May 31, 2016 - Tuesday

Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. (Romans 12:11-12 NABRE)

Saint Paul writes of the many ways we can show mutual love to one another as Christian believers. Continuing the theme of good and practical advice from God's Word, today's passage strikes deep into my own heart. I find it encouraging to think that even in the earliest days of the Church believers struggled with the same challenges I am struggling with right now.

I often need to choose consciously to be enthusiastic about the Lord's purpose for my life.

I need to decide daily to be passionate in spirit...though honestly it is sometimes just a matter of slowing down the chaos in my mind.

And I constantly need to prompt myself toward service. Just like Saint Paul. There is no doubt in my mind that his words are not based solely on his observations of others in Rome, but based also on his own heart, his own inclination to grow weary, and his own need to overcome great discouragement.

So look at his technique for raising our spiritual intensity. Paul tells us to rejoice, because of the hope we have been given by our faith. Paul tells us to endure in affliction, and I tell you to push beyond mere endurance by offering up your suffering as a sacrificial prayer for others in need. And Paul tells us to persevere in prayer. Even when it seems they are going unanswered, we have the greatest opportunity of all to experience God's grace, by continuing to pray confident in his mercy and love, certain that his timing and his answer--even when unexpected--are perfect.


Today, on this Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I will


Mary, Ark of the Covenant, pray for us.

Source: https://www.catholicculture.org/

May 30, 2016 - Monday

They traveled through the Phrygian and Galatian territory because they had been prevented by the holy Spirit from preaching the message in the province of Asia. When they came to Mysia, they tried to go on into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them, so they crossed through Mysia and came down to Troas. (Acts 16:6-8) NABRE)

Paul and Timothy travelled through Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) encouraging the new Gentile Christian believers with word from the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. Luke tells us that as they travelled, they were guided by the holy Spirit of Jesus.

Holy Spirit, you who pointed out the way for your disciples to announce the Gospel, we pray to you: As in the times of the apostles, guide today's messengers of the Good News.* 


Today, I will pray for the guidance of the Spirit of Jesus.


Saint Joan of Arc, patron of France and military members, pray for us.

May 29, 2016 - Sunday

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NABRE)

These words have become very familiar to many of us because they reflect the heart of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, a ritual established by Jesus at the Last Supper as described in the gospel accounts, using a pattern established thousands of years before by Melchizedek, king of Salem and a priest of God, who blessed God Most High and Abram, using bread and wine as his offering, after a great military victory (Genesis 14:18-20).

But familiarity with the words often brings with it a dulling of the spiritual importance and historical substance. This is a risk of any ritual, but when we pause and reflect on this particular event we find it gives us the chance to regularly connect in body and in Spirit with our Lord.

Remembering that this ritual has been preserved for so long gives it a sense of stability which is so important to each new generation. Realizing how Jesus changed the ritual underscores its divine authority--just consider how Jesus took it upon himself to change God's ancient covenant (something to consider another time)--giving us a new understanding of this man, Jesus. And recognizing how Jesus' Church continues to remember him every day by means of this miraculous and mysterious changing of bread and wine into his actual body and blood gives us confidence in our faithful understanding.

While we cannot begin to explain the fullness of this spiritual mystery, we can rely on regular reception of Jesus in the form of the Eucharist as our central opportunity to be physically with him in this lifetime. And we can remain focused on the reality that our entire observable universe is just a small notion in God's omnipotent mind.


Today, on this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, I will be grateful to share in Jesus' full and true presence.


Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, French saint who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart, who was dedicated to helping ensure for others the blessings she enjoyed, and who died May 25, 1865, pray for us.

Source: https://twitter.com/rscjusc

May 28, 2016 - Saturday

O God, you are my God—
it is you I seek!
For you my body yearns;
for you my soul thirsts,
In a land parched, lifeless,
and without water.
I look to you in the sanctuary
to see your power and glory.
For your love is better than life;
my lips shall ever praise you! (Psalm 63:2-4 NABRE)

When prayer doesn't seem to work, we have another option. When we are desperate, we have more than words and pleading to fall back on. Today's passage is "a psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah." In it we see him, when confronted by his body's primal demand for food and water, turn to God to more than satisfy his need.

Like David, we have recourse to God's unknowable power, even in our deepest need or our darkest hour. And this mindset of praise awakens an understanding that physical needs are not even the most important needs we have.

When prayer alone doesn't work, through the centuries we have come to recognize that fasting amplifies prayer! The simple act of denying ourselves for a period of time, especially when we give up physical comforts, with the stated purpose of pleading that our good intention be satisfied, often moves our Lord to respond. At such times, we get another reminder that the veil between the physical world and the spiritual one often blows in the breeze of love.

And fasting can be done in small ways. As we learn to depend less on the comforts of this world, we rely more on the satisfaction of the Lord.


Today, I will fast along with my prayer, seeking to better recognize the satisfaction of God's mercy and providence.


Venerable Pierre Toussaint, who, when urged to retire and enjoy the wealth he had accumulated, responded, “I have enough for myself, but if I stop working I have not enough for others,” pray for us.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaean_Desert

May 27, 2016 - Friday

Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.” (Mark 11:22-25 NABRE)

As bad as I know this seems, it is easy to toss aside this statement of Jesus'.

How often have I prayed for something--without doubting God or having a grievance against anyone--only to find my prayer ending up unanswered? It makes me wonder why I should even pray for anything? It makes me question why I believe God is even there, or if he is, if he's listening?

But I have seen too much to ever consider God isn't real! And when I lean hard into that truth, I start to get my balance back. And when I do, I can reflect on my prayers--something we all should do from time to time--to consider if they reflect God's will for my life.

In some cases, what I ask for fell far short of the plans God had for me in that area of my life! I'd say that has been consistently true...always. And sometimes I pray to avoid life's realities of suffering and death. These happen. They will always be here, and so I pray better when I accept them, asking God instead to keep me strong through the trials I face, to show me what I might learn from them, and to hold me safely in spirit as I endure them.

I don't always understand God's answers or the times it seems he ignores me, but I know with complete certainty he is always on time to meet my greatest needs to grow in faith and to share it with others.


Today, I will pray. I will trust. I will ask God to forgive me. I will forgive. And I will ask for God's will to be done in all things.


Saint Augustine of Canterbury, patron of England, pray for us.

May 26, 2016 - Thursday

Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, insincerity, envy, and all slander; like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation, for you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:1-3 NABRE)

Growth toward salvation is seen here as two steps: first, stripping away all that is contrary to the new life in Christ; second, the nourishment (pure spiritual milk) that the newly baptized have received.*

Interestingly, when Peter states that you have tasted that the Lord is good he is referring directly to Psalm 34:9 which is a song in which King David describes how he turned to the Lord as his only refuge in a life-threatening situation. The message is that God hears and answers those who turn to him in need.

And so we live our days. We try with the help of the Spirit to rid ourselves of what works against our life in Christ. We long for spiritual nourishment. And we put our trust in God when things get difficult, hoping that we are strengthened for when the worst happens, so we will not fall away in despair or despondency, anger or disillusionment.


Today, I will live the day mindful that the Lord is good.


Saint Philip Neri, who prayed, ""Let me get through today, and I shall not fear tomorrow," pray for us.

May 25, 2016 - Wednesday

The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the holy Spirit it grew in numbers. (Acts 9:31 NABRE)

Let us call upon the Spirit of Jesus: Today, as in the time of the apostles, may he assist his Church for the glory of God the Father.*

Holy Spirit, who built up the infant Churches and filled them with your consolation, we pray to you: Make the Kingdom of God on earth grow by your joy and your peace.*


Today, I will continue to pray for the holy Spirit just like the apostles did in the upper room.


Saint Bede the Venerable, patron of scholars, pray for us.

Source: http://stpetersbasilica.info/

May 24, 2016 - Tuesday

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, “Be holy because I [am] holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16 NABRE)

What does it mean to be holy?

A web search of the origin of the word relates it to the idea of being sacred--referring to the gods or their powers and also to the space around a temple. The modern English word itself dates back to an 11th-Century Old English word meaning whole and it was used to mean "uninjured, sound, healthy, entire, complete."*

A few modern definitions describe being dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose, or in a Christian sense, being united with Jesus in and through the Holy Spirit.*

A powerful description of the word reads that: This word applies to God because God Himself is totally other, separate, sacred, transcendent, reverend, and set apart from every created thing.*

We know that God is holy by any definition of the word, but how do we become holy in our lives? How do we set ourselves apart from "the world" which seeks to separate us from God's presence?

We can only do what Jesus told us to do in his very first public statement, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) All the implications of this turn our minds and hearts toward Jesus. When we do that, we reprioritize all other things behind him and his call on our lives. It calls for faith and trust in him.


Today, I will be holy because Jesus is holy.


Saint Mary Magdalene de'Pazzi, who discovered saving grace in suffering, pray for us.

May 23, 2016 - Monday

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through [the] eye of [a] needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” (Mark 10:23-27 NABRE)

These words of Jesus provoke astonishment among the disciples because of their apparent contradiction of the Old Testament concept that wealth and material goods are considered a sign of God's favor. Since wealth, power, and merit generate false security, Jesus rejects them utterly as a claim to enter the kingdom. Achievement of salvation is beyond human capability and depends solely on the goodness of God who offers it as a gift.*


Today, I will thank God for the gift of salvation.


Saint Gregory VII, responsible for the Gregorian Reform in the Church, pray for us.

May 22, 2016 - Sunday

Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5 NABRE)

The persecutions that attend Christian commitment are to teach believers patience and to strengthen this hope, which will not disappoint them because the holy Spirit dwells in their hearts and imbues them with God’s love.*


Today, on this Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, I will remember gratitude--not disappointment--in all things, including my afflictions, because of the hope they produce and the Spirit through whom I know God's love.


Saint Rita of Cascia, patron of difficult marriages, impossible causes, infertility, and parenthood, pray for us.

May 21, 2016 - Saturday

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. (James 5:13 NABRE)

Today's verse is very similar to the words of Saint Paul to the Ephesians, "With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit." (Ephesians 6:18)

How seriously, how literally should we interpret these spiritual directions? In our daily rush, how do we find opportunity to pray and give thanks to the Lord.

Let's set our mind to God today. Not in some sort of high-pressure, impossible-to-accomplish goal to say prayers every ten minutes. Instead, let us incline our hearts and our thoughts to God, allowing our thoughts to lead us to him throughout the day. And when we think of him, let us gently say, Thank you, Lord, for this moment." Let us remain in God's company this way until we fall asleep tonight.


Today, I will remember to pray and sing praise to the Lord.


Saint Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions, 25 men martyred in Mexico in 1928 by the government which was anti-Catholic and determined to weaken the Catholic faith of its people, pray for us.

May 20, 2016 - Friday

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother [and be joined to his wife],
and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” (Mark 10:6-9 NABRE)

Today's passage is very familiar to many. Taken from a dialog between Jesus and the Pharisees on the subject of divorce, Jesus declares that the law of Moses permitted divorce only because of the hardness of the people's hearts. Jesus proclaims permanence to be the divine intent from the beginning concerning human marriage. He reaffirms this with the declaration that what God has joined together, no human being must separate.*

Our time doesn't seem all that different from the time of Moses.  And so it is good to remember that God's intent for our marriage is permanence.


Today, I will thank God for my marriage, grateful that we have endured with the aid of his Spirit.


Saint Bernardine of Siena, patron of Italy as well as those involved with advertising and public relations, and who struggle with gambling and compulsive behavior, pray for us.

May 19, 2016 - Thursday

And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13 NABRE)

These words are from Saint Paul to the young church he started in Thessalonica. He writes of his gratefulness to God for their newfound faith. He reminds them, and us, that the word of God he preaches does not originate from his person, but from God. He is pointing out to them, and to us, that the words he delivers are far more significant than anything he might have come up with on his own.

With that said, let's consider all the inspired authors of the Bible, who wrote their pieces over the course of about 1,500 years. One author who inspired each one of them. The same author is at work in you and me.

How will you be inspired? How will you respond?


Today, I will remember that God's Word is not merely a human word.


Saint Theophilus of Corte, who, as time went on, gave more and more singlehearted service to God and to God's sons and daughters, pray for us.

May 18, 2016 - Wednesday

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.”
Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us. (Mark 9:38-40 NABRE)

Jesus warns the disciples against jealousy and intolerance toward others, such as exorcists who do not follow them. The saying in today's passage is a broad principle of the divine tolerance. Even the smallest courtesies shown to those who teach in Jesus’ name do not go unrewarded.* What a powerful message for us during this Jubilee Year of Mercy.


Today, I will remember that no one who speaks or acts in Jesus' name can also be against the Lord.


Saint John I, who suffered because of a power-conscious emperor, pray for us.

May 17, 2016 - Tuesday

Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35 NABRE)

In today's verse, we find more practical insight into the simple, and somehow paradoxical, expectation of Jesus. He wants us to believe in him and to act on that belief. He wants us to serve others as he did.


Today, I will remember that my role in Jesus’ work, like the disciples, is one of service, especially to the poor and lowly.* 


Saint Paschal Baylon, patron of shepherds, pray for us.

May 16, 2016 - Monday

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. (James 3:13-15 NABRE)

Think of all the self-help books available to us these days. A quick search of Amazon turns up nearly half a million to choose from! Yet, look at the practical time-tested guidance freely available to us right in God's Word.

Today, I'm going to do something for someone else without seeking any benefit for myself--financial, emotional, or any other type. And I'll encourage one other person to do the same. Now think of all the good we will do if you join me!

I believe our actions can lead us to wisdom, understanding, and so much more when we act for others. I believe our actions can lead us to happiness and joy when we act deliberately in Jesus' name rather than our own name.


Today, on this Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time, I will seek to avoid boasting about my own work and to speak only truth.


Saint Margaret of Cortona, who, somewhat like St. Augustine, prayed for purity—but not just yet, pray for us.

May 15, 2016 - Sunday

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!”
The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:14-17 NABRE)

Can you recall the times in your own life when the Spirit of God--whom you received as "counselor, consoler, advocate, and friend"* --was present to you in tangible ways?

When I reflect on the person of the Holy Spirit and consider that he resides within me all the time, I begin to open myself to the times he is more apparent to me. When I consider he has been with me all my life, I start to recognize he regularly counselled me during times of confusion and decision, he consoled me during times of loss, he (no doubt) advocated for me during times of disobedience, and he routinely befriended me during times of loneliness.

Holy Spirit, thank you for your companionship through all the years of my life. Thank you for the many gifts you have given to me, especially, recently, the gift of fortitude--through which I am learning to be increasingly able to be unwavering "in doing what is right and good in the face of obstacles and trials."* 

Holy Spirit, I remember your presence as a very young boy of about seven when I was asked if I'd like to have a new Daddy, how you prompted me even then to smile and say yes.

Holy Spirit, I remember your presence as a child of about twelve when I knew with certainty that I was becoming a music minister in your Church, how you sat with me as I auditioned after Mass and was welcomed into the music ministry for the first time.

Holy Spirit, I remember your presence as a young man of about twenty two when I was discerning my life's vocation, in the face of great unknowns, how your gift of counsel led me with perfect confidence and peace into the adult life of witness I now have.

Holy Spirit, I remember your presence at the births of my children, when I perhaps first needed your gift of wisdom and the way your wisdom makes it possible for each of us to see things from a divine perspective, how you showed me the perfect joy which life is.

Holy Spirit, I remember your presence as I said a final goodbye to each of my parents, when I was most lost and desperate, how you propped up my spirit and led me, not just through that time of desperate pain, but also through the following days of decision making, leadership, and grief which all tried me to my end.

Holy Spirit, I remember your presence at the marriages of my children, when I was baffled by so many emotions at once, how you calmed my spirit with the joy and peace that you are with them too.

Holy Spirit, I remember your presence in the person of my young grandson, when I look at his already-strong spirit, certain that you are already filling him with your gifts.

Holy Spirit, I remember your holy presence each day, as I witness my beautiful wife and selfless daughter guide so many others through life's stages, through the many challenges of youth, adulthood, and old age, how you remind me that it is our greatest gift to be able to answer your call to be disciples of a new Pentecost in our time.

And Holy Spirit, I remember your presence each day, as I watch our other children--our strong and loving son and our two amazing children by marriage, when I see them following their paths of purpose, seeking meaning in a world that seems to drain meaning and substance from so many of our pursuits, how you make yourself available to them in all that they encounter.


Today, I will pray for all who have entered into the vocation of marriage, especially those who celebrate anniversaries this month, that they are renewed in their love for each other by the power of your Spirit in them.


Saint Isidore the Farmer, patron of farmers and laborers, pray for us.

May 14, 2016 - Saturday

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. (John 15:16 NABRE)

I am too often caught up in my own limited way of thinking that I forget that before I accepted Jesus appointment, he chose me. And he calls on each believer to recognize the same. Jesus chooses us to bring the Good News into our times. And by his holy Spirit, he helps us.

When we turn to the Father and ask for help in Jesus' name, when our requests are meant to do his will, he will help us. And it is by his Spirit that he does this.

Without being a theologian, or digging too deeply into the implications of this statement, I would argue that the Spirit is God's means of interacting with our world in order to effect his divine plan.


Today, on this Feast of Saint Matthias the Apostle, and the eve of Pentecost, I will pray day nine of the Novena to the Holy Spirit.


Saint Matthias, Apostle, whose fundamental holiness came from receiving gladly the relationship with the Father offered him by Jesus and completed by the Holy Spirit, pray for us.

May 13, 2016 - Friday

Bless the LORD, my soul;
all my being, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, my soul;
and do not forget all his gifts,

For as the heavens tower over the earth,
so his mercy towers over those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our sins from us. (Psalm 103:1-2,11-12 NABRE)

The speaker in this hymn begins by praising God for personal benefits, then moves on to God’s mercy toward all the people. After today's passage, the psalmist observes that not even sin can destroy that mercy, for the eternal God is well aware of the people’s human fragility. And the psalmist concludes by inviting the heavenly beings to join in praise.*


Today, on this Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter, I will pray day eight of the Novena to the Holy Spirit.


Our Lady of Fatima, Mary, under this title which recalls your appearance to the children near Fatima in Portugal, pray for us.

May 12, 2016 - Thursday

I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. (John 17:20-21 NABRE)

As Jesus continues on with his "high priestly prayer," he prays directly for you and I. He prays, we could say, outside of time, as he draws us into his very heart. And his prayer for you and for me is the same prayer as for his apostles, that we may all be one with each other, with him, and with the Father so that others may come to believe in the truth of Jesus' mission.

Holy Spirit, guide me today. We say you dwell within each one of us who has received you. Jesus talks about being in him and in the Father. I see that it is by your power and presence that this is possible. May your gifts enliven my heart so that, by my words and deeds, my life will become a fruitful expression of your love in this world.


Today, on this Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter, I will pray day seven of the Novena to the Holy Spirit.


Saints Nereus and Achilleus, praetorian soldiers of the Roman army, converts, and early martyrs of the Church whose courage enlivens our own, pray for us.

May 11, 2016 - Wednesday

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. (John 17:13-16 NABRE)

Continuing the "high priestly prayer," Jesus here calls to the Father on behalf of his friends. He knows he is about to leave them. He knows that soon he will be returning home to his Father.

Consider some of the ways people say goodbye to their friends when they will be leaving them. Imagine a soldier calling home to make arrangements just before returning from the battlefront...he or she might ask for a favor on behalf of those who will stay behind--a message to family for example. Imagine a daughter on vacation with friends calling home before her return flight...in a similar way, she might ask that a message be sent along to her friends' families on their behalf.

There are many ways we say goodbye. And when we do say goodbye, there are many hopeful sentiments for prosperity, reunion, and new possibilities. When Jesus was preparing to leave his friends, he turned to the Father and asked for protection for them knowing they would continue to struggle without him in this world. Today, we share in that struggle and we share in the request Jesus made to the Father.

May we find God's protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil so that we, like Jesus, may endure the trials of this world, confident in the Father's love and presence in the Spirit. And may we seek first the joy Jesus promises to those who belong to him.


Today, on this Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter, I will pray day six of the Novena to the Holy Spirit.


Saint Ignatius of Laconi, whose life reminds us that everything God considers worthwhile does not have a high-paying salary attached to it, pray for us.

May 10, 2016 - Tuesday

I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.
Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began. (John 17:4 NABRE)

Jesus' conversation with his Father, reveal for us a few things about himself, indeed about what he knows about himself. We are all self-aware, and our impression of our purpose is an important foundation of the way we live our lives.

In today's passage, taken from what is called the "high priestly prayer" of Jesus, we see that Jesus knows--and seems quite comfortable with--the fact that he was sent to earth by his Father on a mission. Here, we see that he has completed his work and knows he will soon return to his Father.

We also see that Jesus lived with the Father since before the world began. A reminder for us of Jesus' eternal nature. Jesus is God, and his coming among us as the promised messiah was one step in restoring our broken relationship with him. We are deeply imperfect and it is our nature to struggle against what is good and true. We are drawn to the temptation of sin and we needed Jesus to show us a way beyond the sin, beyond the temptations, and beyond our own self.


Today, on this Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter, I will gratefully pray day five of the Novena to the Holy Spirit.


Saint Damien de Veuster of Moloka'i, 19th-century priest who served those with leprosy on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, pray for us.

May 9, 2016 - Monday

Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.”
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul laid [his] hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:4-6 NABRE)

One of the first things we do as a parent is name our child. It is a gift and a responsibility. We recognize that there is meaning and import to a person's name as well as the act of naming.

As believers, we recognize one name as uniquely and supremely important, we acknowledge one name as a source of power, we baptize in this name, in the name of Jesus.

Saint Paul, baptized some disciples in Ephesus in Jesus' name. We do this same type of baptism still today. We share in and are temples of the same Spirit who indwells us. Let us ask for the Father's help in the name of Jesus, and let us turn to their Spirit as our guide and comforter.


Today, on this Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter, I will pray day four of the Novena to the Holy Spirit.


Saint John of Avila, man of God, who united constant prayer to apostolic action, pray for us.

May 8, 2016 - Sunday

But Stephen, filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55-56 NABRE)

The veil between this physical world and the spiritual one is indeed a thin one. So thin in fact, that there are times when we almost catch a glimpse through it. As though we were sitting in a darkened room looking out a window through a lace curtain. We know there is a beautiful day outside, but we can't quite see it. The sunshine is just out of sight. The songs of birds just out of hearing. The breeze just beyond our touch.

It is at moments like the Transfiguration, the Ascension, Stephen's final living moments recounted in today's passage, and even certain moments in our own lives when the veil is pulled aside briefly to offer us a simple, powerful, real reminder that there is, certainly, a spiritual reality we cannot quite encounter by natural means.

And yet, there is a connection between this here-and-now, time-and-space reality of ours and the endless, eternal, spiritual reality. Our lives encounter both. Our souls long for connection to the source of our existence, and Jesus offers us the answers we seek and a way to make sense of the impossible, seeming contradictions which veil the spiritual in mystery.


Today, on this Seventh Sunday of Easter, as we continue to celebrate not only the risen Christ but his Ascension as well, I will remember the eternal and spiritual truth that exceeds this limited physical reality I experience each moment.


Saint Peter of Tarentaise, 12th-century French Cistercian monk, archbishop, and reformer, pray for us.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascension_of_Jesus

May 7, 2016 - Saturday

For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God. (John 16:27 NABRE)

Today's verse is a quick little statement Jesus makes while beginning to tell the Apostles of their share of his passion.

As we face life's trials, especially those times when we suffer with Jesus for the truth of our faith, let us remember that he suffered first, that he understands our pain, and that our suffering is not in vain. We know that God the Father loves us. We know that his plan is unfolding and we have the chance to join our suffering with that of Jesus' own agony on the cross, offering it for the benefit of others in what may be the holiest of prayers.


Today, on this Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter, I will continue to pray a Novena to the Holy Spirit.


Saint Rose Venerini, whose experiences, interests, and gifts were shared in the service of others, pray for us.

May 6, 2016 - Friday

When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.
So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. (John 16:21-22 NABRE)

As Jesus shared his Last Supper with his friends, we get the sense he knew what was coming even though his friends did not. And during the meal, he talks to them about his departure and his promise that he would see them again. He will go on to tell them of the Holy Spirit, whom he refers to as the spirit of truth.

Lord Jesus, thank you for sending us your Spirit of truth. We remain in the company of your Spirit who guides and consoles us constantly. Help us to live peacefully in our hearts so that we might hear your guidance and consolation. We need your lead. We need your company. We ask for your truth so that we might see you and live with you joyfully as you have promised.


Today, on this Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter, as we approach Pentecost, I will continue to pray a Novena to the Holy Spirit.


Saints Marian and James, Third-Century North African martyrs who lived and then died for the faith during the persecution of Valerian, pray for us.

May 5, 2016 - Thursday

But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.
While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.
They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? 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 1:8-11 NABRE)

Of course as humans we are immediately struck by the impossible made possible. We are captivated by the idea that this man, Jesus, could defy gravity and be lifted up off the ground and taken into the sky by a cloud. And we who believe in his resurrection from the dead are able to consider this story as more than fiction. And regardless of how he appeared to leave this physical world, we believe he is alive and with the Father even today. And we believe he will return at the end of time.

Let's not overlook the powerful promise of Jesus' return. And let us live today as if it will be the day he comes back.


Today, on this Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, I will remember that Jesus will return in triumph.


Saint Hilary of Arles, who brought the energy of youth to your ministry, pray for us.

May 4, 2016 - Wednesday

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. (Acts 17:24-27 NABRE)

In Paul’s appearance at the Areopagus he preaches his climactic speech to Gentiles in the cultural center of the ancient world. Paul’s discourse appeals to the Greek world’s belief in divinity as responsible for the origin and existence of the universe. It acknowledges that the attempt to find God is a constant human endeavor. The speech reflects sympathy with pagan religiosity, handles the subject of idol worship gently, and appeals for a new examination of divinity, not from the standpoint of creation but from the standpoint of judgment.*


Today, on this Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter, I will look for signs of the divine in all that is around me.


Blessed Michael Giedroyc, whose life of physical pain and mental torment didn’t prevent you from achieving holiness, pray for us.

May 3, 2016 - Tuesday

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. After that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NABRE)

Saint Paul must have been a fascinating character. He certainly was a clever writer. Writing to a community of believers in Corinth, he frames his message with a strong reminder that he himself heard first about Jesus as they did, second-hand; and then describes his personal conversion as being born abnormally, considering the all strained circumstances of his prior relationship with the believers.

And yet, look at what he tells us all in today's passage!

Christ Jesus died, was buried, and was raised back to life. And there were witnesses. Cephas (which was Peter) and the other Apostles, but then notice who else witnessed the risen Jesus: more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living. After that, Jesus appeared to James and to all the apostles. Finally, Paul reminds us that risen Jesus also appeared to him personally.


Today, on this Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles, I will believe the testimony of so many eye witnesses to the risen Jesus, and I will count myself among those witnesses, with a testimony of my own to share.


Saints Philip and James, two friends of Jesus who were to be among his first twelve witnesses to others, pray for us.

May 2, 2016 - Monday

When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.
And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. (John 15:26-27 NABRE)

The Paraclete is to be sent by the Father, at the request of Jesus. A paraclete is an advocate or helper, here Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit. Here the Spirit comes from both Jesus and the Father in mission.*

We will celebrate the Feast of Pentecost in just a couple of weeks. Pentecost reminds us of the coming of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. We believe the Holy Spirit is our helper and guide as we live out the mission we are called to. The Holy Spirit is with us spiritually and available to us all the time. We "listen" for his guidance, a spiritual listening. We seek him out.

For me, the process is usually to ask in prayer for direction, to seek quietness and patience in my spirit (the patience can be the big challenge), and to be aware of signs around me that suggest and support one or another decision.

Today, I will listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit.


Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, pray for us.

Source: http://www.saintathanasius.com/

May 1, 2016 - Sunday

May God be gracious to us and bless us;
may his face shine upon us.
So shall your way be known upon the earth,
your victory among all the nations.
May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you! (Psalm 67:2-4 NABRE)

As we near the end of the Easter season during this Jubilee Year of Mercy, it is fitting to reflect on God's graciousness to us and on the many blessings we have been given.

Let us work to "be merciful, just like [our] Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36)


Today, on this Sixth Sunday of Easter, I will seek more ways to be God's shining face to others.


Saint Joseph the Worker, who trained Jesus in both the satisfactions and the drudgery of your vocation as a carpenter, pray for us.