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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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@

 

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.

 

 

 

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

 

IN UNITED STATES  CELEBRATED ON SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS JANUARY 2-8

RISE UP IN SPLENDOR, JERUSALEM YOUR LIGHT HAS COME
THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHINES UPON YOU.
ISAIAH 60:1

Star of wonder, star of light Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to Thy perfect light
Guide us to Thy perfect light

BACKGROUND

The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the oldest Christian feasts. Throughout the centuries, it has celebrated a variety of things. The Greek word Epiphany (επιφάνεια), means appearance or manifestation. It describes Jesus’ first appearance to the Gentiles. Like many of the ancient Christian feasts, Epiphany was first celebrated in the East.

The feast of the Epiphany in the East celebrated four different events, the Nativity of Christ; the visitation of the Wise Men, the Baptism of the Lord; and Christ’s first miracle, at the wedding in Cana. Each of these events are a theophany or revelation of God to man.

At the Nativity, the angels bear witness to Christ. At the visitation of the Magi, Christ’s divinity is revealed to the Gentiles—the other nations of the earth. At Christ’s Baptism, the Holy Spirit descends and the voice of God the Father is heard, declaring that Jesus is His Son. At the wedding in Cana, the miracle reveals Christ’s divinity;

Eventually, the celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany was separated out in the West, into separate feasts of Christmas, Epiphany, Baptism of Jesus, and Marriage feast at Cana.

In 1991 the United States Bishops reduced the number of non-Sunday Holy Days to six. One of those Holy Days, the Epiphany, was transferred to the Sunday between January 2 and January 8.

COMMENTARY

“Arise! Shine, for your light has come, the glory of the LORD has dawned upon you. Though darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds, the peoples. upon you the LORD will dawn, and over you his glory will be seen. Isaiah 60:1-6

Today’s Old Testament reading in the liturgy of the Mass, Isaiah 60:1-6, is chosen partly because it mentions non-Jews bringing gifts in homage to the God of Israel. The passage also celebrates the Divine Light emanating from Jerusalem and foresees all the nations acknowledging and enjoying that Light and walking by it.

The Magi were most likely a caste of Persian priests who served Kings using their skills in interpreting dreams and watching movements of stars. Stars were believed to be signs from God, announcing important events. .

“…and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage… they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” Matthew 2:11

COME LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD!

Gold was a gift for Kings; frankincense was offered to God in Temple worship. Myrrh was used by the High Priest as an anointing oil. Exodus 30:23. It was also the Jewish custom of anointing, preparing a dead body for burial, a foreshadowing Jesus’ death and burial.

REFLECTION

What Mary and Joseph must have thought with all this attention! Some came in worship, some hunted their son in hatred and some like today, were indifferent.

There are those who seek God, find God, and serve Him, (Mary and Joseph), and those who seek God but haven’t found Him yet (the Magi). Which am I? Or am I indifferent?

“Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Isaiah 9:2Do I seek the Light? Do I radiate that light to the rest of the world?

Are my eyes open to the many Epiphanies in my own life? Do I look each day for His manifestation? How does God manifest Himself to me today?

I think about the guidance of the Holy Spirit, leading the wise man back another route. Do I call on the Holy Spirit for GPS assistance as I make my way home to the Father?

Let us walk in the LIGHT, radiating Jesus’ love by selfless service, unconditional forgiveness and compassionate care