CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS Archives

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL JULY 16

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL

PRAY FOR US!

What does Mary, the Mother of God have to do with Carmel and why a feast day? Good question. When Jesus saw his mother^* and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son, Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” John 19:17 From all eternity God chose Mary as the means to bring Christ into the world. Through the maternal care of Mary, her children grow in love and the zeal for the salvation of souls. Love is the “heart” of Carmel.

Eve, through her disobedience, brought sin into the world. Mary, through her obedience brought salvation. On July 16, 1251, Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock, Prior of the Carmelite order. St. Simon Stock had prayed fervently to the Blessed Mother for assistance as the Order of Carmel was enduring difficulties. Our Lady appeared to him, holding the Brown Scapular in her hands, saying to him,, “This will be the sign of the privilege that I have obtained for thee and for the children of Carmel; whoever dies clothed with this habit will be preserved from the eternal flames”

BACKGROUND

Mt. Carmel is located in Palestine between Tyre and Caesarea about 20 miles from Nazareth, home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The prophet Elijah witnessed God’s triumph over the pagan gods of Ba’aal. In the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, it was the Prophet Elijah and the lawmaker, Moses who appeared with Jesus who is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Carmel is the place where not only prophets, Elijah and Elisha, lived and prayed but many hermits after them lived lives of prayer and sacrifice.

MOUNT CARMEL

ELIJAH

In the Old Testament Elijah is first mentioned in 1 Kings 17:1 and is last seen in 2 Kings 2:13 when he is taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot. Elijah was the prophet and instrument of God to preserve the true religion of Israel. Elijah preached conversion and repentance and turning away from pagan gods.

The people of Israel had apparently become comfortable worshiping both the pagan god Baal and the Lord, perhaps assigning mutually exclusive spheres of influence to each. By claiming authority over the rain 1 Kings 17:1; 18:1, the Lord was challenging Baal’s power in Baal’s own domain. The entire drought story becomes explicit in 18:21–40 This is a struggle between the Lord and Baal for the loyalties of the people of Israel.

Ahab summoned all the Israelites and had the prophets 0f Baal together at Mount Carmel. And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. So Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, and there are four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal.

Elijah prayed to the Lord

Answer me, LORD! that this people may know that you, LORD, are God and that you have turned their hearts back to you.”The LORD’s fire came down and devoured the burnt offering, wood, stones, and dust, and lapped up the water in the trench. Seeing this, all the people fell prostrate and said, “The LORD is God! The LORD is God! Then Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal. Let none of them escape!

SEIZE PROPHETS OF BAAL

1 KINGS 18-20

Elijah is the founder patriarch of the Order of Carmel. His charism reveals a singular devotion and love for Our Lord, zeal for the salvation of souls and a deep life of prayer. St. John the Baptist bridged the Old to the New Testament, as he lived the spirit of Carmel in the desert as a hermit.

In silence and solitude, John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord. The Spirit of Carmel allows the love of God to increase in us, so that like St. John the Baptist, we too can say, “He must increase, I must decrease” John 3:30

CARMELITE SPIRITUALITY

Humility and dependence on God is central to Carmelite Spirituality. The first rule of the Carmelites was written by St. Albert Avogadro between the years 1206 – 1214. In the 16th century, St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) and St. John of the Cross (both from Spain) inaugurated a reform of the Carmelite Order, aimed at returning to the original observance of the primitive Carmelite rule established by St. Albert.

. “Then the LORD said to Elijah: Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD;^* the LORD will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.”

I Kings:19: 11-13

Both Sts. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross teach us that God, the Blessed Trinity, dwells within the human person. Hence, one need not go out of self in search for God but enter progressively ever deeper within oneself to be with God who dwells at the very center of our being. Carmelite spirituality proposes silence and solitude as necessary pre-requisites for prayer and contemplation. Silence refers not only to external noise but also to the stilling of one’s internal noises. Silence is the condition for listening attentively to the still small voice of God

REFLECTIONS

In order to approach God more intimately, we must humbly approach Him, detached from other attachments that act as a barrier to God filling us with Himself.

What barriers do we have standing in the way of God?

Silence and special places can assist us in our prayer time to deepen our relationship with Jesus and His Father.

Do we have that silent place reserved for God and me?

Carmelite Spirituality also focuses on austerity as a means of freeing one-self from the tyranny of self-will, simplifying one’s life, and preserving all of one’s energy for journeying to God. Not my will but thy will be done! Luke 22:42

How am I imitating Jesus with his father at Gethsemane?

Carmelite spirituality is not just about self-salvation but the salvation of others as their prayers include all of us that all may be one in the Spirit and homeward bound.

I am called to evangelize. How am I doing?

God must increase and I must decrease.

How is that happening?

Listen to that small quiet voice of the Spirit and pray for discernment.

What is that voice really telling me? It may not be what I wanted to hear or expected. Sometimes it even says wait awhile.

Mary is our maternal mother. Mary gave us the brown scapular that we might be clothed with Jesus as we were at our Baptisms.

Have I looked into obtaining a brown scapular?

MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS MONTH OF JULY

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD

WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD

JOHN 1:29

BACKGROUND

The next day John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God,^* who takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29 John points to Jesus as the one who has come to be sacrificed for our salvation.

Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus is as old as Christianity. The early Fathers say that the Church was born from the pierced side of Christ, and that the sacraments were brought forth through His Blood.

Just as Eve, the mother of all life, was taken from the side of Adam, the Church and all the life-giving sacraments flow from the pierced side of Jesus.

In the first century, Pope St. Clement I wrote “Let us fix our gaze on the Blood of Christ and realize how truly precious it is; it was poured out for our salvation and brought the grace of conversion to the whole world. This sacrifice is repeated in every Eucharistic celebration.

REFLECTION

The Bible regards blood as the symbol and source of life. “For the life of every creature is its blood: its blood is its life. Leviticus 17:14 The lifeblood of a sacrificial animal offered in sacrifice represented the life of the individual making atonement.

In the book of Leviticus chapter 16 we are told the story of the scapegoat. Two goats are brought to the temple high-priest for sacrifice. He sends one off into wilderness with the sins of the people to die alone and the other goat, without blemish, he will sacrifice and sprinkle its blood on the temple and on the worshippers.

God’s holiness and justice demands atonement. Atonement for our offense against God requires a perfect, spotless sacrifice. Jesus Christ is that perfect sacrifice, human and divine… he was pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity. He bore the punishment that makes us whole, by his wounds we were healed. Isaiah 53:5

This is My blood, the blood of the covenant,

which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.”

Matthew 26:28

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, You became Man that you might suffer your Passion and Death

even to the draining of your most precious blood so you might prove to us your love for us.

Protect us, dear Jesus. Strengthen our weak human wills so that we will not run away from the cross,

but welcome every opportunity to shed our blood in spirit in union with your Precious Blood,

so that, dying to ourselves in time, we might live with You in Eternity Amen

FEAST OF SACRED HEART OF JESUS

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

JUNE 7, 2024

BACKGROUND

In the eleventh and twelfth centuries we find the first indications of devotion to the Sacred Heart. It was the Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries that the devotion began. It was St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, however, who made this devotion widespread.

In Jesus’ appearance to Margaret Mary in the 17th century, June 1675, Jesus disclosed he wanted to share the wonders of His love and the treasures of His goodness to all the world.

Jesus told Margaret Mary, “Behold the Heart that has so loved men. Instead of gratitude I receive from the greater part of mankind only sacrilege, contempt, indifference and ingratitude.” Jesus asked Margaret Mary for a feast of reparation to His Most Sacred Heart.

COMMENTARY

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This specific feast day is celebrated the first Friday after the feast of Corpus Christi. .

The “heart” has been the symbol of love almost forever. Valentine cards are filled with hearts, boxes of candy come in heart shape boxes, so is it any surprise that Jesus divine and human wants us to focus on His heart pierced for our salvation. Jesus is the model of love, service, and compassion.

Jesus reveals His Sacred Heart

to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

After Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque received apparitions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus she told her Mother Superior and asked what she should do. Mother Superior advised Margaret Mary to tell the Priest in Confession and ask his advice.

The priest told Saint Margaret Mary to ask Jesus what he confessed in his last confession. Next confession the priest asked Saint Margaret what Jesus said. Margaret Mary, uncomfortably, answered, “Jesus said “I don’t know, I have forgotten them!”

REFLECTION

In this culture of death, let us spend the month of June in Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, lifting up our Nation, indeed the whole world, to the One in whom we place all of our trust. His Heart still beats with Mercy and Love for the world.

The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us of Jesus’ humanity as well as His divinity and the significance of His sacrifice. Jesus suffered, He felt pain, He literally laid down his life for us …. The cross is not about how much Christ suffered but how much God loves us.

Suffering (passion) is part of human condition. Love and suffering go together,You love until it hurts, just ask a caregiver caring for a loved one. And It wasn’t easy for Jesus to do the Father’s will. “Father if possible remove this cup from me, but not my will thy will be done. Luke 22:42

PRAYER

ADORABLE Heart of Jesus, infinitely rich in mercy, heal the wounds of our souls. We humbly prostrate ourselves before Thee to express the sorrow that fills our hearts for the coldness and indifference we have so often embraced….

JESUS MEEK AND HUMBLE OF HEART
MAKE MY HEART LIKE UNTO THINE!

ADORABLE Heart of Jesus, source of true contrition impart to our hearts the spirit of penance, and give to our eyes a fountain of tears, that we may bewail our sins now and for the rest of our days.

ADORABLE Heart of Jesus, source of true contrition and ever merciful to the penitent sinner, impart to our hearts the spirit of penance, that we reject our sins now and for the rest of our days. Strengthen our weakness, confirm our resolutions of amendment, that nothing in life or death may ever again separate us from Thee.

AMEN

FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI THURSDAY MAY 30 2024

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

THIS IS THE BREAD COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN

INTRODUCTION

At the Last Supper, Jesus taught his disciples to offer bread and wine in his memory. Taking the bread, he told us, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me”

Luke 22:19. Offering the chalice, he said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you” Luke 22:20

Before the consecration at Mass, the priest in persona Christi calls on God to send the Holy Spirit to change this bread and wine into the Body and Blood of His Son the same way the Spirit overshadowed Mary at the Annunciation.

BACKGROUND

For 700 years and more, the Church has celebrated with great joy the Feast of Corpus Christi, the great gift of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, given to us at the Last Supper.

The feast of Corpus Christi was established on September 8, 1264 by Pope Urban IV as a universal feast of the Church, to be celebrated on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday. Today, in the United States, the feast is celebrated on the following Sunday.

For centuries after the celebration was extended to the universal Church by Pope Urban IV, the feast was also celebrated with Eucharistic processions. The faithful would venerate the Body of Christ as the procession passed by. In recent years, this practice has almost disappeared, though some parishes still hold a brief procession around the outside of the parish church.

BREAD OF LIFE DISCOURSE

I am the living bread from heaven…whoever eats this bread will live forever…whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day…whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him” John 6:48

JESUS INSTITUTES THE EUCHARIST AT THE LAST SUPPER

Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:26-28.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

1323 At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again.

1360 The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for all His blessings, for all that He has accomplished through Creation, Redemption, and Sanctification. The word Eucharist means first of all “thanksgiving.

Accidents” are those things that appeal to our senses, touch, sight, taste, etc. The host looks like bread, tastes like bread etc. The “substance” of the Eucharist is changed (into the Body and Blood of Jesus. (transubstantiation)

The real presence of Jesus’ Body and Blood remain as long as the “accidents” remain. This is why the Blessed Sacrament may be reserved in the tabernacle for sick calls and adoration.

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine,

All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine

The Eucharist is one and the same sacrifice on Calvary extended through time to us at Mass. Some think Catholics say Jesus is sacrificed again and again during every Mass. No, it is the one sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary which is RE-PRESENTED through time to us in every Mass

REFLECTION

If we want to be intimate with Jesus he tells us how, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.” John 6:54

We receive the Holy Eucharist with sublime humility and gratitude. God, in whom the fullness of power, and glory dwells, humbled Himself that He became like one of us in every way but sin that we may share in His Divinity.

When we receive the Eucharist in Holy Communion, the Priest says, “the Body of Christ” and we say “Amen.” Our “Amen” means we recognize and acknowledge the real presence, body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is present in the Blessed Sacrament, in all the tabernacles of the world. Yes, in our parish. He awaits us. Let us go to meet him in adoration. Filled with humility and faith we pray for this world, making amends for the many sins against Him and His Church. Let our reparation for sin and adoration never cease! Let us commit to Eucharistic Revival in our lives!

TAKE AND RECEIVE,

THIS IS MY BODY, THIS IS MY BLOOD

PENTECOST SUNDAY MAY 19 2024

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRITY ADVOCATE AND SANCTIFIER

“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid… I will not leave you an orphan… The Spirit will teach you…inspire you…remind you of my word…and call to mind your sins that you may be reconciled and live… He will teach you through my church and proclaim the good news…

I have so much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it all at once…trust me…trust the Holy Spirit who will guide you to all truth… you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” John 16:7-16

INTRODUCTION

Pentecost means fiftieth. The Jewish festival of Pentecost, 50 days after Passover, was first spoken of in Exodus 23:16 as “the feast of harvest,” and again in Exodus 34:22 as “the day of the first fruits. This Jewish feast celebrates the sealing of the Old Covenant on Mount Sinai.

The Christian feast of Pentecost is one of the most ancient feasts of the Church, We mark it as the birthday of the Church when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in tongues of fire.

The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Most Blessed Trinity, equal to the Father and equal to the Son. The term Spirit comes from the Hebrew word, ruach, meaning breath or air. His presence on the world stage is made known in Scripture in its earliest book, Genesis.

In the First Creation Story in Genesis 1:2 the Spirit of God was moving over the face of deep waters, bringing order out of chaos. In the Second Creation Story, Genesis 2:7, “The Lord God formed man from the dust of the land and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being.”

The Blessed Trinity is not complete without the Holy Spirit whom we adore and glorify with the Father and the Son. “Glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever.” …One God…three Divine Persons.

“By contemplating Himself from all eternity, The Father begets the mirror image of Himself, God the Son… The Father and Son see each other in infinite Divine beauty and embrace in infinite love. The Spirit is that love that proceeds between Father and Son.” Catechism of the Council of Trent 1545

PENTECOST SUNDAY 33 AD

MARY AND THE APOSTLES IN THE UPPER ROOM

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised his disciples that he would pray to his Father that the Holy Spirit be given to them. Jesus promised “The Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your mind whatever I have said to you.” John 14:26

“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” Acts 2:1-3

While the Holy Apostles were generally ignorant of the Holy Spirit at this time, the Immaculate Mary knew the Spirit intimately. Mary was possessed by the Holy Spirit and filled with grace at the first moment of her existence. Moreover, the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary in a powerful way at the virginal conception of Christ our Lord.

The Holy Spirit overshadowed the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation and she conceived the body of Christ, Our Lord. Now the Holy Spirit at Pentecost mystically conceives the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church.

Through the Holy Spirit, our faith is awakened. We are inspired to know Jesus and the One who sent Him. The Holy Spirit stirs up in us repentance for sin and conversion. Until the end of time, the Spirit guides, protects, and inspires the Church of Christ and its members.

Come Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life.

REFLECTION

How do I interact with the Holy Spirit? What prayers do I say?

Do I call on Him, before reading scripture…before making difficult decisions… for protection against temptation?

How can my relationship to the Spirit assist me to overcome tendencies in pride, anger, lust, greed, envy, excess, and laziness…do I ever thank the Holy Spirit for his assistance.?

If you feel God has abandoned you or stepped away, take heart. Consider the disciples after Jesus left the earth. We are not left alone but kept safe guided by His Spirit.

“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:25-26

ST. AUGUSTINE PRAYER TO HOLY SPIRIT

Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.

Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.

Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy.

Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.

Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. Amen.

FEAST DAY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA MAY 13

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS, MARY MOTHER OF GOD

OUR LADY APPEARS TO

FRANCISCO, JACINTA, AND LUCIA

May 13 is the anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady to three shepherd children in the small village of Fatima, Portugal in 1917.

BACKGROUND

Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three Portuguese children, Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Lucia dos Santos received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria near the city of Fatima. Mary had instructed the children after the first apparition May 13 to meet here the following 5 months on the 13^th.

Mary asked the children to pray the rosary for world peace, pray for sinners, and for the conversion of Russia. Mary gave the children three secrets.

LUCIA and FRANCISCO and JACINTA

FATIMA SECRETS

The First Secret: the Vision of Hell

As the Lady was finishing the prayer, she opened her hands again. It seemed to open the earth! It revealed a very terrifying scene as the children were shown a vision of hell! It was only for a brief moment that they saw the fires of hell, the ugliest demons, and the poor charred and transparent burning souls of people suffering tremendously.

The Second Secret:

WORLD WAR 1 is going to end. But if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the Pontificate of Pius XI. When you see a night illumined by an unknown light, (KRISTALLNACHT) know this is the great sign given you by God that he is about to punish the world for its crimes, by means of war, famine, and persecutions of the Church and of the Holy Father.

To prevent this, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart, and the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace.

The Third Secret is revealed but Kept Secret at instructions of Blessed Mother.

When Lucia grew up, she wrote down the secret

THIRD SECRET:

“a bishop dressed in white…the Holy Father passed through a big city half in ruins and half trembling with halting step, afflicted with pain and sorrow, he prayed for the souls of the corpses he met on his way; having reached the top of the mountain, on his knees at the foot of the big Cross he was killed by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows at him….,

Pope John Paul II directed the Holy See’s Secretary of State to reveal the third secret in 2000; it spoke of a “bishop in white.” Many people linked this vision to the assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square on May 13, 1981.

FATIMA WARNINGS

In the apparition of July 13, 1917 Our Lady warned the three children that if people did not stop offending God, He would punish the world “by means of war, hunger and persecution of the Church and of the Holy Father.

Russia will spread its errors throughout the world, raising up wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer and various nations will be annihilated.”

In a 1957 interview, Sr. Lucia, elaborated more on Persecution of the Church by adding the diminishment of the shepherding of the Church. The devil found the easiest way to seize souls was to undermine those consecrated to God, especially priests and bishops leaving the souls of the faithful abandoned by their leaders. ie. pedophile priest scandals

MIRACLE OF THE SUN

On October 13, 1917, Our Lady of Fatima made her last public appearance with a great miracle, the miracle of the sun. A great throng of 70,000 spectators witnessed the miracle of the sun. It had rained all during the apparition.

CROWD VIEW THE MIRACLE OF THE SUN OCTOBER 13, 1917

The sun spun rapidly like a gigantic circle of fire. Its rim became scarlet; whirling, it scattered red flames across the sky. Its light was reflected on the ground, on the trees, on the bushes, and on the faces and clothing of the people, which took on brilliant hues and changing colors.

After performing this bizarre pattern three times, the globe of fire seemed to tremble, shake, and then plunge in a zigzag toward the terrified crowd. All this lasted about ten minutes. Finally, the sun zigzagged back to its original place and once again became still and brilliant, shining with its normal brightness.

REFLECTION

One of God’s harshest chastisements is when he permits his people to fall into the hands of clergy who are priests in name only. God cries out through his prophet Jerimiah, “Return, rebellious children and I will appoint for you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently!” Jeremiah 3:14-15

Today, where are our shepherds???….a staggering number of Catholic Church leaders who occupy places of responsibility in the Church have fallen victim to the error of Modernism, the belief that some aspects of Catholic doctrine can change over time. It can’t!

Customs and Church discipline may change over time but not doctrine. It is hard enough to live in this secular world without an undermining of the Faith given to us by Jesus Christ by those He left behind to shepherd us.

Pray that our priests and bishops will be Good Shepherds in imitation of Christ that they may lead us faithfully to the Way, the Truth, and Life, of Jesus Christ. Stop watering down Church teaching… Jesus was unique; He didn’t go along to get along. And neither should we!

Satan, the Father of Lies, will say anything and do anything to entice us to separate from God just as he did with our first parents, Adam and Eve, …God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know^* good and evil. Genesis 3:5

How did that work out for Adam and Eve???? Things we seek to fill us up apart from God will not do the trick. St. Augustine says it best, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.”

REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL!

ASCENSION THURSDAY MAY 9 2024

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

INTRODUCTION

Ascension is one of the earliest Christian festivals dating back to the year 68 CE Ascension Thursday, is celebrated forty days after Easter Sunday and ten days prior to Pentecost.

This is a Holy Day of obligation when celebrated on Thursday in the US. But in many dioceses it has been moved to the following Sunday.

This meaningful feast celebrates Christ’s entrance into heaven and foreshadows our resurrection and glorification in heaven. It also looks forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and beginning of the church.

JESUS RETURNS TO THE FATHER

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Before Jesus ascends to the Father, He sends His disciples on mission:

Go therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world” Matthew 28:19.

Jesus comforts His disciples with these words:

… But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth.

…And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, two men stood by them in white garment who said: You men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven….Acts 1:7-12

REFLECTION

Jesus ascended into heaven by His own power and will come to judge the living and the dead at the end of time by His own power. Jesus is God after all. Jesus is our judge now and forever. We must not judge. Judge not less you be judged in the same manner.

Jesus promises them and us a helper.. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:16-17 The Holy Spirit inspires us to make good choices and convicts our conscience when it chooses the wrong path. Pray to the Holy Spirit daily.

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

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, who have taught the hearts of the faithful
by the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wise
and ever rejoice in his consolation.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ascension Thursday should be a day filled with joy and hope that we will one day be resurrected and glorified like Christ.

Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed^* we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

Christ’s Ascension shows us that his work on earth was completed! God had sent Jesus with a very special mission. When that mission was complete – Jesus joined the Father in heaven.

We, all, are called to mission by virtue of our Baptism. . Go, therefore,^* and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.^* And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. Matthew 28:19

By Baptism we all have the “mission” of bringing the Gospel message of Jesus to the world, What does my mission look like? How am I fulfilling my mission? What could I do better?

JESUS TAKES HIS THRONE

ASCENSION THURSDAY MASS

God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:

a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

All you peoples, clap your hands,

shout to God with cries of gladness,

For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,

is the great king over all the earth.

God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:

a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;

the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.

Sing praise to God, sing praise;

sing praise to our king, sing praise.

God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:

a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalms 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER MAY 1.

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

PATRON SAINT OF WORKERS

In 1955 the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker was promulgated by Pope Pius XII to be observed on May 1. This feast was added to the Church calendar to counter the Communist May Day celebrations. In Red Square, troops paraded their latest military hardware in front of huge, stage-managed crowds to celebrate the might of their working class.

Saint Joseph was a faithful practicing Jew from the line of David and Foster father of Jesus. St Joseph was a humble carpenter who knew what it was to work hard, often for meagre pay, in order to earn a living to support his wife and foster child.

It was the Will of God that Joseph and his foster-Son should spend their days together in manual labor. By the daily labor in his shop, St. Joseph provided for the necessities of his holy spouse and of the Incarnate Son of God.

Jesus, too, was a carpenter who learned the trade from Saint Joseph and spent his early adult years working side-by-side in Joseph’s carpentry shop. God allowed Himself to be taught carpentry skills by Saint Joseph in order to show us what sanctity can be attached to the simple and humble role of a workman

Beginning in the Book of Genesis, the dignity of human work has long been celebrated as a participation in the creative work of God. By work, humankind fulfills the command found in Genesis to care for the earth “The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the Garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.” Genesis 2:15

Humanity shares in God’s image not only in thinking and loving, but also in creating. Sure, we don’t create from nothing, only God can do that! But whether we make a table or a cathedral, we are called to bear fruit with our hands and mind, ultimately for the building up of the Body of Christ, the Church!

REFLECTION

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER WITH MARY AND JESUS

When I think of this feast day of St. Joseph the carpenter and foster father of Jesus, I think of the ordinary saints among us who have not been canonized and probably never will be. My Father was such a man, a humble worker, through the depression era, providing for his wife and three children.

I had the privilege of witnessing his faith. His attendance at Mass, leading a family rosary and inviting neighbors to join us, walking to Mother of Perpetual Devotions each Tuesday… almsgiving when we didn’t have much to share, and his kneeling by the side of the bed to say his night prayers. .

Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. We were created with a vocation to work whatever it might be. Each of us have gifts. Use them for the salvation of the world.

Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development and personal fulfillment. We are the heirs of the work of those who came before us and must do the same for those who come after us.

JESUS, MARY. AND JOSEPH PRAY FOR ME

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH

O glorious St. Joseph, Saint of the workbench, cheerfully toiling side by side with Jesus,

obtain for us the grace to work conscientiously with peace and patience,

without ever shrinking from weariness and frustration,

Teach us also to value lives of hidden splendor.

Saint Joseph, we implore your powerful intercession

in obtaining for us from your Divine son all spiritual blessings,

particularly the grace of a happy death, In Jesus’ name we pray@

FEAST OF ANNUNCIATION MARCH 25

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

NOTE: BECAUSE THIS FEAST FELL IN LENT THIS YEAR THE UNITED COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS MOVED THIS SOLEMNITY TO APRIL 8

“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you”

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary

REFLECTION

The plan for our salvation originates with God; the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.

This fulfills the prophecies of the Savior born of a virgin and born in the line of David and he will rule over the house of David forever. 2 Samuel 7:16

And coming to her, the Angel said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you”

REFLECTION

The angel Gabriel addresses Mary with an expression full of grace, (kecharitomene), Mary is not becoming full of grace; Mary is full of grace now! Mary was preserved from Original Sin from her conception through anticipated merits of Jesus’ Passion and death.

But Mary was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,^* and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God

REFLECTION

Mary questioned the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” Mary would not have asked such a question unless she had made a vow of perpetual virginity which Joseph was willing to accept as conditions of their marriage.

Mary’s virginal conception by the power of the Holy Spirit assures us our Savior will have both a Divine Nature and a Human nature. Only God can make adequate atonement for a Divine offense. And only one with a Human nature may atone on behalf of all humanity Jesus has both a Divine nature and a Human nature.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:16-36

REFLECTION

The Angel Gabriel, gave Mary a sign of God’s omnipotence by announcing Mary’s elderly cousin, Elizabeth, afflicted with sterility all her life is now six months pregnant. Mary did not gloat and hang out with her girlfriends but hurried to her cousin Elizabeth to see how she could be of service to her elderly cousin.

When the pregnant Mary meets her pregnant cousin Elizabeth, Elizabeth greets her by saying, “And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” LUKE 1:43

And the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy! Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant.

When the Ark of the Covenant was brought before David, he danced joyfully in the streets of Jerusalem, saying “How can the ark of the Lord come to me!” 2 SAMUEL 6:9 Now John the Baptist danced in Elizabeth’s womb when greeted by Jesus in Mary’s womb.

REFLECTION

Do we dance at least figuratively in Jesus’ presence?

Do I say to God be it done according to your will as Mary did?

If not, why not?

God has a mission for me like He did for Mary.

Do I seek God” plan/mission for me.

God loved me into existence for a reason. God is a lifelong search. Search for that reason!

MARY THE NEW ARK OF THE COVENANT

MARIAN PRAYER

MEMORARE

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary,

that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,

implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;

to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,

but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH MARCH 19

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

INTRODUCTION

FOSTER FATHER OF JESUS

St. Joseph, skilled and trusted craftsman of the town of Nazareth, was a faithful practicing Jewish man from the line of David. The Bible pays Joseph the highest compliment by calling him a “just man.” Matthew 1:19

By saying Joseph was “just,” the Bible means that he was one who was completely open to all that God wanted him to do and did it faithfully.

Joseph, betrothed to Mary, faced with Mary pregnant during engagement period and not by him had to hurt him severely. Joseph didn’t want to out Mary publicly to charge of adultery. Joseph planned to separate from Mary “quietly” because he was “a righteous man, unwilling to expose her to shame” Matthew 1:19.

When it was time for his wife to give birth, Joseph could not find an Inn but was forced into a shelter for animals.

DO WE GOSSIP ABOUT THE SINS OF OTHERS?

DO WE HAVE A PLACE FOR JESUS IN OUR INN?

WHAT HELP DO WE GIVE TO SHELTER THE HOMELESS?

When King Herod threatened their infant son. Joseph and the Holy Family had to flee in total uncertainty to a foreign land. Joseph trusted in God that he and his family would be cared for.

FLIGHT INTO EGYPT

DO WE TRUST IN GOD IN PERIL?

After Herod’s death Joseph safely returned Mary and Jesus to Nazareth. Matthew 2:13-16

JOSEPH AND MARY FIND JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

On a Passover trip in Jerusalem, Jesus got separated from Mary and Joseph. After three days, Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple listening and teaching. They brought Jesus home to Nazareth, where Jesus grew in wisdom and grace and obedience to earthly parents. Luke 2:41

“And Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them” Luke, 2:51. As head of the Holy Family, Joseph was protector, counselor, and consoler of the Holy Family in every need. St. Joseph is intercessor and patron saint of families.

There was an intimate union of heart and mind among the members of the Holy Family. Jesus chose to fulfill all the duties of a faithful Son.

Mary showed all the signs of respect and love of a devoted wife. St. Joseph cherished all the experiences common to family life and provider through his carpentry skills. Work has dignity,

HOW DO WE DEAL WITH SEPARATION OF LOVED ONES?

DO WE NEED TO CONTACT SOMEONE THAT WE HAVEN’T FOR A LONG TIME

HOW ARE WE LIKE JOSEPH?

In this hidden life of Jesus, we see the beginnings of his obedience to his spiritual and human father. This obedience wipes out the disobedience of Adam. As the disobedience of Adam brought about death, the obedience of the New Adam, Jesus, brings life, eternal life.

God the Father plants His Son in this most perfect Holy Family that will ready Him for His mission. As the old saying goes, “Bloom where you are planted.”

TODAY WE LIVE IN CULTURE OFDEATH. DO WE CHOOSE LIFE OR DEATH?

DO WE CHOOSE LIGHT OR DARKNESS?

DO WE DISOBEY LIKE ADAM OR OBEY LIKE JESUS, THY WILL BE DONE?

PATRON SAINT OF A HAPPY DEATH

We do not know when Joseph died but there is no mention of him during Jesus’ public ministry Is it any wonder that the Church declared Joseph the patron saint of a happy death? Joseph died in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

Jesus and His mother Mary were not only supporters and consolers who supported Joseph’s frail body, but also provided powerful, soothing graces that refreshed the heart and soul of the dying Saint. St. Joseph can help us at our time of death by reminding us not to fear death but to rest in the arms and support of the Holy Family!

PRAYER TO ST JOSEPH

O glorious St. Joseph, Saint of the workbench, skilled and trusted craftsman…Cheerfully toiling side by side with Jesus, Teach us to value lives of hidden splendor.

We implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining for us from your Divine son all spiritual blessings, particularly the grace of a happy death.

O Guardian of the Word Incarnate, we have confidence that thy prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. In Jesus’ name we pray! Amen.

SAINT JOSEPH PRAY FOR US