Stay With Us, Lord / Quédate con nosotros, Señor

“Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!”

What harsh words to hear from Christ! True, the disciples on the road to Emmaus did not realize (yet) that He was the one speaking. But even after this gentle rebuke, they still invite Him to stay with them after a long day of travel. There is something in their hearts that longs for more words from their Teacher. After all, the truth Christ speaks to them is what they were made for – not the panic and worry of the town they’ve just left behind.

“Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way?” Even before Christ made Himself known in the breaking of the bread, He was revealing Himself to them. In their heart of hearts, they recognized Truth when He spoke, and it brought them courage and hope. 

How often in the journey of life are we discouraged along the way? The news programs, the media outlets, our next-door neighbor, the tabloids in the check-out aisle … the sources of disheartening news go on and on, and there seem to be more of them every day. We can imagine the disciples from Emmaus felt much the same. They have faithfully followed Christ, only to see Him tried unfairly and then brutally killed, and His followers virtually disbanded. They were sure Christ must have been the Messiah – but where are all His promises now? 

Naturally, they are surprised when Christ asks them about the cause of their dismay. What traveler in or out of Jerusalem wouldn’t know about the death of the Christ? “Haven’t you heard? It’s all over town!” For these disciples, the blustering and blowing of temporary news has nearly drowned out the lasting words of Scripture and of Christ’s teachings before His death.

So, Christ journeys with them, both literally and figuratively, encouraging them on the road. He delves into Scripture, explaining how each Old Testament prophecy has been fulfilled in Him. His gentle rebuke, His explanation of Scripture, and His sanctifying presence at their meal, all remind them – and us, thousands of years later – about lasting truths: God’s promises in Scripture, His enduring love for us, the hope He has been offering us since man’s fall from grace. He has not left us alone for a single moment. 

Christ’s presence in this passage serves as a reminder of a much deeper, lasting peace that endures beyond the tempests of the world. Are we, like those disciples, also foolish sometimes? Have we been slow of heart to believe His promises, the truths that endure even after empires fall and peoples perish? His word has been true from the very beginning of time, and it will be true to the very end. No matter what storms the journey of life brings, He reminds us that we will always encounter Him in Scripture and the sacraments, and in Him, find true and enduring peace.

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“¡Qué insensatos son ustedes y qué duros de corazón para creer todo lo anunciado por los profetas!”

¡Qué palabras tan duras escuchar de Cristo! Es cierto que los discípulos en el camino a Emaús no se dieron cuenta (todavía) de que Él era el que les hablaba. Pero incluso después de esta suave reprimenda, todavía lo invitan a quedarse con ellos después de un largo día de viaje. Hay algo en sus corazones que anhela más palabras de su Maestro. Después de todo, fueron creados para la verdad que Cristo les habla, no para el pánico y la preocupación del pueblo que acababan de dejar atrás.

¡Con razón nuestro corazón ardía, mientras nos hablaba por el camino y nos explicaba las Escrituras!” Incluso antes de que Cristo se diera a conocer al partir el pan, se les estaba revelando. En lo más profundo de su corazón, reconocieron la Verdad cuando Él habló, y eso les trajo valor y esperanza.

¿Con qué frecuencia en el transcurso de la vida nos desanimamos a lo largo del camino? Los programas de noticias, los medios de comunicación, nuestro vecino de al lado, los tabloides en el pasillo de la caja… Las fuentes de noticias desalentadoras siguen y siguen, y parece que hay más cada día. Podemos imaginar que los discípulos de Emaús sintieron algo semejante. Habían seguido fielmente a Cristo, solo para verlo juzgado injustamente y luego asesinado brutalmente, y sus seguidores prácticamente desbandados. Estaban seguros de que Cristo debía haber sido el Mesías, pero ¿dónde están ahora todas sus promesas?

Naturalmente, se sorprenden cuando Cristo les pregunta cuál es la causa de su consternación. ¿Qué viajero que entra o sale de Jerusalén no sabría acerca de la muerte de Cristo? “¿No te has enterado? ¡Se sabe por toda la ciudad!” Para estos discípulos, el alboroto de las noticias temporales casi han ahogado las palabras duraderas de las Escrituras y de las enseñanzas de Cristo antes de su muerte.

Así que Cristo viaja con ellos, tanto literal como figurativamente, alentándolos en el camino. Profundiza en las Escrituras, explicando cómo cada profecía del Antiguo Testamento se ha cumplido en Él. Su suave reprensión, Su explicación de las Escrituras y Su presencia santificadora en la cena, todo les recuerda a ellos – y a nosotros, miles de años después – verdades duraderas: las promesas de Dios en las Escrituras, Su amor perdurable por nosotros, la esperanza que nos ha estado ofreciendo desde la caída del hombre. No nos ha dejado solos ni un solo momento.

La presencia de Cristo en este pasaje sirve como recordatorio de una paz mucho más profunda y duradera que perdura más allá de las tempestades del mundo. ¿Somos nosotros, como aquellos discípulos, también insensatos a veces? ¿Hemos sido duros de corazón para creer en Sus promesas, las verdades que perduran incluso después de que los imperios caen y los pueblos perecen? Su palabra ha sido verdadera desde el principio de los tiempos, y será verdadera hasta el final. No importa qué tormentas traiga la vida, nos recuerda que siempre lo encontraremos en las Escrituras y los sacramentos, y en Él, encontraremos una paz verdadera y duradera.

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Hailing from Nashville, Catherine is a graduate of Christendom College with a lifelong passion for words. Her love of writing and her Catholic Faith continue to shape her as a freelance editor, copywriter, and (aspiring) novelist, where she pursues her passions for the love and greater glory of God.

Feature Image Credit: Anton Dorph, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/the-walk-to-emmaus-20055/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

The post Stay With Us, Lord / Quédate con nosotros, Señor appeared first on Diocesan.

St. George: Saint of the Day for Wednesday, April 23, 2025

It is uncertain when Saint George was born and historians continue to debate to this day. However, his death date is estimated to be April 23, 303 A.D.

The first piece of evidence of George’s existance appeared within the works of the Bollandists Daniel Papebroch, Jean Bolland, and Godfrey Henschen’s Bibliotheca Hagiographica Graeca. George was one of several names listed in the historical text, and Pope Gelasius claimed George was one of the saints “whose names are justly reverenced among …

Prayer After A Surgery: Prayer of the Day for Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Blessed Savior, I thank you that this operation is safely past, and now I rest in your abiding presence, relaxing every tension, releasing every care and anxiety, receiving more and more of your healing life into every part of my being. In moments of pain I turn to you for strength, in times of loneliness I feel your loving nearness. Grant that your life and love and joy may flow through me for the healing of others in your name. Amen.

Tuesday in the Octave of Easter

Reading 1 Acts 2:36-41

On the day of Pentecost, Peter said to the Jewish people,
“Let the whole house of Israel know for certain
that God has made him both Lord and Christ,
this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,
and they asked Peter and the other Apostles,
“What are we to do, my brothers?”
Peter said to them,
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is made to you and to your children
and to all those far off,
whomever the Lord our God will call.”
He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them,
“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
Those who accepted his message were baptized,
and about three thousand persons were added that day.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22

R.(5b) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us
who have put our hope in you.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Sequence — optional Victimae paschali laudes

Christians, to the Paschal Victim
            Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;
            Christ, who only is sinless,
            Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
            The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
            What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
            The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;
bright angels attesting,
            The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;
            to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
            Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
            Amen. Alleluia.

Alleluia Psalm 118:24

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 20:11-18

Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping.
And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb
and saw two angels in white sitting there,
one at the head and one at the feet
where the Body of Jesus had been.
And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “They have taken my Lord,
and I don’t know where they laid him.”
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there,
but did not know it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?
Whom are you looking for?”
She thought it was the gardener and said to him,
“Sir, if you carried him away,
tell me where you laid him,
and I will take him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,”
which means Teacher.
Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me,
for I have not yet ascended to the Father.
But go to my brothers and tell them,
‘I am going to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God.’”
Mary went and announced to the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord,”
and then reported what he had told her.

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

How Difficult it is To Believe! / ¡Qué difícil es creer!

In today’s scripture reading, Peter proclaims with great certainty to the people on Pentecost that the Jesus whom they crucified is Lord and Christ. He told them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Those that received Peter’s message were baptized. But how many didn’t accept the Truth? 

Jesus had many followers when He was with them, teaching them. They would gather around when He came to their towns just to listen to the great Rabbouni (teacher). They recognized His importance when He was among them, and His ability to heal. But when it came time to believe that He was the living God, many couldn’t. It was too much for them to believe such a thing. Their minds were too closed, even though many had even touched Him physically. And so He was crucified because of their unbelief.

They are standing in front of Jesus and don’t recognize God in Him. They admit that He is a great prophet but then end it at that. And it’s still hard for many, even today, to believe in the beautiful truth of Jesus. How almost impossible it is for some to understand their faith! There’s no other way to accept the glory of Jesus, not only as a great teacher, but also as seated at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus is part of the Holy Trinity: God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. That places a much higher importance on Jesus than simply possessing great knowledge. Jesus is the risen Lord! 

Mary Magdalene was found weeping at Jesus’ empty tomb. A man approached her who she thought was a gardener, asking her what was wrong. She asked Him that if he took Jesus to tell her where He was. It wasn’t until He called her by name, “Mary!”, that she realized Jesus was speaking to her. He was right in front of her, but she couldn’t see Him. She expected to see Him lying in the tomb. This made no sense! But the ways of God are mysteries to us, and they always will be. No one should try to dissect or scrutinize how Jesus is True God and True Man. It’s not supposed to be easy to understand. That’s why we need faith. 

And then Mary cried out, “Rabbouni.” And she believed, proclaiming to the disciples “I have seen the Lord.”

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En la lectura de las Sagradas Escrituras de hoy, Pedro proclama con gran certeza al pueblo en Pentecostés que el Jesús a quien crucificaron es el Señor y el Cristo. Les dijo: “Arrepiéntanse y bautícense en el nombre de Jesucristo para el perdón de sus pecados y recibirán el Espíritu Santo”.

Los que recibieron el mensaje de Pedro fueron bautizados. Pero, ¿cuántos no aceptaron la Verdad?

Jesús tenía muchos seguidores cuando estaba con ellos, enseñándoles. Se reunían a su alrededor cuando venía a sus pueblos sólo para escuchar al gran Rabino (maestro). Reconocieron Su importancia cuando estaba entre ellos, y Su capacidad para sanar. Pero cuando llegó el momento de creer que era el Dios viviente, muchos no pudieron. Era demasiado para ellos creer tal cosa. Sus mentes estaban demasiado cerradas, aunque muchos incluso lo habían tocado físicamente. Y por eso fue crucificado debido a su incredulidad.

Están de pie delante de Jesús y no reconocen a Dios en Él. Admiten que es un gran profeta, pero luego se quedan ahí. Y todavía es difícil para muchos, incluso hoy, creer en la hermosa verdad de Jesús. ¡Qué casi imposible es para algunos entender su fe! No hay otra forma de aceptar la gloria de Jesús, no sólo como un gran maestro, sino también como sentado a la diestra de Dios Padre. Jesús es parte de la Santísima Trinidad: Dios Padre, Jesús y el Espíritu Santo. Eso le da una importancia mucho mayor a Jesús que simplemente poseer gran sabiduría. ¡Jesús es el Señor resucitado!

María Magdalena estaba llorando frente a la tumba vacía de Jesús. Un hombre se le acercó, ella pensó que era un jardinero, y la preguntó qué pasaba. Ella le preguntó si había llevado a Jesús para decirle dónde estaba. No fue hasta que la llamó por su nombre, “¡María!”, que se dio cuenta de que Jesús le estaba hablando. Él estaba justo enfrente de ella, pero ella no podía verlo. Esperaba verlo acostado en la tumba. ¡Esto no tenía sentido! Pero los caminos de Dios son un misterio para nosotros, y siempre lo serán. Nadie debería tratar de diseccionar o escudriñar cómo Jesús es Verdadero Dios y Verdadero Hombre. No debe ser fácil de entender. Por eso necesitamos fe.

Entonces María exclamó: “¡Rabuní! Y creyó, proclamando a los discípulos que había visto al Señor.

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Christine Arata is a San Francisco, California native. She lives a few blocks away from the ocean and a park. She finds nature inspiring. Her cat brings her comfort. She loves being creative not only with her writing but with almost everything, including her home cooking. Her studies in the Catholic faith are ongoing. In 2019, when she discovered St. Hildegard of Bingen was underrepresented by Catholics, she found a purpose. Her latest website, St. Hildegard’s Wisdom features blog posts about all of that: https://sthildegardswisdom.com.

Feature Image Credit: Pisit Heng, unsplash.com/photos/brown-rock-formation-during-daytime-ci1F55HaVWQ

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

The post How Difficult it is To Believe! / ¡Qué difícil es creer! appeared first on Diocesan.

Prayer for Eternal life with God: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Heavenly Father,
in glorifying Jesus
and sending us your Spirit,
You open the way to eternal life.
May my sharing in this Gift increase my love
and make my faith grow stronger.
Send Your Spirit to cleanse my life
so that the offering of myself to You at Mass
may be pleasing to You.
May my sharing in the Eucharist,
our Bread of Life,
bring me eternal life.

Monday in the Octave of Easter

Reading 1 Acts 2:14, 22-33

On the day of Pentecost, Peter stood up with the Eleven,
raised his voice, and proclaimed:
“You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem.
Let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

“You who are children of Israel, hear these words.
Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God
with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs,
which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know.
This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God,
you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.
But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death,
because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
For David says of him:

I saw the Lord ever before me,
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted;
my flesh, too, will dwell in hope,
because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,
nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.

My brothers, one can confidently say to you
about the patriarch David that he died and was buried,
and his tomb is in our midst to this day.
But since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him
that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne,
he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ,
that neither was he abandoned to the netherworld
nor did his flesh see corruption.
God raised this Jesus;
of this we are all witnesses.
Exalted at the right hand of God,
he poured forth the promise of the Holy Spirit
that he received from the Father, as you both see and hear.”

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R. (1) Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.”
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Sequence– optional Victimae paschali laudes

Christians, to the Paschal Victim
            Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;
            Christ, who only is sinless,
            Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
            The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
            What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
            The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;
bright angels attesting,
            The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;
            to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
            Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
            Amen. Alleluia.

Alleluia Psalm 118:24

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 28:8-15

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce the news to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”

While they were going, some of the guard went into the city
and told the chief priests all that had happened.
The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel;
then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,
telling them, “You are to say,
‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’
And if this gets to the ears of the governor,
we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.
And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Can You Believe It? / ¿Puedes creerlo?

Corrupt officials pay off witnesses to an important event to keep the story quiet. The truth of the event challenges their authority, so they strive to keep it under wraps. Sound familiar? Using hush money to protect power sounds like a story that could have broken today, but this story broke 2,000 years ago when Roman officials grappled with the truth of Jesus’ resurrection.

Faithful women had been the first to see the Risen Lord. They rushed to tell the Twelve, but even they doubted the story and ran to see for themselves that Jesus was no longer in the tomb.

In the meantime, the Romans plotted their cover-up. Right from the start, seeds of doubt were planted. This story was going to get out, and the authorities who had condemned Christ to a brutal death needed to get ahead of it. If Jesus rose from the dead as He had promised, then He is who He said He was, and the jig was up. So, they offered a different story — that His followers had come and taken the body and Jesus didn’t actually rise from the dead. They spread the word that it was a deep fake, and some believed the lie.

Those closest to Christ knew the truth though – Jesus was dead, and then He was alive again. Even as the world tried to hush the story, Jesus’ followers boldly proclaimed the truth of His resurrection. Imagine the courage it took to speak the truth, to push back against the lies and proclaim the Gospel to a hostile world. It took strength and grace and the Holy Spirit – because of which, 2,000 years later, we still know the truth today.

The deceit of those Roman officials robbed many of salvation, and deceit still robs today. People wonder, question, doubt. How can we really know what to believe? The answer is the same now as it was then: those closest to Christ know the truth. Jesus’ followers knew what He had taught them, and they knew what He had promised, so they saw clearly. 

Today, we too must strive to be close to Jesus. With grace and the Holy Spirit, we, too, can recognize deceit. When our hearts are close to His, we can still find the courage to call out those misguiding lies, and the voice to boldly proclaim the truth of Christ’s resurrection so that it will shine brightly for another hundred generations and beyond.

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Los funcionarios corruptos pagan a los testigos de un evento importante para mantener la historia callado. La verdad del evento reta su autoridad, por lo que se esfuerzan por mantenerlo en secreto. ¿Te suena familiar? El uso de dinero para silenciar con el fin de proteger el poder suena como una historia que podría haberse estrenado hoy, pero esta historia se pasó hace 2000 años cuando los funcionarios romanos lidiaron con la verdad de la resurrección de Jesús.

Las mujeres fieles habían sido las primeras en ver al Señor resucitado. Se apresuraron a contárselo a los Doce, pero incluso ellas dudaron de la historia y corrieron a ver por sí mismas que Jesús ya no estaba en la tumba.

Mientras tanto, los romanos tramaron su encubrimiento. Desde el principio, se sembraron semillas de duda. Esta historia iba a salir a la luz, y las autoridades que habían condenado a Cristo a una muerte brutal tenían que adelantarse. Si Jesús resucitó de entre los muertos como había prometido, entonces Él es quien dijo que era, y se acabó el juego. Entonces, ofrecieron una historia diferente: que sus seguidores habían venido y se habían llevado el cuerpo y que Jesús en realidad no había resucitado de entre los muertos. Difundieron la noticia de que era una gran farsa, y algunos creyeron la mentira.

Sin embargo, los más cercanos a Cristo sabían la verdad: Jesús estaba muerto y luego volvió a vivir. Incluso cuando el mundo trató de silenciar la historia, los seguidores de Jesús proclamaron con valentía la verdad de su resurrección. Imagina el valor que se necesitó para decir la verdad, para hacer frente a las mentiras y proclamar el Evangelio a un mundo hostil. Se requirió fuerza, gracia y el Espíritu Santo, por lo que, 2000 años después, todavía conocemos la verdad el día de hoy.

El engaño de esos funcionarios romanos privó a muchos de la salvación, y el engaño todavía priva hoy. La gente se pregunta, cuestiona, duda. ¿Cómo podemos saber realmente qué creer? La respuesta es la misma ahora que en ese entonces: los más cercanos a Cristo conocen la verdad. Los seguidores de Jesús sabían lo que Él les había enseñado y sabían lo que Él había prometido, por lo que vieron con claridad. 

Hoy, también debemos esforzarnos por estar cerca de Jesús. Con la gracia y el Espíritu Santo, nosotros también podemos reconocer el engaño. Cuando nuestro corazón está cerca del suyo, aún podemos encontrar el valor para denunciar esas mentiras engañosas y la voz para proclamar con valentía la verdad de la resurrección de Cristo, para que brille con fuerza durante otras cien generaciones y hasta más.

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Pamela Kavanaugh is a grateful wife, mother, and grandmother who has dedicated her professional life to Catholic education. Though she has done her very best to teach her students well in the subjects of language and religion, she knows that she has learned more than she has taught. She lives, teaches, and writes in southwest suburban Chicago.

Feature Image Credit: kensamwill, pixabay.com/illustrations/jesus-empty-tomb-bible-holy-8853521/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

The post Can You Believe It? / ¿Puedes creerlo? appeared first on Diocesan.

The Resurrection of the Lord

Reading 1 Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Peter proceeded to speak and said:
“You know what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.
We are witnesses of all that he did
both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.
They put him to death by hanging him on a tree.
This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible,
not to all the people, but to us,
the witnesses chosen by God in advance,
who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
He commissioned us to preach to the people
and testify that he is the one appointed by God
as judge of the living and the dead.
To him all the prophets bear witness,
that everyone who believes in him
will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

R. (24) This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
“The right hand of the LORD has struck with power;
the right hand of the LORD is exalted.
I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the LORD.”
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 Colossians 3:1-4

Brothers and sisters:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.

Or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

Brothers and sisters:
Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough?
Clear out the old yeast,
so that you may become a fresh batch of dough,
inasmuch as you are unleavened.
For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed.
Therefore, let us celebrate the feast,
not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness,
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Sequence – Victimæ paschali laudes <a href="https://bible.usccb.orgroute? “>

Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.

Alleluia cf. 1 Corinthians 5:7

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed;
let us then feast with joy in the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 20:1-9

On the first day of the week,
Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

The Empty Tomb Changed the World / La tumba vacía cambió al mundo

The significance of the empty tomb cannot be overstated. It is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope. As Catholics, our actions would be in vain if the tomb was not empty. But it was, and this is what gives our faith its purpose and our hope its substance. We are called to live out this faith and pass it on to others, just as previous generations have done for over two thousand years.

As Catholics, Easter is not a one-day event but a life-changing reality that transforms our perspective and gives us hope to be with the Lord for all eternity. Our faith is not fantasy but reality, a reality that we get to live and share with our family and those we interact with on a daily basis. The Church affirms this reality by inviting us to celebrate the Octave of Easter (8 days ending on Divine Mercy Sunday) and the Easter Season (50 days ending on Pentecost).

As we read in the Gospel, Mary Magdalene was the first to witness the empty tomb, the first to enter into it. St. Thomas Aquinas called her the “Apostle of the Apostles.” Imagine sharing the Good News of Jesus’ Resurrection with His very own followers! 

This Easter, may we worship, thank the Lord, celebrate, and be filled with the joy of Jesus, just like the first witnesses of His resurrection did. May the powerful truth of this greatest of Feasts pour into the ordinary moments of our lives and sanctify them. The details of how we live the faith matter, for from our heart spills out our love, belief, and faith in Jesus, which we then share with our family, friends and the greater community. 

The tomb is empty, just as He said! 

Have a blessed and joyful Easter! 

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No se puede exagerar la importancia de la tumba vacía. Es el fundamento de nuestra fe y la fuente de nuestra esperanza. Como católicos, nuestras acciones serían en vano si la tumba no estuviera vacía. Pero lo estaba, y esto es lo que da a nuestra fe su propósito y a nuestra esperanza su sustancia. Somos llamados a vivir esta fe y transmitirla a los demás, tal como lo han hecho las generaciones anteriores durante más de dos mil años.

Como católicos, la Pascua no es un evento de un solo día, sino una realidad que cambia la vida, transforma nuestra perspectiva y nos da la esperanza de estar con el Señor por toda la eternidad. La fe no es una fantasía, sino una realidad, una realidad que podemos vivir y compartir con la familia y con quienes interactuamos a diario. La Iglesia afirma esta realidad al invitarnos a celebrar la Octava de Pascua (8 días que terminan con el Domingo de la Divina Misericordia) y la Temporada de Pascua (50 días que terminan en Pentecostés).

Como leemos en el Evangelio, María Magdalena fue la primera en presenciar el sepulcro vacío, la primera en entrar en él. Santo Tomás de Aquino la llamó la “Apóstol de los Apóstoles”. ¡Imagínese compartir la Buena Nueva de la Resurrección de Jesús con sus propios seguidores!

Esta Pascua, adoremos, agradezcamos al Señor, celebremos y nos llenemos de la alegría de Jesús, tal como lo hicieron los primeros testigos de su resurrección. Que la poderosa verdad de esta gran fiesta se derrame en los momentos ordinarios de la vida y los santifique. Los detalles de cómo vivimos la fe importan, porque desde nuestro corazón se derrama el amor, la creencia y la fe en Jesús, que luego compartimos con nuestra familia, amigos y la comunidad en general.

¡El sepulcro está vacío, tal como Él dijo!

¡Que tengan una Pascua bendecida y alegre!

Comunicarse con la autora

Emily Jaminet is a Catholic author, speaker, radio personality, wife, and mother of seven children. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mental health and human services from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.  She is the co-founder of www.inspirethefaith.com and the Executive Director of The Sacred Heart Enthronement Network www.WelcomeHisHeart.com. She has co-authored several Catholic books and her latest one, Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Claiming Jesus’ Twelve Promises in Your Life, came out in Oct. 2020. Emily serves on the board of the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference, contributes to Relevant Radio and Catholic Mom.com.

Feature Image Credit: Lexi Laginess, unsplash.com/photos/a-dark-tunnel-with-a-small-window-in-it-zfvr_8hDngc

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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