Month: May 2025

St. Rita: Saint of the Day for Thursday, May 22, 2025

Saint Rita was born Margherita Lotti in Roccaporena, Italy in 1381. The day after her baptism, Rita was surrounded by a swarm of white bees, which went in and out of her infant mouth without hurting her. Rather than being alarmed, her family believed she was marked to be virtuous and devoted to God.

At an early age, she begged her parents to allow her to enter a convent but was instead arranged to be married to a cruel man named Paolo Mancini. Young Rita became a wife and mother at only twelve …

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Reading 1 Acts 15:1-6

Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers,
“Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice,
you cannot be saved.”
Because there arose no little dissension and debate
by Paul and Barnabas with them,
it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others
should go up to Jerusalem to the Apostles and presbyters
about this question.
They were sent on their journey by the Church,
and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria
telling of the conversion of the Gentiles,
and brought great joy to all the brethren.
When they arrived in Jerusalem,
they were welcomed by the Church,
as well as by the Apostles and the presbyters,
and they reported what God had done with them.
But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers
stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them
and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.”

The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

R.(see 1) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia John 15:4a, 5b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord;
whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,
and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither;
people will gather them and throw them into a fire
and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

 

– – –

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.

Connected to Jesus / Conectados con Jesús

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What beautiful images the Gospel evokes. It’s all about connection. Jesus desires us to be one with Him, to be connected to Him, to remain in Him. And when we do that, when we remain in Him, we have abundant life. In my mind’s eye I see a beautiful, lush vineyard, sturdy branches, and vines growing every which way on a trellis, beautiful purple grapes hanging down, ready to be eaten or crushed for wine. When I was a little girl, my great-uncle grew grapes in his backyard (in Queens NY), and we sat under the vines for many a meal. 

The two readings today create an ironic tone. In the first reading, the people are arguing about circumcision. And Paul and Barnabas must leave their evangelization efforts to go to Jerusalem to sort out the problem. Then the Gospel so clearly states what is necessary: to remain close to Christ, to allow the word to prune you, so that you may have abundance. 

When we are connected to Jesus, we are fully alive. His life gives us life, His words lead us to be who we are created to be. God is glorified when we bear much fruit and live as Jesus’ disciples. There is no need or place for division among us. We can do nothing when we are separated from Jesus. We are meant to live in unity with God and with each other. One branch and vine do not make a vineyard. When we are together, helping each other grow, we bear good fruit.  

Jesus wants us to remain in Him out of love for us. He calls us to Himself to teach us how to be whole. For me, prayer is the best way to stay close to Jesus – not rote prayers but meditating on Scripture. As we continue in this Easter season and can see Pentecost approaching, think about what gift you would like from the Holy Spirit that will help you remain close to Jesus.

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Qué imágenes tan hermosas evoca el Evangelio. Todo se trata de conexión. Jesús desea que seamos uno con Él, que estemos conectados con Él, que permanezcamos en Él. Y cuando hacemos eso, cuando permanecemos en Él, tenemos vida abundante. En mi mente veo un hermoso y exuberante viñedo, ramas robustas y vides que crecen por todos lados en un enrejado, hermosas uvas moradas colgando, listas para comer o para aplastadas y hacer vino. Cuando era niña, mi tío abuelo cultivaba uvas en su patio trasero (en Queens, Nueva York), y muchas veces nos sentábamos bajo las vides para comer.

Las dos lecturas de hoy crean un tono irónico. En la primera lectura, la gente está discutiendo sobre la circuncisión. Y Pablo y Bernabé deben dejar sus esfuerzos de evangelización para ir a Jerusalén a resolver el problema. Luego, el Evangelio establece claramente lo que es necesario: permanecer cerca de Cristo, permitir que la palabra te pode, para que puedas tener abundancia.

Cuando estamos conectados con Jesús, estamos completamente vivos. Su vida nos da vida, sus palabras nos llevan a ser quienes fuimos creados para ser. Dios es glorificado cuando damos mucho fruto y vivimos como discípulos de Jesús. No hay necesidad ni lugar para la división entre nosotros. No podemos hacer nada cuando estamos separados de Jesús. Estamos destinados a vivir en unidad con Dios y con los demás. Una rama y una vid no hacen una viña. Cuando estamos juntos, ayudándonos mutuamente a crecer, damos buen fruto.

Jesús quiere que permanezcamos en Él por amor a nosotros. Nos llama a sí mismo para enseñarnos cómo ser completos. Para mí, la oración es la mejor manera de permanecer cerca de Jesús, no oraciones de memoria sino meditando en las Escrituras. A medida que continuamos en esta temporada de Pascua y vemos que se acerca Pentecostés, piensa en cuál don te gustaría recibir del Espíritu Santo para ayudarte a permanecer cerca de Jesús.

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

Feature Image Credit: Suda Guan, unsplash.com/photos/selective-focus-photography-of-grapes-at-daytime-y_8ncYPfa0g

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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Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter

Reading 1 Acts 14:19-28

In those days, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium
arrived and won over the crowds.
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing that he was dead.
But when the disciples gathered around him,
he got up and entered the city.
On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

After they had proclaimed the good news to that city
and made a considerable number of disciples,
they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.
They strengthened the spirits of the disciples
and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying,
“It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships
to enter the Kingdom of God.”
They appointed presbyters for them in each Church and,
with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord
in whom they had put their faith.
Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.
After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia.
From there they sailed to Antioch,
where they had been commended to the grace of God
for the work they had now accomplished.
And when they arrived, they called the Church together
and reported what God had done with them
and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Then they spent no little time with the disciples.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21

R.(see 12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD,
and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia See Luke 24:46, 26

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,
and so enter into his glory.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 14:27-31a

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.
I will no longer speak much with you,
for the ruler of the world is coming.
He has no power over me,
but the world must know that I love the Father
and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

 

 

 

– – –

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.

In the Silence of the Nights / En el silencio de las noches

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“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (Jn 14:27)

We may often think of peace in regards to how we relate to one another, but what about finding peace within ourselves? As Christ’s followers, we are called to seek out inner peace and care for our souls. In today’s world, this can be difficult. There is so much trauma, and there are so many distractions. Society encourages seeking security through money or power, of which there is often no end, resulting in an unceasing restlessness and anxiety. In contrast, when we speak to God we must first give our worries to Him, reminding ourselves of our littleness and reliance on Him alone for peace and restoration. 

As I get older, I experience more and more nights where I cannot sleep. These periods can be uncomfortable, but I know it’s exactly at these times that God desires to spend time with me, not to be ignored. During the day, countless distractions can pull me farther and farther away from what is real, from the truth of God’s love for me. But at night, it is Him and I alone, face to face, seeing and experiencing the truth. It is during these times of silence that I am best able to talk to God and pray. My thoughts become clearer and I am forced to come face to face with my Maker. The silence reminds me that this world is not our forever home; it lacks the depths of fulfillment that comes only from uniting ourselves to God’s light and glory.

I find myself at peace at night when I close my eyes and fall asleep listening to God’s Word. At that time, I am centered on what is most important, and my soul can find the rest it truly needs. I can hear God’s voice best in the silence. Just like it was with Elijah, God is often present not in the mighty wind but in the quiet whispers (see 1 Kings 19).

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“La paz les dejo, mi paz les doy. No se la doy como la da el mundo. No pierdan la paz ni se acobarden”. (Jn 14,27)

A menudo pensamos que la paz tiene que ver con la forma en que nos relacionamos unos con otros, pero ¿no se debe tratar de encontrar la paz dentro de nosotros mismos también? Como seguidores de Cristo, estamos llamados a buscar la paz interior y cuidar de nuestras propias almas. En el mundo de hoy, esto puede ser difícil. Hay tanto trauma y tantas distracciones. La sociedad fomenta la búsqueda de seguridad a través del dinero o el poder, de los cuales a menudo no hay fin, lo que resulta en una inquietud y ansiedad incesantes. En cambio, cuando hablamos con Dios debemos primero entregarle nuestras preocupaciones, recordándonos de nuestra pequeñez y nuestra dependencia de Él únicamente para la paz y la restauración.

A medida que voy avanzando en edad, experimento cada vez más noches en las que no puedo dormir. Estos períodos pueden ser incómodos, pero sé que es exactamente en esos momentos que Dios desea pasar tiempo conmigo, no que lo ignore. Durante el día, innumerables distracciones pueden alejarme cada vez más de lo que es real, de la verdad del amor que Dios me tiene. Pero por la noche, Él y yo estamos a solas, cara a cara, viendo y experimentando la verdad. Es durante estos momentos de silencio que puedo hablar mejor con Dios y orar. Mis pensamientos se aclaran y me veo obligada a encontrarme cara a cara con mi Creador. El silencio me recuerda que este mundo no es nuestro hogar eterno; carece de las profundidades de la plenitud que solo se obtienen al unirnos a la luz y la gloria de Dios.

Me encuentro en paz por la noche cuando cierro los ojos y me duermo escuchando la Palabra de Dios. En ese momento, estoy centrada en lo que es más importante y mi alma puede encontrar el descanso que realmente necesita. Puedo escuchar mejor la voz de Dios en el silencio. Así como sucedió con Elías, Dios a menudo está presente no en el viento poderoso sino en los susurros silenciosos (ver 1 Reyes 19).

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Dr. Alexis Dallara-Marsh is a board-certified neurologist who practices in Bergen County, NJ. She is a wife to her best friend, Akeem, and a mother of four little ones on Earth and two others in heaven above.

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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 In the Silence of the Nights / En el silencio de las noches appeared first on Diocesan.

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Reading 1 Acts 14:5-18

There was an attempt in Iconium
by both the Gentiles and the Jews,
together with their leaders,
to attack and stone Paul and Barnabas.
They realized it,
and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe
and to the surrounding countryside,
where they continued to proclaim the Good News.

At Lystra there was a crippled man, lame from birth,
who had never walked.
He listened to Paul speaking, who looked intently at him,
saw that he had the faith to be healed,
and called out in a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet.”
He jumped up and began to walk about.
When the crowds saw what Paul had done,
they cried out in Lycaonian,
“The gods have come down to us in human form.”
They called Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes,”
because he was the chief speaker.
And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city,
brought oxen and garlands to the gates,
for he together with the people intended to offer sacrifice.

The Apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their garments
when they heard this and rushed out into the crowd, shouting,
“Men, why are you doing this?
We are of the same nature as you, human beings.
We proclaim to you good news
that you should turn from these idols to the living God,
who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.
In past generations he allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways;
yet, in bestowing his goodness,
he did not leave himself without witness,
for he gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons,
and filled you with nourishment and gladness for your hearts.”
Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds
from offering sacrifice to them.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16

R.(1ab) Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name give glory
because of your mercy, because of your truth.
Why should the pagans say,
“Where is their God?”
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Our God is in heaven;
whatever he wills, he does.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the handiwork of men.
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May you be blessed by the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Heaven is the heaven of the LORD,
but the earth he has given to the children of men.
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia John 14:26

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Holy Spirit will teach you everything
and remind you of all I told you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 14:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Whoever has my commandments and observes them
is the one who loves me.
Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him,
“Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us
and not to the world?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit
whom the Father will send in my name–
he will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.”
 

– – –

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.

For the Glory of God / Para la gloria de Dios

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Why do you do the good you do in your life? That question comes to me as I read today’s Mass readings. All of them point to doing good for the love of God. And yet, as we see in the first reading, charitable deeds can be attributed to self if we allow them to. And this is where we run into trouble. Honorable deeds can range from daily care of family, fulfilling our usual work duties, and treating strangers with kindness to the extraordinary care of loved ones who cannot care for themselves. 

In today’s first reading, Paul and Barnabas rush into the crowd shouting that they are not gods and proclaim that it is by the hand of the Almighty God that healing occurs. It is easy these days to turn the good we do into gods. Our action becomes the focus instead of the people we are serving. It can happen in families, businesses, and parish ministries. The task takes on greater importance than the service we are called to embrace. The tasks can sometimes take on greater importance than the people.

The Psalmist reminds us, “Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory,” (Ps 115:1). An adjustment of both attitude and desire is needed. Who or what do I serve? Is my work meant to glorify God or myself? Granted, some work is drudgery. I think of repetitive tasks that almost all work entails. Cleaning the kitchen, data entry for reports, grading papers, grocery shopping, and bill paying are necessary but can be tedious, but we can begin to offer up those tedious tasks for others’ pain or suffering. Dedicate the work you dislike for someone in need or simply give it to Our Blessed Mother who will send it where it is needed.

Even Jesus came to this world to do the will of the one who sent him. The Father sent him to save us. His passion, death, and resurrection give us new life. Yet Jesus has great humility. He reminds us that the words He gave us were not His, but the Father’s words. He further tells us that the Holy Spirit will come to be our guide. 

Jesus, who gave His all for us, does not stand and point to Himself as the greatest of all time. No, He points to the Father, the One who sent Him to us. The One who created us. The One who loves us. That is what we are called to do also. In all that we do and say, we are to point to the Father. As we continue to celebrate Easter and await the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, let us pray for a greater understanding of how we can do all things for the glory of God.

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¿Por qué haces el bien que haces en tu vida? Esa pregunta me viene a la mente mientras leo las lecturas de la Misa de hoy. Todas ellas apuntan a hacer el bien por amor a Dios. Y, sin embargo, como vemos en la primera lectura, las obras de caridad se pueden atribuir a uno mismo si lo permitimos. Y aquí es donde nos encontramos con problemas. Las obras honorables pueden ser el cuidado diario de la familia, el cumplimiento de nuestros deberes laborales habituales, el trato amable a los extraños o hasta el cuidado extraordinario de seres queridos que no pueden cuidar de sí mismos.

En la primera lectura de hoy, Pablo y Bernabé irrumpen a la multitud gritando que no son dioses y proclaman que es por la mano del Dios Todopoderoso que ocurre la sanación. Es fácil en estos días convertir el bien que hacemos en dioses. Nuestra acción se convierte en el centro de atención en lugar de las personas a las que servimos. Puede suceder en las familias, las empresas y los ministerios parroquiales. La tarea adquiere mayor importancia que el servicio que estamos llamados a abrazar. Las tareas a veces pueden adquirir mayor importancia que las personas. 

El salmista nos recuerda: “Que todos te alaben sólo a ti, Señor”. (Sal 113,1). Es necesario un ajuste tanto de actitud como de deseo. ¿A quién o a qué sirvo? ¿Mi trabajo tiene como fin glorificar a Dios o a mí mismo? Es cierto que algunos trabajos son pesados. Pienso en las tareas repetitivas que implican casi todos los trabajos. Limpiar la cocina, ingresar datos para informes, calificar tareas escolares, hacer las compras y pagar facturas son trabajos necesarios pero tediosos, pero podemos comenzar a ofrecer esas tareas tediosas por el dolor o el sufrimiento de los demás. Dedica el trabajo que no te gusta a alguien que lo necesite o simplemente dáselo a Nuestra Santísima Madre, quien lo enviará a donde sea necesario.

Incluso Jesús vino a este mundo para hacer la voluntad de Aquel que lo envió. El Padre lo envió para salvarnos. Su pasión, muerte y resurrección nos dan nueva vida. Sin embargo, Jesús tiene una gran humildad. Nos recuerda que las palabras que nos dio no fueron suyas, sino del Padre. Además, nos dice que el Espíritu Santo vendrá para ser nuestro guía.

Jesús, que lo dio todo por nosotros, no se pone de pie y se señala a sí mismo como el más grande de todos los tiempos. No, señala al Padre, Aquel que lo envió a nosotros. Aquel que nos creó. Aquel que nos ama. Eso es lo que también estamos llamados a hacer. En todo lo que hacemos y decimos, debemos señalar al Padre. Mientras continuamos celebrando la Pascua y esperamos el descenso del Espíritu Santo en Pentecostés, pedimos por una mayor comprensión de cómo podemos hacer todas las cosas para la gloria de Dios.

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

Feature Image Credit: Alejandro Ortiz, unsplash.com/photos/aerial-photo-of-thick-gray-clouds-sFx9K-8PR20

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 For the Glory of God / Para la gloria de Dios appeared first on Diocesan.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Reading I Acts 14:21-27

After Paul and Barnabas had proclaimed the good news
to that city
and made a considerable number of disciples,
they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.
They strengthened the spirits of the disciples
and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying,
“It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships
to enter the kingdom of God.”
They appointed elders for them in each church and,
with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord
in whom they had put their faith.
Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.
After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia.
From there they sailed to Antioch,
where they had been commended to the grace of God
for the work they had now accomplished.
And when they arrived, they called the church together
and reported what God had done with them
and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13

R (cf. 1) I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
or:
R Alleluia.
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
            slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
            and compassionate toward all his works.
R I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
or:
R Alleluia.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
            and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
            and speak of your might.
R I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
or:
R Alleluia.
Let them make known your might to the children of Adam,
            and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,
            and your dominion endures through all generations.
R I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
or:
R Alleluia.

Reading II Revelation 21:1-5a

Then I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth.
The former heaven and the former earth had passed away,
and the sea was no more.
I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race.
He will dwell with them and they will be his people
and God himself will always be with them as their God.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes,
and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain,
for the old order has passed away.”

The One who sat on the throne said,
“Behold, I make all things new.”
 

Alleluia John 13:34

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I give you a new commandment, says the Lord:
love one another as I have loved you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 13:31-33a, 34-35

When Judas had left them, Jesus said,
“Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
If God is glorified in him,
God will also glorify him in himself,
and God will glorify him at once.
My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.
I give you a new commandment: love one another.
As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.
This is how all will know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another.”
 

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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.

Faith and Newness and Love / Fe, novedad y amor

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Happy Easter! Happy Fifth Sunday of Easter, to be specific, but Happy Easter just the same! The Church, in its wisdom, knows the glory of the Resurrection cannot be contained in just one day, or one week, or one month, not even in the multi-week Easter season of each year’s Liturgical Calendar. The glory of the Resurrection continues to this day, but it continues even further – into eternity.

Thus, today’s readings are a kind of roadmap for us impatient children of God, sitting here with our “Are we there yet?” attitudes. Luke, writing about the first missionary journey of Paul in the Acts of the Apostles, John at Patmos writing his visions in the Book of Revelation, and the same John sharing his recollections of Jesus at the Last Supper, give us a few directives to help us get to where we hope to be going, and to reassure us while we are getting there.

Paul tells the disciples the hard truth: “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” Faith requires perseverance and, unfortunately, too many decide the journey is too hard, failing to recognize the glory that awaits those who do persevere.

John’s vision in Revelation reminds us of that glory, a new Jerusalem where we, the bride, will be adorned for our husband, Jesus Christ, risen and ascended and seated on His glorious throne. Then John tells us something that should bring us joy: “God’s dwelling is with the human race.” That’s right, God will be with us! We lowly creatures who have believed and have faith and persevere will belong to God and be with God, who will “make all things new.”

Jesus tells us plainly in John’s Gospel how we get to that point: “love one another.”  Jesus says this is a new commandment, but hasn’t God been telling us to love one another all through the books of the Old Testament? The difference, the newness, is in Jesus’ next line: “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” 

How Jesus has loved us is everything here. Completely. Selflessly. Despite His divinity, becoming human for us. Despite His humanity, becoming heavenly food for us. Despite His greatness so far above us, becoming a sacrifice for us to save us from our sins. Jesus loved us so much that He laid down his life for us, making “all things new.” Jesus is calling us to love others so much that we would be willing to do the same. The reward, then, is that newness bestowed on us in His heavenly presence forever. The road may be long and difficult, but please, dear Lord, grant us the grace we need to get there.

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¡Feliz Pascua! Feliz quinto domingo de Pascua, para ser más específico, pero ¡felices Pascuas de todos modos! La Iglesia, en su sabiduría, sabe que la gloria de la Resurrección no puede contenerse en un solo día, ni en una semana, ni en un mes, ni siquiera en las varias semanas que dura la temporada de Pascua del Calendario Litúrgico de cada año. La gloria de la Resurrección sigue hasta el día de hoy, pero continúa aún más allá, en la eternidad.

Por lo tanto, las lecturas de hoy son una especie de mapa para nosotros, hijos de Dios impacientes, sentados aquí con una actitud de “¿ya llegamos?”. Lucas, escribiendo sobre el primer viaje misionero de Pablo en los Hechos de los Apóstoles, Juan en Patmos escribiendo sus visiones en el Libro del Apocalipsis, y el mismo Juan compartiendo sus recuerdos de Jesús en la Última Cena, nos dan algunas directrices para ayudarnos a llegar a donde esperamos ir, y para tranquilizarnos mientras llegamos allí.

Pablo les dice a los discípulos la dura verdad: “hay que pasar por muchas tribulaciones para entrar en el reino de Dios”. La fe requiere perseverancia y, desafortunadamente, muchos deciden que el camino es demasiado duro, sin reconocer la gloria que espera a quienes perseveran.

La visión de Juan en el Apocalipsis nos recuerda de esa gloria, una nueva Jerusalén donde nosotros, la novia, seremos adornados para nuestro esposo, Jesucristo, resucitado y ascendido y sentado en su trono glorioso. Luego Juan nos dice algo que debería traernos alegría: “Ésta es la morada de Dios con los hombres”. Así es, ¡Dios va a estar con nosotros! Nosotros, criaturas humildes que hemos creído, tenemos fe y perseveramos, perteneceremos a Dios y estaremos con Dios, quien va a “hacer nuevas todas las cosas”. 

Jesús nos dice claramente en el Evangelio de Juan cómo llegamos a ese punto: “que se amen los unos a los otros”. Jesús dice que este es un mandamiento nuevo, pero ¿no nos ha estado diciendo Dios que nos amemos los unos a los otros a lo largo de todos los libros del Antiguo Testamento? La diferencia, la novedad, está en la siguiente línea de Jesús: “como yo los he amado”. 

La forma en que Jesús nos ha amado lo es todo. Completamente. Desinteresadamente. A pesar de su divinidad, haciéndose ser humano por nosotros. A pesar de su humanidad, haciéndose alimento celestial para nosotros. A pesar de su grandeza tan superior a la nuestra, haciéndose un sacrificio por nosotros para salvarnos de los pecados. Jesús nos amó tanto que dio su vida por nosotros, haciendo “nuevas todas las cosas”. Jesús nos está llamando a amar tanto a los demás que estemos dispuestos a hacer lo mismo. La recompensa, entonces, es esa novedad que se nos otorga en su presencia celestial para siempre. El camino puede ser largo y difícil, pero por favor, querido Señor, concédenos la gracia que necesitamos para llegar allí.

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Mike Karpus is a regular guy. He grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, graduated from Michigan State University and works as an editor. He is married to a Catholic school principal, raised two daughters who became Catholic school teachers at points in their careers, and now relishes his two grandchildren, including the older one who is fascinated with learning about his faith. He also has served on a Catholic school board, a pastoral council and a parish stewardship committee. He currently is a lector at Mass, a Knight of Columbus, Adult Faith Formation Committee member and a board member of the local Habitat for Humanity organization. But mostly he’s a regular guy.

Feature Image Credit: ajs1980518, pixabay.com/photos/rio-de-janeiro-brasil-south-america-3993598/

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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Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Reading 1 Acts 13:44-52

On the following sabbath
almost the whole city
gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy
and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said,
“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
but since you reject it
and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
we now turn to the Gentiles.
For so the Lord has commanded us,
I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
that you may be an instrument of salvation
to the ends of the earth.“

The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this
and glorified the word of the Lord.
All who were destined for eternal life came to believe,
and the word of the Lord continued to spread
through the whole region.
The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers
and the leading men of the city,
stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and expelled them from their territory.
So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them
and went to Iconium.
The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia John 8:31b-32

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
and you will know the truth, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 14:7-14

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to Jesus,
“Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time
and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,
or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father.
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do,
so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

 

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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.