In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit

May 31, 2015 7:00 am

“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (MT 28: 18-20)

We were baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity. From this moment, our hearts became the sanctuary of God’s presence within us “until the end of the age.” As happy children of God, we are sent to share our joy with others and “make disciples of all nations.” In every baptized person, we can recognize the same presence of the Holy Trinity.

“Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Sought wisdom openly in prayer

May 30, 2015 7:00 am

“When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. I prayed for her before the temple, and I will seek her until the end, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe.” (SIR 51: 13-15)

This most unique gift, the first and the highest gift of the Holy Spirit, is so important for us. It gives us an intimate relationship and understanding of God’s word and His commandments. Wisdom helps us to love properly with all respect to God and His creatures.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Gospel Acclamation)

 

 

Forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance

May 29, 2015 7:00 am

“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.” (MK 11: 25)

Forgiveness is an important factor of love. Every love needs an examination of conscience to grow. And this examination shows usour limits and weaknesses. We can always repent and ask for forgiveness. Our sisters and brothers expect this from us as a sign of our love.

“I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.” (Gospel Acclamation)

 

What do you want me to do for you?

May 28, 2015 7:00 am

“He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man replied to him, ‘Master, I want to see.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.” (MK 10: 50-52)

The question was asked of Bartimaeus, but it is a universal question of Our Lord when He sees that we are in need. Bartimaeus was in need, so when he saw the opportunity, he cried out for help. And when “many rebuked him, telling him to be silent, he kept calling out all the more.” When Jesus asked him the question, his answer was so precise—“I want to see.” It could be the same with us.

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Jesus went ahead of them

May 27, 2015 7:00 am

“The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.” (MK 10: 32)

Our Lord is always “ahead of us.” He leads us and takes upon Himself all our burdens. He knows how His journey will end, but it doesn’t stop Him, on the contrary—His love for us urges Him on.

“The Son of Man came to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Gospel Acclamation)

He will give back to you sevenfold

May 26, 2015 7:00 am

“With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.” (SIR 35: 11-13)

One of the languages of love is giving gifts. We love to show our love in small gifts, signs of remembering or just to remind someone that we are always close. The same is with our relationship with Our Lord. Our gifts for Him are more spiritual or less material, like our time we dedicate for prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament or all kinds of donations to support His Church. We should remember that there is a special competition in these areas—“He will give back to you sevenfold.” And sevenfold doesn’t mean just seven; in Bible language it means more like infinity. In His generosity He is unbeatable.

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” (Gospel Acclamation)

All things are possible for God

May 25, 2015 5:16 am

“‘Then who can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.’” (MK 10: 26-27)

We started an ordinary time with an extraordinary message—“all things are possible for God.” When we think about our way to God, we can be tempted to think that it belongs only to us. But we forget that He loves us so much and He cares for us always. Salvation comes from God, not from us. He is our Redeemer and Savior, not we.

“Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” (Gospel Acclamation)

He breathed on them

May 24, 2015 7:00 am

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.’” (JN 20: 22-23)

Some commentaries on this passage say that this action recalls Gn 2:7, where God breathed on the first man and gave him life; just as Adam’s life came from God, so now the disciples’ new spiritual life comes from Jesus. Our Lord shared with them one of their most important missions—the sacrament of reconciliation. Sin is turning away from God and choosing our own way; reconciliation is following Him, imitating Him and being like Him. The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of Love, when He is present, everything goes in the right direction; everyone is moved to be closer to God.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”

Things that Jesus did

May 23, 2015 3:00 am

“There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” (JN 21: 25)

We will see in heaven how many times and in how many situations Our Lord was with us and how much He did for us, especially when we felt abandoned or totally alone. We will see later how many “other things that Jesus did” in our lives, in our families and for our beloved. We will see, but now we can trust St. John that “the whole world would contain the books that would be written” “if these were to be described individually”–what Jesus did for us. The best we can do is to be thankful. Even though we do not see right now, we will see in the next life how much more we are loved daily.

“I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth.” (Gospel Acclamation)

I am on the trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead

May 21, 2015 8:19 am

“Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees, so he called out before the Sanhedrin, ‘My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.’ When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the group became divided.” (ACTS 23: 6-7)

Our Lord is always our defender, but this doesn’t mean that He will appear personally whenever we need Him; sometimes He helps with His gift of wisdom or a brilliant strategy given by affiliation. Paul found the way in which he could survive still saying the truth and being the apostle of the most important truth of our faith. Paul found confidence in the same truth which is a basis for all our beliefs—Our Lord died for us and won our resurrection after death: “for our hope in the resurrection of the dead.”

“May they all be one as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that the world may believe that you sent me, says the Lord.” (Gospel Acclamation)