening not just her heart, but her home. She gave hospitality, not because she felt like it, but because it was needed.

Lydia was a woman of prayer, who listened and opened her heart. She was obedient to her baptismal call to be a herald of hope, united to the Lord Jesus, Who is the source of all hope. God can do amazing things through men and women who are prepared to seek Him, to follow Him and to be obedient to His call. For we are only limited by the smallness of our own vision and ambitions.

"Love to pray. For prayer gives a clean heart.
And a clean heart can see God." (Mother Teresa of Calcutta)

- Anne

(anne97 at gmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, May 21, 2006
Sixth Sunday of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48
Psalm 98:1-4
1 John 4:7-10
John 15:9-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's readings, the Holy Spirit sends shockwaves to the apostolic leadership. Just when some consensus to Jesus’ message of salvation for the Jews has been achieved, the Holy Spirit hits them with a thunderbolt of new teaching. Peter has a noonday trance that disturbs him. A heavenly agent forbids him to call any food unclean that God has made clean!

Cornelius, a pagan, is likewise visited by an angel who commands him to summon Peter. Through the resulting encounter, Peter is convinced that the message of salvation he thought applied only to Jews, is meant also for non-Jews. This does not go over well with many Jews back in Jerusalem. Salvation was no longer an exclusive prerogative for the Chosen People. Now, all are chosen! The community peace is shattered!

What saves the new Church? That other “shocker” — the command to love one another “as I have loved you.” Love is the “glue” that holds the community together, not just then but now.

Two thousand years of trial and error has not made any easier this fundamental teaching of our faith. Love! Just think of what dynamic transformation there would be in our world society, if all Christians really loved one another! When the Holy Spirit asks us if we like the idea of love, we respond enthusiastically. But even though the Lord has actually commanded us to love, we balk, make all kinds of excuses and compromises. Yet, the meaning is clear. God loves us unconditionally, and we will never measure up to Jesus’ command until we are able to love in the same manner.

What can we do?

We can beg the Holy Spirit daily to flow into us more freely so that we will produce better fruit. Like good fruit, love is tantalizing, appealing, and truly irresistible. There is no power on earth stronger than love. It will ultimately silence critics, win over those who are hostile to the Church, and bring all nations and peoples to the salvation for which Christ died and rose again. May we stretch our love to embrace more of our brothers and sisters this week.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, May 20, 2006
Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
St. Bernardine of Siena, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 16:1-10
Psalm 100:1-3, 5
John 15:18-21

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"I have chosen you out of the world."

Much of this passage seems so negative -- the world will hate you because you love me and the world has already hated me. But there is within all of the warning the true kernel of joy and it is the certain knowledge that Jesus Christ has chosen us from out of the world.

The reality is that God does choose everyone, but not everyone chooses to respond to God. How should we respond to this choice? What does it mean to be chosen?

For one thing, it means that we recognize Who sent Christ to us. The Holy Spirit within teaches us to see, and teaching us to see will also allow us to teach others to see. Being chosen means that we are the sighted among the blind and it is our duty to lead the blind to the Lord so that He might enlighten their minds, eyes, and hearts. Being chosen means that we know Love and can make Love known to others. Being chosen means that God is with us in whatever we do.

Being chosen means desiring that all of God's children see their chosenness; that all come to Him sooner rather than later. Indeed, being chosen means desiring God's happiness for everyone, because we cannot love God if we do not love one another.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 19, 2006
The Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 15:22-31
Psalm 57:8-10 and 12
John 15:12-17

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"We have heard that some . . . have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind." (Acts 15:24)

From its beginning Christ's Church has been misled by wrong teachings, the worst from within it. These false teachers may or may not have good intentions, but their errors stem from their lack of intimacy with Christ gained only by prayer. "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." In our reading from "Acts" Paul and Barnabas ask the Apostles for guidance and help because some were teaching that one could not become a Christian unless he also followed the entire "Mosaic Law." Two helpers were sent with an official letter specifying the most basic Christian principles to be followed by converts.

Today's problems stem mainly from liberal priests and theologians pandering to secularism, claiming that Church teachings must "change with the times." They ignore that God's truths can never change because they are inherent in God's love. Blinded by ignorance, selfishness or perverted mercy, many Christians see abortion and euthanasia as legitimate means of eliminating the unwanted or burdensome. To these life is like garbage, disposable. Artificial contraception rather than natural family planning denies that the sexual act is meant to be life-giving, not a sterile, loveless, orgasmic experience satisfying our physical urges. Contrary to the "feminist" claim that such practices give women reproductive freedom, women have cheapened themselves by giving men unhindered sex while freeing them from any responsibility for "accidents."

Christ in the Gospel tells His "faithful" that love is to be the very basis of their lives. Note that this command follows Jesus telling them earlier in this chapter that living in love and truth is possible only if they stay as branches firmly attached to Him who is the "Vine," their only source of genuine life.

Merciful Father, send Your Holy Spirit upon us that He may teach us to daily live in the love and truths You have made known to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, May 18, 2006
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
St. John I, pope and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 15:7-21
Psalm 96:1-3, 10
John 15:9-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

An individual word can have tremendous significance. We find this to be true in the gospel of today! Jesus stated to His followers, "As the Father loves me, so I also love you, REMAIN in my love."

What does the word "remain" signify?

It lets us know that for eternity we are loved by Christ, "just as Christ remains in the love of the Father." (John 15:9-11) Christ does NOT say, "If you are good and follow the commandments, then I will love you." His love comes first, it is always there! It is a total gift.

So often, we as humans feel and believe that we have to do things, say certain prayers in order to earn the love of God. This, of course, is impossible! Yes, we do need to do good works, and to pray, but it is not so that God will love us. God doesn't think like we do.

In the conclusion of that same gospel, Christ shares with us that He has told us how He loves us so that "HIS JOY might be in us"! What a powerful statement! What a gift!

Enjoy!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 15:1-6
Psalm 122:1-5
John 15:1-5

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Have you ever known anyone who has a passion for growing roses, or have you ever visited a commercial vineyard? In both cases the plants are constantly pruned and kept in perfect order. The idea is to cut the non-productive parts back so that the nutrients supplied by the vine can be concentrated in only those branches that will produce large, beautiful flowers or sweet, juicy grapes.

Jesus uses the example of the vine to explain how our relationship with Him should be, although with one important difference: the branch in the vineyard cannot decide to bear fruit or not bear fruit, whereas we can. Jesus says, “Remain in me, as I remain in you.” Later in the gospel reading He says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.” The branch that is barren is quickly cut and tossed away, but for us we can remain in Him by staying in His Word, through constant prayer and in regular reception of Holy Communion.

He is the vine, the source of our nourishment and we are the branches, bearing fruit for the kingdom.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 14:19-28
Psalm 145:10-13,21
John 14:27-31

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's reading from the Acts of the Apostles, there is an account of the stoning of St. Paul. With this we learn again of the trials that faithfulness to the Gospel message entails and the necessity for great perseverance.

Being determined to persevere and then actually doing it requires God's grace and our cooperation with grace. Marred by sin as we are, we often need incentives to encourage and spur us on. St Paul understood that and gave the disciples reassurances and encouraged them to persevere in the faith with this instruction "We must undergo many trials if we are to enter the reign of God."

The incentive for determined perseverance is everlasting glory, something that we need to remember and remind others about. The need for support in this troubled world is great and without this vision of the reign of God, we can easily become discouraged

By faithfully reading Holy Scripture and frequent reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist we receive what we need, first for ourselves and then to be a source of strength and hope for others. It is only in union with the suffering Christ that strength, courage and fortitude will be found, the tools for determined perseverance

Once fortified by God's gifts of grace let us, as the Responsorial Psalm says,
" . . . bless You and tell of the glory of Your kingdom . . . . Making known to men Your might and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom." (Ps. 145:10-12)

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, May 15, 2006
Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 14:5-18
Psalms 115:1-4, 15-16
John 14:21-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Paul and Barnabas become angry at the realization that God is not being praised for such wondrous miracles performed in the presence of the Gentiles. They shout at the Gentiles to abandon their false gods, to acknowledge and worship the true God of all the earth and people.

We read in the Gospel of John that Jesus teaches and stresses the very notion that when we love, worship, and praise God our Father, He is always with us all the days of our lives. When we live the Commandments and teachings of Our Lord, we become filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaiming His wonders in our midst!

It is evident that Paul and Barnabas were filled with the Holy Spirit as they taught about Jesus and performed miracles in His Name. Unfortunately, the ignorance of the Gentiles, led them to confuse Paul and Barnabas with human forms of their own gods.

These readings carry various meanings in our lives today. In our materialistic, fast-paced society, we often let ourselves be swept away in material idols and riches. We forget those less fortunate, begin to hoard our possessions and lose sight of Our Lord's teachings. We also fail to praise and thank Jesus for His hand in leading us to where we are at this present moment.

In the pursuit of individuality, we abandon Jesus in our lives and become vulnerable to the false teachings, heresies, and practices of the "new age" movement. Our vision of Jesus and His teachings becomes cloudy, as we literally drown in the new and “old” religious fads of society. We must hold dear to our hearts the healing power and wonders of Our Lord and when subtle miracles become visible, let us know to see Christ as their source.

- Alicia

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, May 14, 2006
Fifth Sunday of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 9:26-31
Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32
1 John 3:18-24
John 15:1-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Soon after the early Church began to grow, a major event occurred. Saul of Tarsus, one of the most feared and hated persecutors of Christians, miraculously converted to Christianity. No one could have predicted the startling accident that befell Saul on his way from Jerusalem to Damascus. He was knocked off his horse, and struck blind by a divine shaft of light that left him blind and helpless. He was directed by a Voice to seek out one Ananias who would give him further directions. The rest is history.

It was surely a miracle of grace that often-bitter fighting between various factions did not split the Church apart and destroy it Furthermore, many were sorely tested when friends and relatives opposed them or even betrayed them to the authorities. What saved the whole enterprise was surely the teaching we find in today’s second reading. John tells his followers “…love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” We must not merely “mouth” the beautiful teaching of Jesus, but work on the difficult task of living those words.

All of the disciples must likewise have found great consolation in the powerful image of today’s Gospel. In the great farewell address of Jesus at the Last Supper, He tells his disciples: “I am the vine; you are the branches.” Think about it! As a branch cannot survive if it is separated from the vine, neither can we survive if we sever our connection with Jesus. He is constantly strengthening us with grace, just as a vine gives life moment by moment to its branches.

Sometimes we take to ourselves all the credit for the resulting growth within us. We even try to control the directions in which our faith life is shared. We like to pick our own ministries, rather than allow the Lord to have a say in the decision. Then, when our activities are “pruned” through failure, illness, or other disappointments, we can complain or become bitter.

At those times, we need to be more trusting, and realize that perhaps God’s Providence has broader plans for our growth and the growth of His kingdom. Without pruning, a vine may look flourishing and healthy, but it will produce much less fruit. Likewise, if we are to be fruitful members of Christ, we must sacrifice our own plans and projects for what the Lord has in mind.

After all, Christ is the vine, and we are only branches!

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, May 13, 2006
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Our Lady of Fatima

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 13:44-52
Psalm 98:1-7
John 14:7-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"If you know me, then you will also know my Father."

There it is, in plain English! How do we come to know God the Father? By knowing Jesus! If we know Jesus, we have seen the human face of the Father. If we know Jesus, we know the heart of God because Jesus is the Love of God, who is all love, brought into life for our good and the good of all the Earth.

But He also teaches here the most important path to follow -- self-emptying. He notes that His teaching is not His own, His words do not belong to Him, the things He does, He does not do, but the Father does in Him.

So it is with us. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches us that the only thing that human will can do all by itself is reject God. Everything good that is done in us and through us, is done with the aid of God's grace. We cannot begin to take a step in the right direction without God's help.

The great news is that God is always there to help. Jesus is always at our side, and His grace is sufficient -- nothing else is needed. Often when we fail to do what we think God wants, it is because we are relying on ourselves and putting thoughts into God's head. Indeed, when we trust, when we give ourselves over entirely to Jesus and when each of our actions begins with "Jesus, for Your sake, and for the sake of the Father, with the help of the Holy Spirit, let this action be for Your glory," God will accomplish in us all that need be done.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 12, 2006
The Fourth Week of Easter
Sts. Nereus, Achilleus, Pancras, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 13:26-33
Psalm 2:6-11
John 14:1-6

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"I am the way, the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

The theme of today's readings is "conversion," a heartfelt change of attitude that allows man to see his sin and need for God's forgiveness and Christ's saving power. This is made evident in our first reading in which Paul (Saul) speaks of how Jesus was betrayed and how His death and resurrection indicated that He, indeed, was the Israelites' awaited Messiah. This was a radical conversion, for last week's reading saw him working to destroy Christ's Church. The risen Jesus then confronted him and he was struck blind by the brilliant vision of Christ's glorified body. Through Ananias, God restored both his physical and spiritual sight and enabled him to become a powerful witness of Christ especially to the Gentiles.

Conversion in the Christian life is a gradual and ongoing process that reveals God's truth and love and deepens our knowledge of Him and of ourselves. It is prayer that gives this process its impetus. By reading chapter 14 in John's Gospel entirely, we see such a step being taken by the Apostles. Jesus is preparing them for His death; but though He must depart from them, He will not leave them orphaned. He will send them His Holy Spirit to strengthen them and remind them of all He, the living Word of God, had taught them.

We learn too that those who have come to know Jesus also know the Father, since the two are actually one; then, joined together by the Holy Spirit they are the One True God who has chosen to manifest Himself in three distinct Persons. True believers, those who actually live in the love and truth revealed to us by Jesus, will be indwelt by the Trinity. As the grace of God works in us, with our cooperation, our souls are transformed (converted) in the image of Christ. It is our task to make Him (God) visible in this world by sharing with others His healing love and His freeing truth as revealed and given to us by Jesus.

Father of Christ our Lord, attune our minds and hearts to recognize Your Son's voice. May we then walk this changing and uncertain path of life with fearless faith and trust in You. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, May 11, 2006
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 13:13-25
Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27
John 13:16-20

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Since the days of Adam and Eve, man has struggled to make himself the center of the universe. Christ was aware of our human tendency to do so and thus “warned” or “instructed” us as it is recorded in the Gospel of St. John which we read today. Christ reminds us “no messenger is greater than the one who sent him.” (John 13:16-20) It is a message which we need to hear often.

We are approaching the time of year when we praise people for their accomplishments in graduations. We celebrate weddings and First Communions. It is indeed a busy and happy time of year! Family memories are being captured with the flashing of cameras, but where does GOD fit into those memories? In our busy days we need to recall that it is always God who takes the “first step” towards us in order to allow all these things to happen in our lives. As we are being praised and the cameras are flashing, let us take a moment to say “Praise God!”

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Bl. Damien Joseph de Veuster of Moloka'i, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 12:24--13:5
Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
John 12:44-50

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

What marvelous images we get from today’s gospel! It begins by telling us that Jesus cried out. He did not just say these words, nor did He mumble them or just casually make a remark. No, these words were, and are, important. They are worth being heard by everyone!

Then, we have the image of light followed by the image of the word. Jesus came into the world as light, so that all might see. Many called Him rabbi, or teacher, and this image of light and the word shows us how much He is a teacher. Jesus did not leave us guessing on how to follow His Way, on how to worship the Father and on how we were to live our lives. He came as light so that we can clearly see and gave us His teaching in the word so we may all hear. He left nothing uncovered. He has cried out His word and made all visible in His light.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 11:19-26
Psalm 87:1-7
John 10:22-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

So often I find I'm trying to figure out how best to live my life. The pull and tug of this world is strong and a life of prayer sometimes seems pretty dull and empty-feeling.

Learned spiritual directors say that "dryness” -- a seeming emptiness -- is often part and parcel of growth toward God. Even though I've heard that, it doesn't always help. "What should I do?” I find myself asking God.

In today's Gospel I heard some words that really shocked me. They came from the lips of Jesus after He was questioned about how long He was going to keep the Jews in suspense regarding His identity as the Messiah. Jesus simply said, “I did tell you, but you do not believe."

The words made me recognize that Jesus has already told me (and all of us) everything we need to know and do in order to love and serve Him, to be happy even in this world and to have everlasting life. The problem -- my problem -- is that I haven't really fully believed Him; otherwise, there would be no uncertainty. Who would have thought it? Certainly not I!

May the grace of this holy season extinguish even hidden and stubborn pockets of unbelief.

"The Lord is Risen as He promised. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia."

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, May 8, 2006
Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 11:1-18
Psalms 42:2-3; 43:3-4
John 10:1-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Throughout Jesus' ministry, He tried to convey to us how much He loved us and wanted to care for us. Peter was assigned as head of the Church, to guide the sheep after Jesus' Ascension. Jesus even asked Peter if he was willing to take on this role with the question, "Peter do you love me?" And each time that Peter answered back with a yes, Jesus asked Peter to take care of His sheep. (see John 21:15-17)

In the Acts of the Apostles, Peter receives a vision that instructs him to eat what is viewed by the Jews as unclean meat. By doing this, God is instructing Peter, the head of His Church, that not only the Jewish people are welcome into the Kingdom of God but all of mankind. This is truly a joyful reading. God loves us and desires each and every one of us to be His children. Thus, Jesus was taking care of us by guiding His first Pope, Peter.

Jesus does the same today. As He said in the Gospel, "Whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for the shepherd, and the sheep hear His voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." He goes on to explain, "Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. Whoever enters through Me will be saved." As Jesus guided Peter, He guides each and every Pope so that he will not harm the Church, and so that the flock of sheep under his care will be able to follow the Shepherd's teaching through the gate to be saved and obtain eternal life.

- Danielle

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, May 7, 2006
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Good Shepherd Sunday

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 4:8-12
Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 29
1 John 3:1-2
John 10:11-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. Of all the many titles by which we address Jesus Christ, that of "Good Shepherd" is the most appealing to millions of Christians. And rightly so. The image of Jesus as a caring, comforting, and gentle Shepherd can even be found on the Catacombs of third-century Rome. Even though He shares in the awesome power of the Father and the Holy Spirit, Jesus never forces us to remain in His sheepfold, never "browbeats" us into submission. His love is everlasting and constant, and His voice is ever clear, leading us to lightsome pastures that truly nourish and strengthen our souls.

It is a fact that there are many bad shepherds whose strident voices attempt to drown out the truth of His words, and the gentleness of His call. We must not allow ourselves to be dominated by these shrill sirens of falsehood and evil. They are so effective in dominating the minds and hearts of many, including our youth. We must not sit passively on the sidelines while our finest hopes for the future are lured into danger. Many of them have already perished. Many others are being drawn toward a twisted and unhappy adulthood.

Jesus has laid down His life for these sheep, as well as for those who have faithfully stood by their baptismal and confirmation commitments. How tragic if more are lost. It will not be the fault of the Good Shepherd, but the fault of those with whom Jesus has shared His role of guardian of the flock.

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, let us reflect on how we can all be better shepherds of the little ones committed to our care. They will perish without sound teaching and generous love.

Jesus, Gentle Shepherd, guide us and lead us – and all in our charge – away from the thorns and brambles of this world's delusions to the green pastures and delightful joys of Your heavenly kingdom.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, May 6, 2006
Saturday of the Third Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 9:31-42
Psalm 116:12-17
John 6:60-69

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"This saying is hard . . ."

Human minds are small. They like things packaged neatly. They like all the loose ends bound together. And they like things to make the sort of sense we think they ought to make.

Jesus is once again telling us to abandon our preconceptions about God -- they are getting in the way. "The words I have spoken are spirit and life." This is even harder to understand. But if we do understand that Jesus is fully present in the inspired word of God and that this same word of God throughout the ages has led countless to heaven, we begin to make out His meaning.

Sometimes we must give up the right to know. It isn't a right at all. Think of how many things about the world at your fingertips you do not know. Thus you'll begin to understand how distant the world of the Spirit is.

Jesus is saying simply, "Trust me." In the picture of the Divine Mercy, the chief message is "Jesus, I trust in You." When our busy brains get in the way, when we are struggling to understand and make sense of things beyond us, remember that simple prayer. If that is not enough, pray through Psalm 131, "I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me," and allow yourself to ease back into God's arms. Trust Jesus, His word is not empty, He will save.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 5, 2006
The Third Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 9:1-20
Psalm 117:1-2
John 6:52-59

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"Just as...I have life because of the Father...so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me." (John 6: 57)

We humans cleverly devise ways of surmounting or delaying a variety of natural conditions. But so focused are some on physical matters--safety, comfort, health, beauty, and longevity--that they neglect spiritual preparation for the inevitable encounter with our all-holy God. Though God despises sin, His love for sinners is boundless. Were this not so He would not have given His Son in sacrifice to deliver us from spiritual death and eternal separation from Him.

To more fully understand today's Gospel we should read all of John, chapter 6. The people Jesus fed in the wilderness had followed Him, and He told them they sought Him for the wrong "bread." In verse 48 He declares that He is "the bread of life," the supernatural food He offers to nourish our souls. He adds that His "flesh is true food and [His] blood true drink;" at this, many unable to comprehend this mystery, left Him. Peter, speaking for those Jesus had chosen, said that He was the holy one sent by God who had the words of eternal life; there was no one else to whom they could go.

Two major truths are suggested in this reading. On one level, if we accept God's Word and learn to live by His teachings, that is, assimilate Him into our very beings, we will have life eternal. On another level, Jesus foreshadows His death and resurrection, His giving of Himself fully to humanity in "broken bread and poured out wine," the Eucharistic sacrifice He offered His followers at the last supper and carried forth until this day in our Mass. When we receive Him sacramentally with total faith and resolve to live in Him, we receive His grace to strengthen and hearten us on this sometimes difficult journey of life.

Loving Father, imbue us with the same sacrificial courage and self-giving love that enabled Your Son to become our Savior, giver of eternal life, so we may make Him visible on earth. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, May 4, 2006
Thursday of the Third Week of Easter
National Day of Prayer (USA)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 66:8-9
John 6:44-51

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

A core belief in our Catholic doctrine is our belief in the Trinity, our belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is a belief based largely on faith since the concept is difficult for us, as humans, to understand. We can more easily relate to the second person of the Trinity, Jesus, because of His human experience. The concept of Father is more difficult for all, but especially for persons who may not have had a father figure in their lives, or unfortunately may have had an abusive or negligent father.

Today's gospel (John 6:44-51) cuts through a lot of those barriers and with the Psalm for the day, makes us want to "cry out with joy." Jesus states to His followers, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw Him and I will raise him up on the last day." What a message, and what a promise! Here we are told that our bond with Christ was first of all initiated by our Father. He has been there with us through it all! He truey is 'OUR' Father!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
St. Philip and St. James, apostles

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Psalm 19:2-5
John 14:6-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I have to chuckle when I hear today’s gospel. We find the Lord once again teaching his closest followers, who sometimes seem to be His biggest skeptics. After telling Thomas that He is “the way, the truth and the life,” and that they have seen the Father through Him, we hear Philip say, well, Lord, just show us the Father and that will be OK with us, as if he never heard a thing Jesus had said. I get my chuckle since this is so typically human.

I get a sense that the Lord was a bit frustrated at this point and He tries to teach them once again, telling them that whoever has seen Jesus has seen the Father, plain and simple. Further, since He knows the human way of thinking about these things, He adds, “or else, believe because of the works themselves.” In other words, “if you don’t believe what I am saying just look at the miracles, the masses of people seeking me and the entire body of works I have done in your presence and that should show you what is going on here.”

We must have a little faith, as it seems we tend to not believe what we hear and witness. Without faith in our living God, we cannot believe and without belief in Him we are bound to believe most anything else, all of it something other than the way, the truth and the life.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
St. Athanasius, bishop, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 7:51--8:1
Psalm 31:3-4, 6-8, 17, 21
John 6:30-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

By saying these words Jesus promised us something, which if taken at face value, is difficult to imagine. Taken in a spiritual way, hungering and thirsting for God seems to be part and parcel of the experience of all humankind. By the very fact that we were created by and for God, we have been "hard wired," so to speak, with innate longing for Him.

Thankfully, God doesn't make us wait for a time of eternal reward, to be alleviated of our hunger and quenched of our thirst for Him. In the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist we experience Jesus in the "here and now." The only "hitch," so to speak, is that while we live in our mortal bodies we need continual nourishment. Thankfully too, Jesus provides us the means of such nourishment, the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

Pray that we avail ourselves of that which we need most, the Bread of Life and the Cup of Eternal Salvation.

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, May 1, 2006
Monday of the Third Week of Easter
St. Joseph the Worker

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Colossians 53:14-15, 17, 23-24
Psalm 90:2-4, 12-14, 16
Matthew 13:54-58

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Do not work for food that perishes
but for the food that endures for eternal life . . ." (John 6:27)

The Gospel proclaims a message that is always good and always new, because "all scripture is inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16). However, when people hear "good news" they often expect to hear "bad news" as well.

The good news is that Jesus brought salvation to the whole world -- not just to those who were worthy, not just to those who belonged, not just to those who believed, but to all who hunger and yearn for eternal salvation. But to obtain eternal salvation, we must be committed to a way of life centered around what God desires of us. It is a commitment to a way of life which can often seem out of place in the realm of our human existence. A way of life that is not always comfortable and that is intolerant of complacency. A way of life that extends far and beyond the simple observances of laws, rituals and superficial piety. A way of life that is active, transforming and powerful. But there is no bad news! There really is only one way to be alive and truly live! To be alive with the Good News of Christ!

- Anne
(anne97 at gmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life