A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 22, n.19)
Easter Week 2: April 7-13, 2024
(The pastoral tool BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD: A LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY & WEEKDAY LITURGY includes a prayerful study of the Sunday liturgy from various perspectives. For the Lectio Divina on the liturgy of the past week: March 31 – April 6, 2024 please go to ARCHIVES Series 21 and click on “Easter Week”.
Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: April 7-13, 2024.)
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April 7, 2024: SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B
(DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Our Lord and Our God”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 4:32-35 // 1 Jn 5:1-6 // Jn 20:19-31
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Jn 20:19-31): “Eight days later Jesus came and stood in their midst.”
The founder of the religious congregation to which I belong is Rev. Fr. James Alberione. A holy man with a prophetic vision, he harnessed the pastoral potentiality of the modern means of communication at the service of evangelization. The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, will beatify him today - April 27, 2003 – in Rome. Fr. Alberione founded five religious congregations, four aggregated Institutes, and the Association of Pauline Cooperators, all of which comprise the “Pauline Family”. In 1923, he was struck down with a serious illness that led him into a kind of crisis about the future of the religious family launched just a few years earlier. He needed some kind of assurance in the midst of uncertainties. He looked for confirmation in the most difficult moment of his life. The Divine Master kindheartedly obliged by appearing to him in a dream, assuring him of his divine assistance and presence. Here is Fr. Alberione’s personal account of that awesome experience (cf. Abundantes Divitiae, n. 151-155).
In a particularly difficult moment, reexamining all his ways of doing things, to see if there might perhaps be impediments to the action of grace on his part, it seems that the Divine Master may have wanted to reassure the Institute that had only gotten underway a few years before. In a subsequent dream, he had what seemed to him to be a reply. Jesus Master, in fact, said to him: “Fear not. I am with you. From here I will enlighten. Have a contrite heart.” The “from here” came forth from the tabernacle; and with power, such as to make one understand that from Him, the Master, must one receive all enlightenment. He spoke of this with his spiritual director, noting in what light the figure of the Master has been enveloped. His reply to me was: “Be at peace; dream or otherwise, what was said is holy; make it a practical program of life and of light for yourself and for all members.” From that point on he became more and more oriented to and received all from the tabernacle.
Indeed, the experience of Blessed James Alberione, a “true missionary of the Church” and a modern apostle for our times, is similar to that of the apostle Thomas, who experiences the compassion of the saving and merciful Lord as predilection. Thomas has been painfully shattered by the travails of the Lord’s passion and death. He is so broken-hearted by the events of Good Friday that the Easter news of the Lord’s rising seemed to him remote and too good to be true. Hopelessly entrapped in a situation of denial and sadness, Thomas simply does not have the ability to believe the Good News of the Lord’s resurrection transmitted to him by the other disciples. The incredulous apostle therefore protests: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hands into his side, I will not believe.”
A week after the first Easter apparition, the Risen Lord stands again in their midst, wishing them “Shalom”, a form of salutation and a bestowal of benediction. The Risen Lord then turns to Thomas, the object of his special concern. He says to Thomas: “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Confronted by the fullness of the Easter revelation concretized in the resurrected Jesus, the incredulous Thomas surrenders to his saving love with faith and wholeheartedly avows: “My Lord and my God!”
The encounter of the “unbelieving” Thomas with the Risen Lord, who condescends to redeem him from his incredulity, is narrated in chapter 20 of the Gospel of John, regarded by biblical scholars as the last of his writings. The liturgical scholar Adrien Nocent comments: “It is one of the best constructed chapters in the whole gospel, and its content is extremely important for the life of the Church as a whole and for the life of each member. Why so? Because, although the apostles were in a position to have concrete experience of the Risen Christ, that kind of experience must in the future be replaced by a purely spiritual faith.”
The faith in the Risen Lord would depend not on any empirical evidence of resurrection, but rather, in the proclamation of the Good News and in the life witnessing of the disciples concerning the Easter event. Indeed, the faith of the Christians who believe “without seeing” is rooted in the presence of the Risen Lord who lives on in the Church today through the Holy Spirit, the Easter gift.
B. First Reading (Acts 4:32-35): “They were of one heart and mind.”
The following delightful story shared by Sr. Mary Luce Cornelio, an Indian-born PDDM religious sister working in San Jose, California, has both a missionary and Easter tone:
We had a papaya tree in our garden and it was full of papayas, big and small. Since it was too heavy, it was bending. When my father saw it, he wanted to save the tree from falling. So he gave it a support, a piece of wood, and tied it. Then he prayed, saying, “Lord, please save this tree from falling and every papaya on it. When the fruits will ripen, we will sell them and put the money in the mission collection box.” So the papaya tree never fell, neither did the fruits. We were able to sell all the papayas and we mortified ourselves from eating any of them. Finally, the mission collection box was full of money. When the priest came to pick up the box, he was surprised. Our collection contribution was the highest so he announced it during the Mass. My father’s joy was great and so was ours. We will never forget the great faith and love of our father for the missions. HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!
We have here a tightly knit family, animated by faith and love, capable of sharing and sacrifice. The members of this family and domestic church are capable of responding to the needy and have the missionary capability of going out of themselves to help others. In this charming family account is a glimpse of the Easter idyll narrated by the evangelist Luke in the First Reading (Acts 4:32-35).
The passage from the Acts of the Apostles proclaimed today in the liturgical assembly depicts the early Christian community as “of one heart and mind”. The sharing and caring faith-community formed in the aftermath of the Easter events is the fruit of a “new creation”. The Christian community springs forth from the redemptive action of the Risen Christ and the vivifying action of the Holy Spirit – his Easter gift to the Church. The first Christians who are “of one heart and mind” concern themselves with the needs of others. The early Christian believers are marked by harmony, unity and love - the fruits of their response to the renewing and recreating action of the Holy Spirit in their lives and to the great power by which the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Indeed, Luke’s Easter idyll of the sharing and caring Christian community that is “of one heart and mind” challenges today’s Easter people to create a world in which no one has any need. The picture of a selfless faith-community in the “springtime of the Church” denounces the acquisitive and consumerist culture in which we live. It goads us to denounce the abuse of hoarded goods and the ill distribution of resources. The absolute necessity of Christian disciples to respond positively to the needy is resounded by the Church Fathers.
St. Basil the Great, an early Church Father, cries out his harsh exhortations to the hoarding, uncaring rich: “They proclaim themselves masters of the common goods they hoard, because they were the first to own them. If every one of them kept only what he required for his immediate needs, and if the surplus was given to the poor, wealth and poverty would be abolished … You are not a thief? You have taken for your own the goods of which you are supposed to be the caretaker … To the hungry belongs the bread you have. To the naked the cloak that is hidden in your trunk. To the footsore, the shoes rotting in your house. To the poor the money that you have buried in the earth. How can you oppress so many people that you could help?”
The vehement appeal of St. Basil the Great reminds us in this Easter season of our prophetic duty as redeemed people to pool our resources and sacrifice our possessions for the sake of the needy. The capacity to share and the grace to live in communal charity are a sign of the in breaking of the Spirit and the victory of the Risen Lord over the world of sin and selfishness. Indeed, if we live today in consonance with the idyll of the springtime of the Church, great favor will be accorded us all – God’s Easter people.
C. Second Reading (1 Jn 5:1-6): “Whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.”
The eight days of Easter, according to Saint Augustine, are “days of mercy and pardon”. Moreover, he calls the Sunday of this Octave of Easter “the summary of the days of mercy”. On April 30, 2000, during the canonization of Sr. Faustina Kowalska, the humble “apostle of mercy”, Pope John Paul II announced during his homily that the Second Sunday of Easter would now be celebrated as DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY throughout the universal Church. The Holy Father also explained that the image of the “Divine Mercy” revealed to Sr. Faustina represents the Risen Christ bringing mercy to the world.
The Pope comments on the image of Divine Mercy: “Jesus shows his hands and his side to the Apostles. He points, that is, to the wounds of the Passion, especially the wound in his heart, the source from which flows the great wave of mercy poured out on humanity. Sr. Faustina Kowalska, the blessed whom from now on we will call a saint, saw two rays of light shining from that Heart and illuminating the world. The two rays, Jesus himself explained to her one day, represent blood and water. Blood and water! We immediately think of the testimony given by the Evangelist John, who, when a soldier on Calvary pierced Christ’s side with his spear, sees blood and water flowing from it. Moreover, if the blood recalls the sacrifice of the cross and the gift of the Eucharist, the water, in Johannine symbolism, represents not only Baptism, but also the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
This Sunday’s liturgy enables us to contemplate the beautiful aftermath of the saving event of Christ’s death and resurrection – the response of faith to his merciful love and the creation of a community of believers that is “one heart and mind” (cf. Acts 4:32-35) through the workings of the Holy Spirit, the Easter gift (cf. Jn 20:19-31). The Second Reading of today’s Mass (1n 5:1-6) is a call to put our faith in Jesus who came through “water and blood” to fulfill the saving plan of God. At the river Jordan, the Father acknowledged him as his Son-Servant. By his blood bath on the cross, Jesus brought to completion his mission as the Son of God and Messiah. Our faith in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God enables us to experience the dignity of being reborn as children of God, as well as its responsibility. It also challenges us to participate in the life-giving passion of Christ and his astounding Easter victory over sin and death. By the power of the Holy Spirit, every child of God is able to defeat the rebellious world that negates God’s love. The victory that conquers the world is our faith in the glorified Risen Lord. He came with the water of his baptism and the blood of his death, breathing upon the Church his Easter gift of the Holy Spirit.
Indeed, the Risen Christ brings victory, peace and mercy to a believing world. The Easter mystery of his passion, death and resurrection unleashes the power of divine mercy that flows from his pierced heart. It is thus most fitting that on this Octave Day of Easter, the Holy Father Pope John Paul II has declared it as the Feast of Divine Mercy.
In his revelation to Saint Faustina, the Lord Jesus communicated this message: “My daughter, tell the whole world about my inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and a shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of my tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the font of my mercy. The soul that will go to confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day are opened all the divine floodgates through which graces flow. Let no soul fear to draw near to me, even though its sins may be scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come from the very depths of my most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to me will contemplate my love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from my very depths of tenderness. It is my desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Font of my mercy.”
The following faith experience of Fred Berretta, a survivor of Flight 1549 – the airliner that went down in the Hudson River on January 15 – is being circulated through the Internet. Fred shares his amazing story by E-mail to Vinny Flynn, a gifted Catholic speaker/writer/musician, and we in turn are being requested to diffuse this inspiring witness to God’s mercy. Flight 1549 crashed into the Hudson River at about three o’clock, which the Risen Christ told St. Faustina was “the hour of great mercy” and at which the merciful Lord “will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request” to him in virtue of his passion.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Subject: Passenger of Flight 1549
Vinny,
I sincerely hope this E-mail finds its way to you. I was a passenger on flight 1549 and my name is Fred Berretta. You might have caught a glimpse of me or heard of me on CNN or Fox the night of the crash. I interviewed with Lou Dobbe, Wolf Blitzer and Bill O’Reilly and discussed the crash that night.
I had been on a one-day business trip to New York and sat in seat 16A just behind the left engine. My trip was a last minute decision the day before. I finished my meetings early on Thursday and realized I had time to attend the 12 noon Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral. It was unusual for me to have the extra time, but that day I did. After Mass, I stopped by the gift shop just across from the cathedral and purchased your book, “7 Secrets of the Eucharist”. As I waited to board flight 1549 bound for Charlotte, where I live, I began reading your book. I continued reading while we taxied until just after take off.
I think I got through about half of it and then decided to close my eyes and reflect on the incredible insights your book gave me regarding the Eucharist. We were climbing out and just a minute or so into the flight I heard the impact of the bird strikes and then the explosion in the left engine. I cold see it on fire and the cabin began to smell like jet fuel. As a private pilot, once I realized the second engine was also not functioning, things became quite tense.
While I had known about and prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet years before, I had not really focused on it in a quite a long time. Ironically, I had prayed the chaplet the day before at 3 pm. I had forgotten that in my briefcase I had long kept a copy of a booklet of the Divine Mercy chaplet, which had excerpts from St. Faustina’s diary. When I arrived in New York, I had some time at my hotel and decided to clean out my briefcase, something long overdue. I found the Divine Mercy booklet, prayed the chaplet, and read some of the words of Jesus to Faustina.
Before we hit the water, I thought about the words Jesus said, that nothing would be refused if asked for during the hour of mercy. I really thought there was a good chance myself and others would die that day, but I asked God to be merciful to us. I prayed the Lord’s Prayer and a Hail Mary. I then prayed to St. Michael, and we impacted the water. The odds were not with us that day, but God clearly was. I believe it is the only jet airliner to successfully ditch in the water without fatalities in the history of aviation.
I just want you to know that your book gave me comfort as we were going down, and for that I am grateful. I know a lot of people prayed on that plane, and I believe the Miracle on the Hudson was a testament to the mercy of God, and a sign of hope.
Take care and may God continue to bless your ministry and all you do to spread the message of Divine Mercy and the wonders of Holy Communion.
Best regards,
Fred Berretta
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we believe that in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ and by the power of his Easter gift of the Holy Spirit, we are reborn as God’s children and victorious in his divine mercy?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(From the Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
Eternal God,
in whom mercy is endless
and the treasury of compassion is inexhaustible,
look kindly upon us
and increase your mercy in us,
that in difficult moments
we might not despair nor become despondent,
but with great confidence
submit ourselves to your holy will,
which is love and mercy itself.
Amen. Alleluia.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“Bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” (Jn 20:27)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that those who are distressed and despondent on account of illness, poverty, unjust situations, financial crisis, etc. may experience the abundance and richness of divine mercy. Be an instrument of God’s mercy for the unfortunate and the needy.
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April 8, 2024: MONDAY - THE ANNUNCIATION
OF THE LORD
“JESUS SAVIOR: The Angel Announces Him to Mary”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 7:10-14; 8:10 // Heb 10:4-10 // Lk 1:26-38
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 1:26-38): “Behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son.”
Today the liturgical assembly listens devoutly to the Gospel proclamation of the annunciation of the birth of our Lord Jesus (Lk 1:26-38). The first recipient of this Good News is Mary, the virgin maiden of Nazareth, chosen to be the Mother of Jesus. The annunciation of the Lord brought about the dawn of salvation and this joyful message brings hope and consolation to people through the ages. The Church writer, Venerable Bede, remarks: “Today’s reading of the Gospel calls to mind the beginning of our redemption, for the passage tells us how God sent an angel from heaven to a virgin. He was to proclaim the new birth, the incarnation of God’s Son, who would take away our age-old guilt; through him it would be possible for us to be made new and numbered among the children of God. And so, if we are to deserve the gifts of the promised salvation, we must listen attentively to the account of its beginning.”
On this feast of the Lord’s Annunciation we marvel at the immensity of God’s love and his saving design. We are awed by the vital role of Mary in salvation history – as the mother of Christ the Savior, the Son of God. We are also grateful for her maternal intervention in our life. The following article on the Internet is a beautiful example of a Marian “miracle”.
Benedictine College’s consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8, 2013, is just the most recent chapter in the story of the school’s relationship with Mary. “Our Lady’s intercessions date as far back as 1856 when she saved the founder of St. Benedict’s Abbey – Fr. Henry Lemke’s life during a torrential thunderstorm and flood. (…) Fr. Henry Lemke wrote in his diary about an 1856 incident where he was lost in a storm and prayed for Mary’s intercession. As soon as he said the prayer, a light appeared on the horizon. He stumbled toward it and found that it was a lantern hanging in the window of a cottage.
The mother and daughter who lived in the cottage sheltered him and told him that a lady dressed in white appeared to the child in the night. This had awakened the mother who hung the lantern. Wrote Lemke: “O you dearest Mother of God, it was through the pure and unsullied soul of a child that you effected that the mother would place a lamp in the window just about the very time when I was calling out for help because I feared for my life. The Mother of God worked a miracle.”
Two years later, Benedictine College was founded and the “lady dressed in white” appeared to another girl in a small town – St. Bernadette of Lourdes, France.
B. First Reading (Is 7:10-14; 8:10): “Behold the virgin shall conceive.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 7:10-14; 8:10) speaks of a prophetic sign directed to King Ahaz, who is anxious and trembling for the imminent siege of Jerusalem in 735 B.C. by the kings of Syria and Israel. Confronting his lack of trust in the Lord, the prophet Isaiah declares: “The Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” With the sign of the conception and birth of a child, God wants to manifest to King Ahaz that the Lord Yahweh is in perfect control of human history and destiny. Indeed, God is with us and intimately involved in our affairs. The “sign” announced by the prophet Isaiah is an invitation to Ahaz to trust in God alone – in the realization of the Covenant and his continual protection. King Ahaz ought not to rely on the political and military interventions of the Assyrians for salvation from his enemies. The conception and birth of a child by the king’s young wife is meant to indicate Yahweh’s abiding presence and merciful intervention on behalf of his people. The weakling ruler, however, does not accept the birth of his son, Hezekiah, as a “sign” of salvation and of God’s solicitude for the house of David. Trusting more in political security, Ahaz sends gold and silver to the King of Assyria and woefully becomes Assyria’s vassal.
The “sign” of a child used by the prophet Isaiah to challenge the feckless Ahaz is surpassed and radically fulfilled in the mystery of the Lord’s Annunciation. It is through the message of an angel that we learn of the incarnation of the Son of God. It is not a sign among many, but THE sign of God par excellence. The feast of the Annunciation celebrates the mystery of the Son of God conceived by the Blessed Virgin Mary in her womb in order to give him a body. This body, formed from the flesh and blood of the Virgin Mother by the power of the Holy Spirit, is the “body” that brings salvation to all through the paschal event of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.
The Indian Nobel laureate poet, Rabindranath Tagore, remarks that the birth of every child is a sign that God has not given up on the world. God continues to surround us with “signs” of salvation and of his care and love. The following story narrated by Sue Monk Kidd in an old issue of GUIDEPOSTS magazine illustrates how the appearance of a child in the languishing church community of Melba becomes a sign of the divine will to bring life and salvation.
In 1977, the Baptist Church in Melba, a rural American town, was about to close its doors forever. Over the years, churchgoing had dropped off alarmingly. Some hurts and misunderstandings had divided and shattered the congregation. All that remained was about a dozen people on the verge of giving up. That handful of people gathered in the church one Sunday to vote whether to continue services or close down for good. Their meeting was interrupted when a child appeared – a child of only seven years – who wanted to join the Sunday school and the church service. Angela, for that was her name, returned the next Sunday, and the next and the next.
That child became the reason for the Melba Baptist Church to go on. They struggled to live in order to nurture a young spirit from one Sunday to the next. Angela was their glimmer of hope. She was their future. The child’s appearance saved the congregation from extinction and sure death. The Melba Baptist Church has become renovated and increased in membership. As far as they are concerned, the little girl who came alone to the church that long-ago Sunday was sent by God.
C. Second Reading (Heb 10:4-10): “As it is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.”
Today’s Second Reading (Heb 10:5-10) gives us a profound insight into the “why” of the Lord’s incarnation. The Son of God became man so that through his “body” he could offer a sacrifice of perfect obedience to the Father’s saving will. The effect of Christ’s perfect sacrifice is our salvation and redemption. Through the offering of the body of Christ for all, we have been sanctified and consecrated to the loving, merciful God the Father.
The following AOL news report gives insight into the sacrificial-saving aspect of the Lord’s incarnation.
An 8-year-old helped rescue six of his relatives from a fire at their mobile home, but sadly he wasn’t able to make it out himself. Brave Tyler Doohan was laid to rest with a special title: honorary firefighter.
CNN says Tyler was able to wake up 6 people to alert them of the fire and get them out safely. He then ran back inside the mobile home to try to save his disabled grandfather. Fire Chief Chris Ebmeyer explained what happened next. “By that time, the fire had traveled to the back of the trailer”, Ebmeyer said. “Unfortunately, they both succumbed to heat and smoke.
The boy and his grandfather were found together on a bed in the back room. It appears Tyler had been trying to lift him. With this comes the example that even though he was 8 years of age, he was able to display that amount of courage that most people can’t in their entire lives.”
The funeral for Tyler, his grandfather and step-grandfather was held Wednesday, January 29, 2014 … Since the tragedy, Tyler’s neighbor has started a fundraiser for the family who lost everything in the fire. As of January 30th, supporters have donated more than $60,000 – far exceeding the $15,000 goal.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we imitate Mary’s “Yes” to the saving will of God? In what ways do we live out our openness to divine grace?
2. What is the personal significance of the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God in our life? Are we ready to welcome the Lord’s annunciation and incarnation as a saving sign that transforms our life?
3. Do you imitate Christ in his total submission to the Father’s saving will? Do you declare “through Christ, with Christ and in Christ” with a receptive heart: Behold, I come to do your will, O God?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(cf. Alternative Opening Prayer of the Mass of the Annunciation)
Almighty Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
you have revealed the beauty of your power
by exalting the lowly virgin of Nazareth
and making her the mother of our Savior.
May the prayers of this woman
bring Jesus to the waiting world
and fill the void of incompletion
with the presence of her child,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“May it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Any time today pray and meditate on the beautiful prayer, “The Angelus”. By your acts of kindness and charity, enable the people around you to welcome and experience God’s ultimate sign of love in Jesus Christ.
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April 9, 2024: TUESDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (2)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Was Lifted Up”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 4:32-37 // Jn 3:7b-15
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Jn 3:7b-15): “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.”
In the Gospel reading (Jn 3:7b-15), Jesus continues his discourse with Nicodemus, the closet believer. The Divine Master speaks authoritatively of heavenly things because he is “from above”. Coming forth from the bosom of God, Jesus carries out his saving mission as the “Son of Man”. He who has “descended” from heaven now speaks of “exaltation”. Jesus recalls the bronze serpent mounted on a pole by Moses as commanded by God. It was “lifted up” in the desert for the salvation of the chosen people. Those who gazed upon the bronze serpent were cured from the bites of poisonous snakes that were sent by God as punishment for their obduracy. The object of punishment became a means of salvation. Like the bronze serpent “lifted up” for healing, Jesus is “lifted up” on the cross for our salvation. The suffering that Jesus endured becomes the font of salvation. His “exaltation” on the wood of the cross results in his resurrection and exaltation as the Lord of glory, forever and ever.
I watched the beautiful film, “Bakhita: From Slave to Saint”. Two scenes impressed me: the crucifixion of a slave that the little girl, Bakhita, was witnessing with horror and the young woman, Bakhita, contemplating with fascination Jesus on the cross. Bakhita concluded with awe: “The man on the cross is a slave!” The crucified Jesus became her hope and salvation. Saint Bakhita would affirm: “I am definitively loved and whatever happens to me – I am awaited by this Love. And so my life is good.” And with heavenly understanding, she remarked: “If I were to meet those slave traders that abducted me and those who tortured me, I’d kneel down and kiss their hands, because, if it had not been for them, I would not have become a Christian and a religious woman.”
B. First Reading (Acts 4:32-37): “The community of believers was of one heart and mind.”
The following delightful story shared by one of our Sisters, the Indian-born Sr. Mary Luce Cornelio, has both a missionary and Easter tone.
We had a papaya tree in our garden and it was full of papayas, big and small. Since they were too heavy, it was bending. When my father saw it, he wanted to save the tree from falling. So he gave it a support, a piece of wood, and tied it. Then he prayed, saying, “Lord, please save this tree from falling and every papaya on it. When the fruits will ripen, we will sell them and put the money in the mission collection box.”
So the papaya tree never fell, neither did the fruits. We were able to sell all the papayas and we mortified ourselves from eating any of them. Finally, the mission collection box was full of money. When the priest came to pick up the box, he was surprised. Our collection contribution was the highest so he announced it during the Mass. My father’s joy was great and so was ours. We will never forget the great faith and love of our father for the missions. HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!
We have here a tightly knit family, animated by faith and love, capable of sharing and sacrifice. The members of this family and domestic church are capable of responding to the needy and have the missionary capability of going out of themselves to help others. In this charming family account is a glimpse of the Easter idyll narrated by the evangelist Luke in today’s first reading (Acts 4:32-35).
The passage from the Acts of the Apostles proclaimed today in the liturgical assembly depicts the early Christian community as being “of one heart and mind”. The sharing and caring faith-community that was formed in the aftermath of the Easter events is the fruit of a “new creation”. It sprang forth from the redemptive action of the Risen Christ and the vivifying action of the Holy Spirit – his Easter gift to the Church. The first Christians who were “of one heart and mind” were concerned with the needs of others. The early Christian believers were marked by harmony, unity and love that were the fruits of their response to the renewing and recreating action of the Holy Spirit in their lives and to the great power by which the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Indeed, Luke’s Easter idyll of the sharing and caring Christian community that is “of one heart and mind” challenges today’s Easter people to create a world in which no one has any need. The picture of a selfless faith-community in the “springtime of the Church” denounces the acquisitive and consumerist culture in which we live. It goads us to denounce the abuse of hoarded goods and the ill distribution of resources. The absolute necessity of Christian disciples to respond positively to the needy is resounded by the Church Fathers.
St. Basil the Great, an early Church Father, cries out to the hoarding, uncaring rich: “They proclaim themselves masters of the common goods they hoard, because they were the first to own them. If every one of them kept only what he required for his immediate needs, and if the surplus was given to the poor, wealth and poverty would be abolished … You are not a thief? You have taken for your own the goods of which you are supposed to be the caretaker … To the hungry belongs the bread you have … To the naked the cloak that is hidden in your trunk … To the footsore, the shoes rotting in your house … To the poor the money that you have buried in the earth. How can you oppress so many people that you could help?”
The vehement appeal of St. Basil the Great reminds us in this Easter season of our prophetic duty as redeemed people to pool our resources and sacrifice our possessions for the sake of the needy. The capacity to share and the grace to live in communal charity are signs of the in-breaking of the Spirit and the victory of the Risen Lord over the world of sin and selfishness. Indeed, if we live today in consonance with the idyll of the springtime of the Church, great favor will be accorded us all – God’s Easter people.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we contemplate the great mystery of salvation that flows forth from Jesus lifted up on the cross and in his rising from the dead and glorification? Do we allow ourselves to be a part of that saving mystery?
2. What is the relevance of Luke’s idyllic picture of the “springtime of the Church”? How do I respond to this challenge? Do I strive to be truly “of one heart and mind” with the faith community that cares for the needy?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
your Son Jesus Christ was lifted on the cross,
the throne of glory.
His vivifying Spirit, the Easter gift,
renews us in our minds and hearts.
Help us to grow increasingly into a faith-community
that is “of one heart and mind”.
May we efficaciously build a more just and caring world
and gently and lovingly care for the poor
and respond to each other’s needs.
Assist us to be channels of the peace and divine mercy
that flow out from Jesus, the Risen Lord,
who lives and reigns, forever and ever.
Amen. Alleluia!
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“The Son of Man must be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” (Jn 3:15)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your act of charity alleviate the pain of those who find their daily cross burdensome and too difficult to bear.
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April 10, 2024: WEDNESDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (2)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is God’s Sacrificial Love for Us”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 5:17-26 // Jn 3:16-21
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Jn 3:16-21): “God sent his Son that the world might be saved through him.”
In the Gospel (Jn 3:16-21) we hear that God offers his beloved Son for our total liberation and redemption. Christ Jesus, “lifted up” on the cross and raised in glory, is the ultimate sacrament of the Father’s saving love. The death of Jesus on the cross is the high point of God’s passionate pursuit of his people. In the life-offering of the Son of God, the fullness of divine mercy is revealed. Indeed, as we contemplate the life-giving death of Jesus on the cross, we cannot help but praise God the Father for the wondrous mystery of his unbounded love.
Easter is a privileged time to contemplate and imitate God who loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. The sacrificial stance of God the Father can be gleaned from the following story.
After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the Church’s pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and, before he gave his sermon for the evening, he briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening. In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service.
With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak. “A father, his son and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific coast”, he began, “when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized.”
The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story. The aged minister continued with his story, “Grabbing a rescue line, the Father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy would he throw the other end of the lifeline. He only had seconds to make the decision. The Father knew that his son was a Christian and he also knew that his son’s friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves.
As the Father yelled out, “I love you son!” he threw out the lifeline to his son’s friend. By the time the Father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered. By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister’s mouth.
“The father”, he continued, “knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son’s friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son’s friend. How great is the love of God that he should do the same for us. Our heavenly Father sacrificed his only begotten son that we could be saved. I urge you to accept his offer to rescue you and take hold of the lifeline he is throwing out to you in this service.”
With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room (…) Within minutes after the service ended the two teenagers were at the old man’s side. “That was a nice story”, politely stated one of them, “but I don’t think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son’s life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian.”
“Well, you’ve got a point there”, the old man replied, glancing down at his worn bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face. He once again looked up at the boys and said, “It sure isn’t very realistic, is it? But, I’m standing here today to tell you: that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up his son for me. You see … I was the father and your pastor is my son’s friend.”
B. First Reading (Acts 5:17-26): “The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area and are teaching the people.”
Though persecuted, the apostles have the courage to continue the Easter proclamation because God’s protection is with them. The Christian apostles of today are called to manifest the same courage in the face of the opposition and trials that confront those who live out their faith. The following is a profile of a modern-day apostle who continues to teach the Easter faith in the name of Jesus Christ (cf. Russel Shaw, “Archbishop William E. Lori: Religious Liberty Point Man” in “Catholics of 2012” in Our Sunday Visitor, December 30, 2012, p. 10)
For a little more than a year, Archbishop William E. Lori has been the American bishops’ point man in the toughest fight the Catholic Church in America has faced in a long time. Maybe ever, in fact.
As chairman of the religious liberty committee of the bishops’ conference, the 61-year-old Archbishop of Baltimore is at the center of Catholic resistance to an Obama administration act of aggression – commonly known as the “HHS mandate” – as well as other government incursions on religious free exercise.
The mandate would require hundreds of church-related institutions to provide coverage for contraceptives, abortifacient drugs and sterilizations in employee health plans. This is the first time in America that government has sought to force the Church to cooperate in what it regards as a moral evil.
The religious liberty committee was established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in September 2011. As chairman, Archbishop Lori has testified before Congress and played a key role in strategic planning for the Church’s response to what observers call the potential “institutional martyrdom” of Church programs via the HHS mandate. Currently, the mandate is the target of lawsuits in several courts.
A native of Louisville, KY, the archbishop was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., in 1977 and received a doctorate in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America in 1982. He served as secretary to the late Cardinal James Hickey of Washington, chancellor, moderator of the curia, and vicar general. Blessed Pope John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of Washington in 1995 and bishop of Bridgeport, Conn., in 2001. Eleven years later, Pope Benedict XVI named him Archbishop of Baltimore.
Archbishop Lori has held numerous committee posts with the bishops’ conference, including chairing the Committee on Doctrine and the Ad Hoc Committee on Universities and Colleges. He is the Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus.
Speaking at USCCB’s fall general assembly in November, he predicted the religious liberty struggle would be a long one. “We’re going to stay the course”, he promised the bishops and the Church.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Are we grateful to God for loving us so much that he gave his only Son to save us? How do we show our gratitude to God for his sacrificial love?
2. Are we willing to trust in God’s protecting hands when we take a stand for moral issues and for the Catholic faith?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
you did not send your Son into the world to condemn it,
but to save it.
We praise you for your sacrificial love.
Grant that we may imitate your unbounded love
and give witness to your Son’s total self-giving.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen. Alleluia!
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” (Jn 3:16))
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Offer the daily sacrifices that you experience as a Christian disciple to God the Father and beg him for the grace to be self-giving in your ministry to others.
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April 11, 2024: THURSDAY – SAINT STANISLAUS,
Bishop, Martyr
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is God’s Beloved Son”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 5:27-33 // Jn 3:31-36
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Jn 3:31-36): “The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.”
In today’s Gospel reading (Jn 3:31-36), John the Baptist speaks about Jesus. The Baptist testifies that the Father loves the Son. God has given everything to Jesus, especially the fullness of the gift of the Spirit. Jesus in turn gives to us the Spirit of God without measure. The Son speaks the words of God by the Spirit. Whoever believes in the Son and receives his testimony manifests to the world that God is trustworthy. The one who trusts in the Son and accepts his testimony has eternal life. It is very fitting that in this Easter season we hear the Baptist’s exhortation to receive the Son’s testimony about the heavenly Father. The Baptist himself witnessed to the world that Jesus Christ is trustworthy. By his ministry and martyrdom, John the Baptist surrendered trustingly to the Father and has received eternal life through the Son.
Nicholas Sparks’ novel “The Rescue” (cf. Reader’s Digest Select Editions, Large Type, p. 275-277) contains the poignant past of a firefighter, Taylor McAden. He was nine years old when it happened. One night, when he was unable to sleep, he went to the attic to play with his set of plastic soldiers. He did not realize that the house was on fire and did not answer when his parents frantically searched and yelled for him. The fire trapped him in the attic. He scrambled to the window crying for help. Taylor narrated:
“My dad … my big strong dad came running across the lawn to the spot right beneath the window. By then most of the house was on fire. I remember him reaching up his arms, yelling, ‘Jump, Taylor! I’ll catch you! I’ll catch you, I promise!’ But instead of jumping, I just started to cry all the harder … The more my dad called for me to jump, the more paralyzed I became. I can still see my father’s face when he realized I wasn’t going to jump … Then my father nodded ever so slightly, and we both knew what was he going to do … He finally turned and started running for the front door … By then the house was completely in flames … I remember seeing him rushing toward me. He was on fire. His skin, his arms, his face, his hair – just this human fireball rushing at me. He pushed me toward the window, saying, ‘Go, son.’ He forced me out, holding on to my wrist until I was dangling above the ground. He finally let go … I watched my father pull his flaming arm inside … He never came back out … I didn’t mean to kill him.”
The failure of young Taylor to trust and to throw himself into his father’s waiting, rescuing arms proved disastrous. For many years, he would carry the specter of the dreadful accident. He was burdened with guilt for having refused his father’s saving hands. In a way, this is what happens when we fail to surrender ourselves to the loving design of the Father and refuse to accept his Son Jesus’ life-giving testimony.
B. First Reading (Acts 5:27-33): “We are witnesses of these words as is the Holy Spirit.”
The apostles proclaim fearlessly the core of the Gospel message. They tenderly care for God’s flock by nourishing them with the bread of the Word. They lovingly tend the sheep by extending to the sick and suffering the compassionate healing touch of God. They lay down their life for the sheep that have been neglected and abused by the false shepherds. Indeed, in the integral task of Gospel proclamation, the apostles are opposed and persecuted. Today’s reading (Acts 5:27-33) illustrates how Peter and the apostles incur the ire and resentment of the threatened Jewish religious leaders. The Sanhedrin officials strongly reprimand them for disobeying their orders to stop teaching in the name of Jesus. But Peter and the apostles resolve to obey God rather than men.
Blessed Oscar Romero is an sterling modern day example of a true pastor and of a staunch Easter witnessing (cf. “Romero Recognized as a Martyr for the Faith” in Alive! March 2015, p.9).
Bishops, priests and lay leaders throughout the world have been given a new model of holiness and of courage in proclaiming the truth and standing up for justice in society. The Vatican has ruled that Oscar Romero, assassinated on 24 March 1980, aged 62, died as a martyr. He died “in odium fidei” (out of hatred for the faith), rather than for political reasons.
The finding clears the way for the murdered Archbishop of San Salvador to be declared “Blessed” by the Church, with no need for a certified miracle. Romero knew his life was in danger because of his outspoken defense of the poor, but he continued to speak out fearlessly against injustice. (…)
Romero was shot dead as he preached at Mass. His final homily focused strongly on the theme of Christian hope, on working for justice in society inspired by the hope of eternal life. (…)
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we surrender ourselves to the Father’s loving design and open our hearts to his beloved Son Jesus?
2. How did Peter and the apostles minister to the needs of God’s flock entrusted to their care? Are we today’s heroic apostolic witnesses? Are we credible “signs” of the Risen Lord’s pastoral love and care for his sheepfold?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
you sent your Son Jesus to reveal your great love for us.
His life-giving testimony is true.
O compassionate God,
you are trustworthy!
Grant us the grace to be faithful
and to give witness that in Christ we have eternal life.
We give you glory and praise, now and forever.
Amen. Alleluia!
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
God is trustworthy.” (Jn 3:33)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that the digital media may be rightly used to proclaim the Gospel. In your dealings with the people around you, make them feel the love and mercy of God who gave his Son Jesus Christ for us.
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April 12, 2024: FRIDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (2)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Grants Us the Sign of Loaves and Fish”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 5:34-42 // Jn 6:1-15
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Jn 6:1-15): “Jesus distributed to those who were reclining as much as they wanted.”
As I read today’s Gospel account (Jn 6:1-15), I remember a true story for inspiration that I read in a magazine. A housewife was in a quandary. Some dear friends from out of town called for an impromptu visit. She and her husband were delighted to see them, but she was worried because there was not enough food in the house. They had been working on a shoestring budget and the pantry was practically empty. Anxiously she went to her bedroom to pray. Then she heard a kindly voice assuring her, “You have food to serve.” She went to the kitchen to check. She found a fistful of ground meat in the freezer; two pieces of withered carrot and some onions in the vegetable bin, and a small box of biscuit mix in the cabinet. She hurriedly prepared a small pot of meat stew from this meager supply and baked mouth-watering biscuits, her specialty. The guests came and sat with them. She dreaded that there was not enough food for all. But as they amiably exchanged stories and the food was passed around, the guests as well as the hosts were able to serve themselves. They even treated themselves to a second serving. After the fine dinner, when she was lavishly complimented by the well-satiated guests for the delicious stew and biscuits, she was aghast that there was even some leftover! Indeed, the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves was replicated in their lives.
The account of the multiplication of the loaves carries a powerful message to the people of today. In a distressed world convulsed with deep human hunger, we are reminded that there is bread for all, if only we are willing to share. It teaches us that personal involvement is needed in carrying out a miracle of “loaves and fish” for God’s people. Although overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation, Andrew did not detach himself from the problem. He said to Jesus: “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Andrew was creatively involved in the pastoral situation of the hungry crowd. Rather than being passive, he was exploring possible solutions. In the process, he unwittingly pointed to a basic material for Jesus’ miraculous intervention. From the modest portion offered by the boy, Jesus prepared a banquet for all.
B. First Reading (Acts 5:34-42): “The Apostles went out rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.”
In the Second Reading (Acts 5:34-42), Peter and the apostles made known to the Jewish religious authorities their resolve to obey God rather than any human authority. Although not opposed to lawful authority in principle, their ultimate loyalty lies in God alone. Hence, they are likely to come into conflict with those who wield power and demand from them total loyalty and absolute obedience. They boldly proclaim anew before the Sanhedrin the Easter kerygma about Jesus: they have killed him by nailing him to a cross, but God has raised him from the dead for the forgiveness of sins and the repentance of Israel. Their witnessing so infuriates the Sanhedrin that they want to put the apostles to death.
The greatly revered teacher Gamaliel, a leading Pharisee said to be the teacher of Saint Paul, fittingly raises a word of caution. He persuades the Sanhedrin to wait and see whether this movement is of merely human origin. If it were so, it will fail like others in the past. If it were from God, then they would be fighting in vain against God. Gamaliel’s wisdom prevails and the Sanhedrin follows his advice. The apostles are released, but not before enduring suffering. They were flogged and ordered never again to speak in the name of Jesus. The apostles go out rejoicing, feeling privileged to suffer for the sake of Jesus. Every day in the Temple and the people’s homes, the apostles continue to teach and proclaim the Good News about Jesus as the Messiah.
To die rejoicing is exemplified in the martyrdom of the Japanese Christian Francis Toyama Jintaro (cf. Full Sail with the Wind of Grace, ed. “Martyres” Editorial Committee, Tokyo: Don Bosco Sha, 2008, p. 90-93).
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon …” The young pure-hearted Jintaro was captivated by the spirit of St. Francis, taught him by the Franciscan missionary Fr. Apolinar Franco. Jintaro said to himself, “I too, want to give my life for God’s peace. Jintaro was baptized in 1616 when he was 16 years old. He received the name of the St. Francis he loved.
His family and friends were worried about him. “Jintaro, are you sure about this? The Christian religion is forbidden and persecution is getting worse everywhere.” The 16-year-old could well understand what kind of suffering awaited those who become Christians, but no one could change his mind which was set on serving God.
Jintaro joined the Confraternity of the Cord to take care of the sick and help the poor. He led an austere life. Having learned foreign languages from the missionaries, Jintaro read books which were not yet translated into Japanese, and using simple words explained the teachings to other Christians. The missionaries visiting Wakayama took a rest at Jintaro’s home. When they were staying there, the house would be filled with the voices of the faithful who came to attend mass. Young Francis Jintaro matured into becoming a leader of the Church in Wakayama.
In 1619, Asano Nagaakira was transferred to Hiroshima. Jintaro moved to Hiroshima with his master. In Hiroshima also, where persecution had already begun, there were Christians secretly living their faith. Jintaro worked hard for God in Hiroshima, too … Jintaro had a serenity that was unusual for a youth of 19. He served everyone well and there was peace wherever he went. (…)
In December 1623, upon witnessing the Great Martyrdom of Edo, Jintaro’s master Nagaakira was terribly troubled. He could no longer turn a blind eye to the Christians. Upon returning to Hiroshima in January of the following year, Nagaakira started a thorough survey to identify the Christians. One day, when Jintaro was out, an officer came to his house. “There aren’t any Christians in this house!” Jintaro’s servant tactfully told the officer, turning him away. When Jintaro heard of this, he turned himself in to the commissioner. “I am a Kirishitan. I won’t run or hide.” Jintaro had decided to turn himself in because he didn’t want to cause other Christians to weaken. (…)
Many officers came and surrounded Jintaro’s residence. “You are disobeying the orders of the lord, and must commit seppuku like a samurai!” Jintaro shook his head and replied to those who brought Nagaakira’s orders. “I will not kill myself. My life is a gift from God.”
Before the execution, Jintaro left these words to his mother and his wife. “My time has come at last! Please rejoice. I am at peace!” “You have served everyone well. At least we are consoled to know that your wish will be fulfilled. Our tears are tears of joy.” Jintaro’s mother and his wife cast their eyes down and wept. Jintaro’s last wish was granted and he was beheaded before a statue of Our Lady, while his family prayed. It was 16 February 1624. Jintaro was only 24 years old.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we believe that we are being called to share our modest portion of “five barley loaves and two fish”? Are we personally involved in making the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves happen in our community/society today?
2. Are we willing to replicate the experience of the apostles: “rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Jesus, Bread of life,
you set a table of plenty for the hungry crowd,
giving them a sign of the heavenly banquet and Eucharistic feasting.
Help us to be attentive to the stupendous “signs”
that you continually carry out in our lives.
Like your disciple, Andrew,
help us to be personally involved
in the pastoral care for your flock.
Like the boy who shared with you the “five barley loaves and two fish”,
may we experience the beauty and nobility
of contributing our modest resource
for your messianic work and miracle of love.
Strengthened by the bread of the Word and the Eucharist,
grant us the grace to accept suffering for the sake of your name.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen. Alleluia!
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.” (Jn 6:11)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Identify the needs in your community/society and make a practical move to share your “five barley loaves and two fish” with the needy. When you suffer humiliation or an offense, do not react negatively but gracefully, and offer this for the glory and honor of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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April 13, 2024: SATURDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (2); SAINT MARTIN, Pope, Martyr
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Walks on the Raging Sea”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 6:1-7 // Jn 6:16-21
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Jn 6:16-21): “They saw Jesus walking on the sea.”
Today’s Gospel reading (Jn 6:16-21) invites us to cling to the saving Lord through whatever storms we may be experiencing. Walking on the sea, he comes to us with the consoling words: “It is I. Do not be afraid.” When overwhelmed with anxieties and overcome with doubts and when we feel that we are sinking and drowning in misery, we need to call out to Jesus, who tames the raging sea. In whatever distress and trouble, we need to cling to him and put our faith in him that he will bring us safely to shore.
An example of a deep trust in Jesus can be gleaned from the life of Sr. Mary Agape Saccone, PDDM, who died in Fresno, California on April 28, 2008. Born in Messina, Sicily, this Sister with a bright smile was a woman of faith. For 60 years she worked as a missionary, mostly in USA. Here is an account of her faith experience in the high seas, during her second trip back to the United States in 1965 after visiting her family in Italy.
“We had a reservation on the ship NUOVA RAFFAELO, a beautiful ship traveling to America. (…) After sailing for five days, at around 2:00 P.M., I went to the upper balcony to contemplate the sea and the immensity of the ocean and enjoy the beautiful view. All of a sudden, I heard a noise, like an explosion. After a short while, I became aware that the crewmembers were hurrying back and forth, and seemed to be worried. Later I learned that one of the engines of the NUOVA RAFFAELO had caught fire. The captain was forced to advise the passengers that the ship had to return to port for mechanical reasons. When the crew began the maneuvers to turn around, there were other noises and the ship began to shake. Everyone was worried. I sought to help the others remain calm and to encourage them during those terrible moments. I recall that I took the Gospel and read the passage about the calming of the sea to the other passengers. Finally, on November 6, we arrived safely at the port in Genoa. From there we left for New York once again, this time in an airplane. Once again we thanked God for his help.”
B. First Reading (Acts 6:1-7): “They chose seven men filled with the Holy Spirit.”
The First Reading (Acts 6:1-7) presents the endeavor of the early Christian community to be configured to the Risen Lord Jesus in its life of service. The Church is depicted as responsive to a challenging situation, receptive to the needs of others and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, able to organize in view of a more efficient community ministry, and has the capacity to restructure an existing service system and to innovate under charismatic impulse. In the beautiful springtime of its growth, the Church is presented as ministerial – a serving Church that cares for the needs of the faithful.
Harold Buetow comments“The first converts came from two groups of Jews, the Hellenists and the Hebrews. The Hellenistic Jews were Greek-speaking, and had returned to Jerusalem from all over the Mediterranean region. The Hebrews were native Palestinian Jews who spoke Aramaic. Today’s reading from Acts demonstrates one of the tensions between them: the Hellenistic group complaining that their poor widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food from the common store (v. 1) by the majority group, the local Hebrews. Another problem was that some of the members were so overworked in the service of the community that they were neglecting other important duties. The solution, arrived at by prayer and discernment, showed flexibility and growth, optimism and imagination. It showed the Church as an organization with an atmosphere of love, consideration, and enthusiasm. It showed a Church with each person treated equally with love, in the forefront of breaking down ethnic and racial barriers. Many of the qualities of the early Church were embodied in a new office: that of deacon. Though the assistants are not called deacons here, their office is deaconing: that is, service. Deacons were, however, to meet more than the immediate material needs. Later (Acts 6:8 and 8:5) we see two of the deacons involved in evangelization. All the faithful are called to serve with commitment. We are the lifeblood of the Church.”
The ideal of a serving and responsive Church continues to live on in today’s modern world. The following testimony and appeal of Tom Monaghan, a poor boy turned millionaire, illustrates the creative spirit of service and mission that animates the Christian disciples today.
My name is Tom Monaghan, and I am the founder of DOMINO’S PIZZA. Nine years ago I sold DOMINO’S in order to devote my time and assets to helping the Church. Over these last nine years, I have spent most of my time and money on advancing higher education through Ave Maria University, and I need your help to do it well. During the last quarter-century, I have given to a lot of Catholic causes, and been asked to give to more than I can remember.
Frequently, I have been criticized for both causes I have and haven’t supported. I think the first public example came in 1984 when I helped build the new Cathedral in Nicaragua. Some people said “Why put up a building, when there are poor people who need food?” So I then supported a mission in Central America that taught the youth how to farm to raise enough food for their families, and other people said “Why give them just food? You need to educate them so they can earn their keep.”
So I started a system of Catholic grade schools. However, after building a number of schools, I realized that, as worthwhile and important as this was, due to the expense of starting all these individual schools, I was going to run out of money faster that I had first thought. During this time, I realized that through Catholic higher education, we could train young men and women – tomorrow’s leaders, most importantly – in the precepts of Catholic Church, but also to be dynamic and successful contributors in our society and the Church. When this happens, people thrive, the society thrives, and the Church thrives. (…)
Years ago, I started going to daily Mass and then added praying the rosary daily some years later. I share this with you to invite you to do so as well. I first started going to daily Mass when I still owned DOMINO’S PIZZA, and I thought I was so busy. Then I read that Don Shula, the great head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who had just finished the only perfect season ever, was a daily communicant, and I thought, if a head coach of a pro football team has time to go to daily Mass, then so do I. Then, I heard a sermon regarding some of Mary’s apparitions and how she was asking us to pray the rosary daily.
I thought, if Mary is going through all this trouble to appear to us in such an extraordinary way, and she herself asked us to do this, then why shouldn’t I do so? It may sound funny coming from a guy who built a pizza delivery company, but I know what fasting is and that it will remain an integral part of worshipping God. I have always been taught that we were both physical and spiritual – having both bodies and souls – and that Christ clearly wants us to bend the body to the will of the soul. Christ fasted, and that’s good enough for me. It is especially important that we fast as the Church directs us. It is good for us, and not coincidentally, the money we save by cutting back on food and restaurants can be applied to the Church. (…)
In the late 80’s and early 90’s, I was approached by many Catholic causes asking me to support their efforts – some I did and some I didn’t. I wanted to be prudent with the resources at my disposal and I wanted them to have the greatest impact for the good of the Church. I learned that not everything that called itself “Catholic” was really Catholic, so I had to be discerning, as you do, in what I supported. As I got more and more involved in Catholic causes, I developed what I thought was a fairly specific focus of what I thought was the most important work for me to do, because I knew I couldn’t support everything that was good. Yet, I soon became convinced that I needed to get even more focused, and through this process I became convinced that investing in Catholic higher education would be the most efficient and effective way to train the next generation of Catholic leaders, both lay and clerical, who will carry on the vital work of the church after you and I are gone.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
When buffeted by howling winds and violent storms in the sea of life, how steadfast is our faith? In the midst of life’s storms, do we respond trustingly to Christ’s words: “It is I. Do not be afraid”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O loving and merciful Jesus,
when we are in troubled waters,
you are there for us with your saving love.
You assure us: “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
When overwhelmed with fears and challenges,
may we not sink into despair,
but believe that you are there for us
to draw us out of the raging waters.
Bring us safely back to shore.
We give you praise and bless you,
we thank and serve you,
we adore you and obey your gracious will,
now and forever.
Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“It is I. Do not be afraid.” (Jn 6:20)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for those whose lives are in a “raging sea”. Do what you can to lift them up from their trials and difficulties.
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Prepared by Sr. Mary Margaret Tapang PDDM
PIAE DISCIPULAE DIVINI MAGISTRI
SISTER DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE MASTER
60 Sunset Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314
Tel. (718) 494-8597 // (718) 761-2323
Website: WWW.PDDM.US