Posted on 04/14/2012 8:50:15 PM PDT by Salvation
In this weeks Gospel, Christ institutes the sacrament of penance. In His first appearance to His assembled disciples after the Resurrection, after showing the wounds of His passion, He breathes upon them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." These newly ordained priests therefore become the first confessors, and are appointed to hear confessions and to forgive sins in the name of the Lord.
From our point of view, it is a most peculiar arrangement: Human instruments all sinners in their own way and also in need of forgiveness hearing, judging and forgiving the sins of their brethren. What kind of priests would we prefer to hear our own sins in confession? Who should be their model?
We fear confessors who may be, as St. James writes of the Lord, ... stern with the arrogant (Jas 4:6). Confessors may be perceived to be like copy editors, eager to correct the grammar of the spiritual life. This kind of confessor, like an editor with a keen eye for every split infinitive and misplaced modifier, ably points out every error of approach and mispronunciation of the type of sin. As sins are nervously confessed, oversights and errors may be pointed out, like every dangling participle. Only a penitent with the daring of Winston Churchill would object to the perceived excessive rules of spiritual grammar: This is the sort of bloody nonsense up with which I will not put. Yet in times of spiritual sloth, we may be in true need of being corrected on the finer details of the moral life lest we lose our fighting edge as soldiers of Christ.
Thinking of ourselves as humble servants who simply take wrong turns in life here and there, we may desire a confessor who ...gives grace to the humble" (again, Jas 4:6). Perhaps we would much prefer, as a confessor, the non-judgmental and soothing style of a GPS navigator. With every wrong turn, the gentle voice does not accuse; the device simply recalculates and calmly announces the new itinerary to bring us to the same destination. The GPS voice never ridicules, never laments a wrong turn. It never loses patience with us and our foibles. (Unless, of course, the factory technicians wire in the voice of comedian Don Rickles: You took a wrong turn, you hockey puck!)
At times we would be content with a confessor who is like a sports umpire or referee. Except for egregious sins like unnecessary roughness or stomping dirt in the face of the ump, the referees are coldly objective, measuring the game against the sterile rules of engagement: Strike one. Off sides. Youre out. Meanwhile, coaches and teammates encourage the dejected player to get back into the game. This metaphor of a good confessor has abundant merit in view of the Lords teachings, If you love me, keep my commandments (Jn 14:15).
Of course, a confessor might be something like ones spouse. When elderly folks go to confession, they occasionally claim to have very little to confess. But when the priest gently asks, What would your spouse say about you? the confessional floodgates are opened. Sometimes it is easier to see ourselves through the eyes of the people we love.
In truth, a good confessor is a composite of all of the above and more: editor, GPS navigator, umpire and spouse. There is an old saying in traditional confession manuals that a priest ought to be a lion from the pulpit and a lamb in the confessional. Above all, he ought to imitate to the best of his ability, the true Lamb. After the miraculous catch of fish, Saint Peter fell to his knees in the presence of the Christ and begged, Depart from me for I am a sinful man. The divine Confessor, however, is also the Lamb of God, the Lamb of Mercy. In response to Peters humble expression of sorrow for sin, with love Christ encouraged him not only to get back into the game, but to be His follower and lead His Church: "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men" (Lk 5:10). Great is the reward for the repentant sinner!
The sacrament of penance is a gift of Gods love. And this is the sort of love we can, in joy, put up with.
Fr. Pokorsky is pastor of St. Michael Parish in Annandale.
Year B- 2nd Sunday of Easter Divine Mercy Sunday
If you forgive the sins of anyone, they will be forgivenJohn 20:19-3120 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary |
In todays Gospel we see that the Risen Lord appeared to the apostles who were gathered together in one place. The fact that they were gathered in one place is not without significance, for it is there that the Lord appears to them. One of them, as we shall see, was not in the gathering and this missed the blessing of seeing and experiencing the risen Lord. It might be said that Thomas, the absent disciple, blocked his blessing.
Some people want Jesus without the Church. No can do. Jesus is found in his Church, among those who have gathered. There is surely a joy in a personal relationship with Jesus, but the Lord also announced a special presence whenever two or three are gathered in his name. It is essential for us to discover how Mass attendance is essential for us if we want to experience the healing and blessing of the Lord. This Gospel has a lot to say to us about the need for us to gather together find the Lords blessing in the community of the Church, in his Word and the Sacraments. Lets look at the gospel in five stages.
I. The Fearful Fellowship Notice how the text describes the apostles gathering: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews.. These men are frightened, but they are in the right place. It is Sunday, the first day of the week, and they have gathered together. The text says nothing of what they are doing, other than that they have gathered. But in a sense, this is all we need to know, for this will set the stage for blessings and for the presence of the Lord.
And these are men who need a blessing. The locked doors signify their fear of the Jewish authorities. One may also presume that they are discouraged, lacking in hope, even angry. For they have experienced the earthquake that Jesus crucifixion was for them. It is true that some of the women in their midst claimed to have seen him alive. But now it is night and there have been no other sightings of which they have heard.
But, thanks be to God, they have gathered. It is not uncommon for those who have stuff going on in their lives to retreat, withdraw, even hide. Of course this is probably the worse thing to do. And it would seem that Thomas may have taken this approach, though is absence is not explained. Their gathering, as we shall see, is an essential part of the solution for all that afflicts them. This gathering is the place in which their new hope, new heart and mind will dawn.
And for us too, afflicted in many ways, troubled at times, and joyful at others, there is the critical importance of gathering each Sunday, each first day of the week. Here too for us in every Mass, is the place where the Lord prepares blessings for us. I am powerfully aware at how every Mass I celebrate, especially Sunday Mass, is a source of powerful blessings for me. Not only does God instruct me with his Word, and feed me with his Body and Blood, but he also helps form me through the presence and praise of others, the people I have been privileged to serve. I dont know where Id be if it were not for the string and steady support of the People of God, their prayers, their praise, their witness and encouragement.
The Book of Hebrews states well purpose and blessing of our liturgical gatherings:
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Heb 10:22-25
So here they are, meeting together, encouraging one another. As we shall see, the Apostles are about to be blessed. But the blessing occurs only the context of the gathering. Thomas, one of the apostles, is missing, and thus he will miss the blessing. This blessing is only for those who are there. And so it is for us who have also have blessings waiting, but only if we are present, gathered for holy Mass. Dont block your blessings!
II. The Fabulous Fact - And sure enough here comes the blessing, For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them (Matt 18:20). The text from todays Gospel says, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, Peace be with you. When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you.
Suddenly there is a completely new reality, a new hope, a new vision. Note too, there is also a new serenity, a peace, a shalom. For not only do they see and come to experience a wholly new reality, but they also receive an inner peace. Observe again, this is only to those who are present.
And here is a basic purpose of the gathering we call the sacred liturgy. For it is here that we are invited to encounter the Living Lord, who ministers to us and offers us peace. Through his word, we are increasingly enabled to see things in a wholly new way, a way which gives us hope, clarity and confidence. Our lives are reordered. Inwardly too, a greater peace is meant to come upon us in an increasing way as the truth of this newer vision begins to transform us, giving us a new mind and heart. And, looking to the altar we draw confidence that the Lord has prepared a table for me in the sight of my enemies and my cup is overflowing (Ps 23). The Eucharist is thus the sign of our victory and election and, as we receive the Body and the Blood of the Lord we are gradually transformed into the very likeness of Christ.
Is this your experience of the gathering we call the Mass? Is it a transformative reality, or just a tedious ritual?
As for me, I can say that I am being changed, transformed into a new man, into Christ, by this weekly, indeed, daily gathering we call the Mass. I have seen my mind and heart changed, and renewed. I see things more clearly, have greater hope, joy and serenity. I cannot imagine what my life would be like, were it not for this gathering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass where Jesus is present to me and says, Shalom, peace be with you. Over the years, I am a changed man.
Yes, the Mass works, it transforms, gives a new mind and heart. Dont bloc your blessings, be there every Sunday.
III. Forgiving Fidelity - Next comes something quite extraordinary that also underscores the necessity of gathering and simply cannot take place in a privatistic notion of faith. The text says, As the Father has sent me, so I send you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.
In this remarkable moment, the Lord gives the apostles the power to forgive sin. Note that he is not simply giving the ability to announce that we are forgiven. He is giving them a juridical power to forgive, or in certain cases, to withhold or delay forgiveness. This is extraordinary. Not only has he given this authority to men (cf Matt 9:8), but he has also given it to men, all of whom but one had abandoned him at his crucifixion. These are men well aware of their shortcomings! Perhaps only with this awareness can he truly trust them with such power.
There are those who deny Confession is a Biblical sacrament. But here it is, right here in this biblical text. There are other texts in Scripture that also show confession to be quite biblical. For example:
Many consider it sufficient merely to speak to God privately about their sins. But the Scriptures once again instruct us away from a solitary notion and bid us to approach the Church. The Lord gives the apostles authority to adjudicate and then absolve or retain sin, but this presupposes that someone has first approach them interpersonally. Paul too was approached by the believers in Ephesus who made open declaration of their sins. The Book of James also places the forgiveness of sins in the context of the calling of the presbyters, the priests of the Church and sees this as the fulfillment of declare your sins to one another the prayer of the righteous man has great power.
Thus, again, there is a communal context for blessing, not merely a private one. More on the biblical roots of confession here: Confession in Biblical
IV. Faltering Fellowship - We have already noted that Thomas blocked his blessing by not being present. The text says, Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, We have seen the Lord. But he said to them, Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.
Thomas exhibits faltering fellowship in two ways.
First he is not with the other apostles on resurrection evening. Thus he misses the blessing of seeing and experiencing the resurrection and the Lord.
Secondly, Thomas exhibits faltering fellowship by refusing to believe the testimony of the Church that the Lord had risen.
One of the most problematic aspects of many peoples faith is that they do not understand that the Church is an object of faith. In the Creed every Sunday, we profess to believe in God the Father, and to believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, and to believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life. But we are not done yet. We go on to say that we believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. We know and believe what we do about Jesus Christ on the basis of what the Church hands on from the apostles. Some say, No, I believe in what the Bible says. But the Bible is a Book of the Church. God has given it to us through the Church who, by Gods grace, collected and compiled its contents and vouches for the veracity of the Scriptures. Without the Church there would be no Bible.
So in rejecting the testimony of the Church, Thomas is breaking fellowship and refusing to believe in what the Church, established by Christ to speak in his name (e.g. Lk 24:48; Lk 10:16; Matt 18:17; Jn 14:26; 1 Tim 3:15; inter al.). And so do we falter in our fellowship with the Church if we refuse to believe the testimony of the Church in matters of faith and morals. Here too is a privatization of faith, a rejection of fellowship, and a refusal to gather with the Church and accept what she proclaims through her Scriptures, Tradition, and the catechism.
But note, as long as Thomas is not present, he has blocked his blessings. He must return to gather with the others in order to overcome his struggle with the faith.
V. Firmer Faith - Thomas returns to fellowship with the other Apostles. As we do not know the reason for his absence, his return is also unexplained. Some may want to simply chalk up his absence to some insignificant factor such as merely being busy, or in ill health or some other possible and largely neutral factor. But John seldom gives us details for neutral reasons. Further, Thomas DOES refuse to believe the testimony of the others, which is not a neutral fact.
But praise God, he is now back with the others and now in the proper place for a blessing. Whatever his struggle with the faith, he has chosen to work it out in the context of fellowship with the Church. He has gathered with the others. And now comes the blessing.
You know the story, but the point here for us is that whatever our doubts and difficulties with the faith, we need to keep gathering with the Church. In some ways faith is like a stained glass window that is only best appreciated when one goes inside the Church. Outside, there may seem very little about it that is beautiful. It may even look dirty and leaden. But once inside and adjusted to the light the window radiates beauty.
It is often this way with the faith. I have personally found that some of the more difficult teachings of the Church could only be best appreciated by me after years of fellowship and instruction by the Church in both here liturgy and in other ways. As my fellowship and communion have grown more intense, so has my faith become clearer and more firm.
Thomas, now that he is inside the room sees the Lord. Outside he did not see and doubted. The eyes of our faith see far more than our fleshly eyes. But in order to see and experience our blessings, we must gather, must be in the Church.
Finally, it is a provocative but essential truth that Christ is found in the Church. Some want Christ without the Church. No can do. He is found in the gathering of the Church, the ekklesia, the assembly of those called out. Whatever aspects of his presence are found outside are but mere glimpses, shadows emanating from the Church. He must be sought where he is found, among sinners in his Church. The Church is his Body, and his Bride. Here he is found. That his presence may be felt alone on some mountaintop can never be compared to the words of the priest, Behold the Lamb of God.
Thomas found him, but only when he gathered with the others. It is Christs will to gather us and unite us (Jn 17:21). Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor (the love of Christ has gathered us in one).
19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you."
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."
26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you."
27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing."
28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
"My Lord and my God!". Thomas expresses, not what he has seen, but what he now believes, and it is the complete truth.
Sunday, April 15, 2012 Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday |
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This prayer, which dates from the twelfth century, is substituted for the Angelus during Easter Season.
In Latin |
In English |
Regina coeli, laetare, alleluia: Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia. Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.
V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, Alleluia, R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.
Oremus: Deus qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus, ut per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen. |
Queen of Heaven rejoice, alleluia: For He whom you merited to bear, alleluia, Has risen as He said, alleluia. Pray for us to God, alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. R. Because the Lord is truly risen, alleluia.
Let us pray: O God, who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, granted joy to the whole world: grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may lay hold of the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen. |
Forty years I endured that generation. *
I said, They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.
So I swore in my anger, *
They shall not enter into my rest.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:
God, + come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
Christ the Lord is risn today;
Christians, haste your vows to pay;
Offer you your praises meet
At the Paschal Victims feet.
For the sheep the Lamb has bled,
Sinless in the sinners stead;
Christ, the Lord, is risn on high,
Now he lives no more to die!
Christ, the Victim undefiled,
Man to God has reconciled;
When in strange and awful strife
Met together death and life;
Christians, on this happy day
Haste with joy your vows to pay.
Christ, the Lord, is risn on high,
Now he lives no more to die!
Christ, who once for sinners bled,
Now the firstborn from the dead,
Throned in endless might and power,
Lives and reigns forevermore.
Hail, eternal Hope on high!
Hail, our King of Victory!
Hail, our Prince of life adored!
Help and save us, gracious Lord.
Tune: Victimae Paschali Laudes 77.77 D
Music: Traditional, alt.
Text: Victimae Paschali Laudes, Wipo, eleventh century
Or:
The day of resurrection!
Earth spread the news abroad;
The Paschal feast of gladness,
The Paschal feast of God.
From death to life eternal,
From earth to heavens height
Our Savior Christ has brought us,
The glorious Lord of Light.
Our hearts be free from evil
That we may see aright
The Savior resurrected
In his eternal light;
And hear his message plainly,
Delivered calm and clear:
Rejoice with me in triumph,
Be glad and do not fear.
Now let the heavns be joyful,
And earth her song begin,
The whole world keep high triumph
And all that is therein;
Let all things in creation
Their notes of gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord has risen,
Our joy that has no end.
Tune: Ellacombe or Aurelia 76.76 D
Music: (Ellacombe) Wurtemburg Gesangbuch, 1784, adapted in the Mainz Gesangbuch, 1833, and further adapted in the St. Gall Gesangbuch, 1863; (Aurelia) S. S. Wesley, 1810-1876
Text: John Mason Neale, 1818-1866, adapted by Anthony G. Petti
Ant. 1 I am who am, and wicked men do not accept my ways, for the law of the Lord is my delight, alleluia.
Psalm 1
There are two ways a man may take
They are happy who, putting all their trust in the cross, have plunged into the water of life (from an author of the second century).
Happy indeed is the man *
who follows not the counsel of the wicked;
nor lingers in the way of sinners *
nor sits in the company of scorners,
but whose delight is the law of the Lord *
and who ponders his law day and night.
He is like a tree that is planted *
beside the flowing waters,
that yields its fruit in due season *
and whose leaves shall never fade;
and all that he does shall prosper. *
Not so are the wicked, not so!
For they like winnowed chaff *
shall be driven away by the wind.
When the wicked are judged they shall not stand, *
nor find room among those who are just;
for the Lord guards the way of the just *
but the way of the wicked leads to doom.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm Prayer
Lord, you are the fullness of life, of holiness and of joy. Fill our days and nights with the love of your wisdom, that we may bear fruit in the beauty of holiness, like a tree watered by running streams.
Ant. I am who am, and wicked men do not accept my ways, for the law of the Lord is my delight, alleluia.
Ant. 2 I have asked my Father, and he has given me the nations for my inheritance, alleluia.
Psalm 2
The Messiah, king and conqueror
The rulers of the earth joined forces to overthrow Jesus, your anointed Son (Acts 4:27).
Why this tumult among nations, *
among peoples this useless murmuring?
They arise, the kings of the earth, *
princes plot against the Lord and his Anointed.
Come let us break their fetters, *
come, let us cast off their yoke.
He who sits in the heavens laughs; *
the Lord is laughing them to scorn.
Then he will speak in his anger, *
his rage will strike them with terror.
It is I who have set up my king *
on Zion, my holy mountain.
I will announce the decree of the Lord:
The Lord said to me: You are my Son. *
It is I who have begotten you this day.
Ask and I shall bequeath you the nations, *
put the ends of the earth in your possession.
With a rod of iron you will break them, *
shatter them like a potters jar.
Now, O kings, understand, *
take warning, rulers of the earth;
serve the Lord with awe *
and trembling, pay him your homage
lest he be angry and you perish; *
for suddenly his anger will blaze.
Blessed are they who put their trust in God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm Prayer
Lord God, you gave the peoples of the world to be the inheritance of your only Son; you crowned him as King of Zion, your holy city, and gave him your Church to be his Bride. As he proclaims the law of your eternal kingdom, may we serve him faithfully, and so share his royal power forever.
Ant. I have asked my Father, and he has given me the nations for my inheritance, alleluia.
Ant. 3 I lay down to rest and fell asleep; I awoke again, for the Lord sustains me, alleluia.
Psalm 3
I am safe in the Lords keeping
Christ fell asleep in death, but he rose from the dead, for God was his deliverer (Saint Irenaeus).
How many are my foes, O Lord! *
How many are rising up against me!
How many are saying about me: *
There is no help for him in God.
But you, Lord, are a shield about me, *
my glory, who lift up my head.
I cry aloud to the Lord. *
He answers from his holy mountain.
I lie down to rest and I sleep. *
I wake, for the Lord upholds me.
I will not fear even thousands of people *
who are ranged on every side against me.
Arise, Lord; save me, my God, *
you who strike all my foes on the mouth,
you who break the teeth of the wicked! *
O Lord of salvation, bless your people!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm Prayer
Lord God, you heard the cry of your Son when he was oppressed and saved him from the sleep of death. Arise, Lord, help your Church. Be its shield so that it may hold up its head and radiate the glory of the resurrection.
Ant. I lay down to rest and fell asleep; I awoke again, for the Lord sustains me, alleluia.
The disciples rejoiced, alleluia.
When they saw the risen Lord, alleluia.
READINGS
FIRST READING
From the letter of the apostle Paul to the Colossians
3:1-17
Your new life in Christ
Since you have been raised up in company with Christ, set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at Gods right hand. Be intent on things above rather than on things of earth. After all, you have died! Your life is hidden now with Christ in God. When Christ our life appears, then you shall appear with him in glory.
Put to death whatever in your nature is rooted in earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desires, and that lust which is idolatry. These are the sins which provoke Gods wrath. Your own conduct was once of this sort, when these sins were your very life. You must put that aside now: all the anger and quick temper, the malice, the insults, the foul language.
Stop lying to one another. What you have done is put aside your old self with its past deeds and put on a new man, one who grows in knowledge as he is formed anew in the image of his Creator. There is no Greek or Jew here, circumcised or uncircumcised, foreigner, Scythian, slave, or freeman. Rather, Christ is everything in all of you.
Because you are Gods chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another; forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.
Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect. Christs peace must reign in your hearts, since as members of the one body you have been called to that peace. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness.
Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you. In wisdom made perfect, instruct and admonish one another. Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns, and inspired songs. Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.
RESPONSORY
Colossians 3:1, 2, 3
Since you have been raised to life with Christ,
set your hearts on the things of heaven
where Christ is seated at Gods right hand.
Seek the things that are above and not the things of earth, alleluia.
You have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Seek the things that are above and not the things of earth, alleluia.
SECOND READING
From a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop
(Sermo 8 in octava Paschae 1, 4: PL 46, 838. 841)
A new creation in Christ
I speak to you who have just been reborn in baptism, my little children in Christ, you who are the new offspring of the Church, gift of the Father, proof of Mother Churchs fruitfulness. All of you who stand fast in the Lord are a holy seed, a new colony of bees, the very flower of our ministry and fruit of our toil, my joy and my crown. It is the words of the Apostle that I address to you: Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh and its desires, so that you may be clothed with the life of him whom you have put on in this sacrament. You have all been clothed with Christ by your baptism in him. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor freeman; there is neither male nor female; you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Such is the power of this sacrament: it is a sacrament of new life which begins here and now with the forgiveness of all past sins, and will be brought to completion in the resurrection of the dead. You have been buried with Christ by baptism into death in order that, as Christ has risen from the dead, you also may walk in newness of life.
You are walking now by faith, still on pilgrimage in a mortal body away from the Lord; but he to whom your steps are directed is himself the sure and certain way for you: Jesus Christ, who for our sake became man. For all who fear him he has stored up abundant happiness, which he will reveal to those who hope in him, bringing it to completion when we have attained the reality which even now we possess in hope.
This is the octave day of your new birth. Today is fulfilled in you the sign of faith that was prefigured in the Old Testament by the circumcision of the flesh on the eighth day after birth. When the Lord rose from the dead, he put off the mortality of the flesh; his risen body was still the same body, but it was no longer subject to death. By his resurrection he consecrated Sunday, or the Lords day. Though the third after his passion, this day is the eighth after the Sabbath, and thus also the first day of the week.
And so your own hope of resurrection, though not yet realized, is sure and certain, because you have received the sacrament or sign of this reality, and have been given the pledge of the Spirit. If, then, you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your hearts on heavenly things, not the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, your life, appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.
RESPONSORY
Colossians 3:3-4; Romans 6:11
You have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is your life appears,
you will appear with him in glory, alleluia.
You must consider yourselves dead to sin,
but alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord.
When Christ who is your life appears,
you will appear with him in glory, alleluia.
If the Optional Vigil is not celebrated, continue with the Te Deum.
Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord who has risen from the dead; through his cross joy came into the world, alleluia.
Canticle I: Isaiah 63:1-5
The Lord alone has triumphed over the enemy
By the blood of the Lamb they defeated the dragon (see Revelation 12:11).
Who is this that comes from Edom, *
in crimsoned garments, from Bozrah
This one arrayed in majesty, *
marching in the greatness of his strength?
It is I, I who announce vindication, *
I who am mighty to save.
Why is your apparel red, *
and your garments like those of the wine presser?
The wine press I have trodden alone, *
and of my people there was no one with me.
I trod them in my anger, *
and trampled them down in my wrath;
their blood spurted on my garments; *
all my apparel I stained.
For the day of vengeance was in my heart, *
my year for redeeming was at hand.
I looked about, but there was no one to help, *
I was appalled that there was no one to lend support;
so my own arm brought about the victory *
and my own wrath lent me its support.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Canticle II: Hosea 6:1-6
The Lord is compassionate; he desires mercy and not sacrifice
On the third day Christ rose from the dead in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:4)
Come, let us return to the Lord,
for it is he who has rent, but he will heal us; *
he has struck us, but he will bind our wounds.
He will revive us after two days;
on the third day he will raise us up, *
to live in his presence.
Let us know, let us strive to know the Lord;
as certain as the dawn is his coming, *
and his judgment shines forth like the light of day!
He will come to us like the rain, *
like spring rain that waters the earth.
What can I do with you, Ephraim? *
What can I do with you, Judah?
Your piety is like a morning cloud, *
like the dew that early passes away.
For this reason I smote them through the prophets, *
I slew them by the words of my mouth;
for it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, *
and knowledge of God rather than holocausts.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Canticle III: Zephaniah 3:8-13
In the end the remnant of Israel will be saved
Isaiah proclaimed this about Israel: Though the Israelites be as numerous as the sands of the sea, only a remnant will be saved (Romans 9:27).
Wait for me, says the Lord, *
against the day when I arise as accuser;
for it is my decision to gather together the nations, *
to assemble the kingdoms,
in order to pour out upon them my wrath, *
all my blazing anger;
for in the fire of my jealousy *
shall all the earth be consumed.
For then I will change and purify *
the lips of the peoples,
that they all may call upon the name of the Lord, *
to serve him with one accord;
from beyond the rivers of Ethiopia
and as far as the recesses of the North, *
they shall bring me offerings.
On that day *
you need not be ashamed
of all your deeds, *
your rebellious actions against me;
for then will I remove from your midst *
the proud braggarts,
and you shall no longer exalt yourself *
on my holy mountain.
But I will leave as a remnant in your midst *
a people humble and lowly,
who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord: *
the remnant of Israel.
They shall do no wrong *
and speak no lies;
nor shall there be found in their mouths *
a deceitful tongue;
they shall pasture and couch their flocks *
with none to disturb them.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord who has risen from the dead; through his cross joy came into the world, alleluia.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgins womb.
You overcame the sting of death,
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at Gods right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come, and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.
R. Govern and uphold them now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you.
R. We praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.
R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope:
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted
Or:
God of everlasting mercy,
who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast
kindle the faith of the people you have made your own,
increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed,
that all may grasp and rightly understand
in what font they have been washed,
by whose Spirit they have been reborn,
by whose Blood they have been redeemed,
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Forty years I endured that generation. *
I said, They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.
So I swore in my anger, *
They shall not enter into my rest.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. The Lord is risen, alleluia.
If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:
God, + come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
God raised up Jesus on the third day and granted that he be seen, not by all, but only by such witnesses as had been chosen beforehand by Godby us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and to bear witness that he is the one set apart by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets testify, saying that everyone who believes in him has forgiveness of sins through his name.
In place of the responsory the following is said:
Ant. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
God of mercy,
you wash away our sins in water,
you give us new birth in the Spirit,
and redeem us in the blood of Christ.
As we celebrate Christs resurrection
increase our awareness of these blessings,
and renew your gift of life within us.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Or:
God of everlasting mercy,
who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast
kindle the faith of the people you have made your own,
increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed,
that all may grasp and rightly understand
in what font they have been washed,
by whose Spirit they have been reborn,
by whose Blood they have been redeemed,
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Antiphons
Midmorning: Christ has risen from the dead and will never die again, alleluia.
Midday: He was handed over to death for our sins; he was raised to life to justify us, alleluia.
Midafternoon: Since you have been raised to life with Christ, seek the things that are above, alleluia.
At the other hours, the complementary psalmody is used.
God of mercy,
you wash away our sins in water,
you give us new birth in the Spirit,
and redeem us in the blood of Christ.
As we celebrate Christs resurrection
increase our awareness of these blessings,
and renew your gift of life within us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Or:
God of everlasting mercy,
who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast
kindle the faith of the people you have made your own,
increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed,
that all may grasp and rightly understand
in what font they have been washed,
by whose Spirit they have been reborn,
by whose Blood they have been redeemed,
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
ACCLAMATION
Let us praise the Lord.
And give him thanks.
God of mercy,
you wash away our sins in water,
you give us new birth in the Spirit,
and redeem us in the blood of Christ.
As we celebrate Christs resurrection
increase our awareness of these blessings,
and renew your gift of life within us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Or:
God of everlasting mercy,
who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast
kindle the faith of the people you have made your own,
increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed,
that all may grasp and rightly understand
in what font they have been washed,
by whose Spirit they have been reborn,
by whose Blood they have been redeemed,
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
ACCLAMATION
Let us praise the Lord.
And give him thanks.
God of mercy,
you wash away our sins in water,
you give us new birth in the Spirit,
and redeem us in the blood of Christ.
As we celebrate Christs resurrection
increase our awareness of these blessings,
and renew your gift of life within us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Or:
God of everlasting mercy,
who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast
kindle the faith of the people you have made your own,
increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed,
that all may grasp and rightly understand
in what font they have been washed,
by whose Spirit they have been reborn,
by whose Blood they have been redeemed,
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
ACCLAMATION
Let us praise the Lord.
And give him thanks.
In place of the responsory the following is said:
Ant. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
God of mercy,
you wash away our sins in water,
you give us new birth in the Spirit,
and redeem us in the blood of Christ.
As we celebrate Christs resurrection
increase our awareness of these blessings,
and renew your gift of life within us.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Or:
God of everlasting mercy,
who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast
kindle the faith of the people you have made your own,
increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed,
that all may grasp and rightly understand
in what font they have been washed,
by whose Spirit they have been reborn,
by whose Blood they have been redeemed,
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
The octave of Easter ends with the conclusion of Evening Prayer.
At the Lambs high feast we sing
Praise to our victorious King,
Who has washed us in the tide
Flowing from his wounded side;
Praise the Lord, whose love divine
Gives his sacred blood for wine,
Gives his body for the feast,
Christ the victim, Christ the priest.
Where the Paschal blood is poured,
Deaths dark angel sheathes his sword;
Israels host in triumph go
Through the waves that drown the foe.
Christ the Lamb whose blood was shed,
Paschal victim, Paschal bread;
Let us with a fervent love
Taste the manna from above.
Mighty Victim from on high,
Powrs of hell now vanquished lie;
Sin is conquered in the fight:
You have brought us life and light;
Your resplendent banners wave,
You have risen from the grave;
Christ has opened Paradise,
And in him all men shall rise.
Easter triumph, Easter joy,
Sin alone can this destroy;
Souls form sin and death set free
Glory in their liberty.
Hymns of glory, hymns of praise
Father unto you we raise;
Risen Lord, for joy we sing;
Let our hymns through heaven ring.
Tune: Salzburg 77.77 D
Music: Jacob Hintze, 1622-1702
Text: Ad regias Agni dapes
Translation: Robert Campbell, 1814-1868, adapted by Geoffrey Laycock
Or:
God who made the earth and heaven,
Darkness and light;
You the day for work have givn
For rest the night.
May your angel guards defend us,
Slumber sweet your mercy send us,
Holy dreams and hope attend us,
All through the night.
And when morn again shall call us
To run lifes way,
May we still whateer befall us,
Your will obey.
From the powr of evil hide us,
In the narrow pathway guide us,
Never be your smile denied us
All through the day.
Guard us waking, guard us sleeping,
And, when we die,
May we in your mighty keeping
All peaceful lie.
When the last dread call shall wake us,
Then O Lord, do not forsake us,
But to reign in glory take us
With you on high.
Melody: Ar Hyd Y Nos 84.84.88.84
Music: Welsh Carol
Text: st 1 Reginald Heber, 1783-1826; st. 2 William Mercer, 1811-1876; st. 3 Richard Whately, 1787-1863
Ant. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Psalm 91
Safe in Gods sheltering care
I have given you the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions (Luke 10:19).
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High *
and abides in the shade of the Almighty
says to the Lord: My refuge, *
my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!
It is he who will free you from the snare *
of the fowler who seeks to destroy you;
he will conceal you with his pinions *
and under his wings you will find refuge.
You will not fear the terror of the night *
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the plague that prowls in the darkness *
nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side, *
ten thousand fall at your right,
you, it will never approach; *
his faithfulness is buckler and shield.
Your eyes have only to look *
to see how the wicked are repaid,
you who have said: Lord, my refuge! *
and have made the Most High your dwelling.
Upon you no evil shall fall, *
no plague approach where you dwell.
For you has he commanded his angels, *
to keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you upon their hands *
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
On the lion and the viper you will tread *
and trample the young lion and the dragon.
Since he clings to me in love, I will free him; *
protect him for he knows my name.
When he calls I shall answer: I am with you, *
I will save him in distress and give him glory.
With length of life I will content him; *
I shall let him see my saving power.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, alleluia, alleluia.
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, alleluia, alleluia.
You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, alleluia, alleluia.
Let us pray.
Lord,
we have celebrated today
the mystery of the rising of Christ to new life.
May we now rest in your peace,
safe from all that could harm us,
and rise refreshed and joyful,
to praise you throughout another day.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Antiphon or song in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
The Son whom you merited to bear, alleluia,
has risen as he said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.
Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia!
For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia!
Or:
Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia,
quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia,
resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia;
ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.
Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia.
Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.
Or:
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve.
To you do we send up our sighs
mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this exile
show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary.
Or:
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Or:
Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;
vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve,
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia ergo, advocata nostra,
illos tuos misericordes occulos
ad nos converte.
Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exilium ostende.
O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.
Or:
Loving mother of the Redeemer,
gate of heaven, star of the sea,
assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again.
To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator,
yet remained a virgin after as before.
You who received Gabriels joyful greeting,
have pity on us poor sinners.
Thanks for all you do..
I received ping...
I received it also. Bless you, Salvation...
John | |||
English: Douay-Rheims | Latin: Vulgata Clementina | Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000) | |
John 20 |
|||
19. | Now when it was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them: Peace be to you. | Cum ergo sero esset die illo, una sabbatorum, et fores essent clausæ, ubi erant discipuli congregati propter metum Judæorum : venit Jesus, et stetit in medio, et dixit eis : Pax vobis. | ουσης ουν οψιας τη ημερα εκεινη τη μια των σαββατων και των θυρων κεκλεισμενων οπου ησαν οι μαθηται συνηγμενοι δια τον φοβον των ιουδαιων ηλθεν ο ιησους και εστη εις το μεσον και λεγει αυτοις ειρηνη υμιν |
20. | And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord. | Et cum hoc dixisset, ostendit eis manus et latus. Gavisi sunt discipuli, viso Domino. | και τουτο ειπων εδειξεν αυτοις τας χειρας και την πλευραν αυτου εχαρησαν ουν οι μαθηται ιδοντες τον κυριον |
21. | He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. | Dixit ergo eis iterum : Pax vobis. Sicut misit me Pater, et ego mitto vos. | ειπεν ουν αυτοις ο ιησους παλιν ειρηνη υμιν καθως απεσταλκεν με ο πατηρ καγω πεμπω υμας |
22. | When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. | Hæc cum dixisset, insufflavit, et dixit eis : Accipite Spiritum Sanctum : | και τουτο ειπων ενεφυσησεν και λεγει αυτοις λαβετε πνευμα αγιον |
23. | Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. | quorum remiseritis peccata, remittuntur eis : et quorum retinueritis, retenta sunt. | αν τινων αφητε τας αμαρτιας αφιενται αυτοις αν τινων κρατητε κεκρατηνται |
24. | Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. | Thomas autem unus ex duodecim, qui dicitur Didymus, non erat cum eis quando venit Jesus. | θωμας δε εις εκ των δωδεκα ο λεγομενος διδυμος ουκ ην μετ αυτων οτε ηλθεν ο ιησους |
25. | The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. | Dixerunt ergo ei alii discipuli : Vidimus Dominum. Ille autem dixit eis : Nisi videro in manibus ejus fixuram clavorum, et mittam digitum meum in locum clavorum, et mittam manum meam in latus ejus, non credam. | ελεγον ουν αυτω οι αλλοι μαθηται εωρακαμεν τον κυριον ο δε ειπεν αυτοις εαν μη ιδω εν ταις χερσιν αυτου τον τυπον των ηλων και βαλω τον δακτυλον μου εις τον τυπον των ηλων και βαλω την χειρα μου εις την πλευραν αυτου ου μη πιστευσω |
26. | And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you. | Et post dies octo, iterum erant discipuli ejus intus, et Thomas cum eis. Venit Jesus januis clausis, et stetit in medio, et dixit : Pax vobis. | και μεθ ημερας οκτω παλιν ησαν εσω οι μαθηται αυτου και θωμας μετ αυτων ερχεται ο ιησους των θυρων κεκλεισμενων και εστη εις το μεσον και ειπεν ειρηνη υμιν |
27. | Then he saith to Thomas: Put in thy finger hither, and see my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. | Deinde dicit Thomæ : Infer digitum tuum huc, et vide manus meas, et affer manum tuam, et mitte in latus meum : et noli esse incredulus, sed fidelis. | ειτα λεγει τω θωμα φερε τον δακτυλον σου ωδε και ιδε τας χειρας μου και φερε την χειρα σου και βαλε εις την πλευραν μου και μη γινου απιστος αλλα πιστος |
28. | Thomas answered, and said to him: My Lord, and my God. | Respondit Thomas, et dixit ei : Dominus meus et Deus meus. | και απεκριθη θωμας και ειπεν αυτω ο κυριος μου και ο θεος μου |
29. | Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed. | Dixit ei Jesus : Quia vidisti me, Thoma, credidisti : beati qui non viderunt, et crediderunt. | λεγει αυτω ο ιησους οτι εωρακας με πεπιστευκας μακαριοι οι μη ιδοντες και πιστευσαντες |
30. | Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not written in this book. | Multa quidem et alia signa fecit Jesus in conspectu discipulorum suorum, quæ non sunt scripta in libro hoc. | πολλα μεν ουν και αλλα σημεια εποιησεν ο ιησους ενωπιον των μαθητων αυτου α ουκ εστιν γεγραμμενα εν τω βιβλιω τουτω |
31. | But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name. | Hæc autem scripta sunt ut credatis, quia Jesus est Christus Filius Dei : et ut credentes, vitam habeatis in nomine ejus. | ταυτα δε γεγραπται ινα πιστευσητε οτι ιησους εστιν ο χριστος ο υιος του θεου και ινα πιστευοντες ζωην εχητε εν τω ονοματι αυτου |
When they were old enough, both brothers became missionaries and joined the congregation of the Sacred Hearts. These missionaries were responsible for the Catholic faith on the Hawaiian Islands. Jeff chose the name "Damien."
More missionaries were needed in the kingdom of Hawaii. In 1863, a group of Sacred Hearts priests and brothers were chosen to go. Pamphile, Damien's brother, was selected. But just before the departure date, Pamphile had typhoid fever and he had to give up his dream of being a missionary.
Brother Damien, still studying to become a priest, asked if he could take Pamphile's place. The father general agreed to let Damien go instead. He went home to his family for a loving farewell. Then he took the ship from Belgium to Hawaii, a journey of eighteen weeks.
Damien finished his studies and was ordained a priest in Hawaii. He spent eight years among the people of three districts, traveling on horseback and by canoe. The people loved this tall, generous priest. He used the little money he could raise to build chapels. He and volunteer parishioners built the chapels themselves.
But the most incredible part of Damien's life was about to begin. The bishop asked for a volunteer priest to go to the island of Molokai. Just the name of this place struck the people with fear and dread. They knew that the part of the island called Kalawao was the "living graveyard" of people dying of leprosy.
There was so much that people did not know about leprosy and they were so frightened they too would get the disease, that lepers were mostly left alone to take care of themselves. It was a hopeless situation. There was no priest, nobody to keep law and order on Molokai and no health-care facilities.
The Hawaiian government sent some food and medical supplies, but it was not enough for the people there. And there was no system to make sure everybody on Molokai received what was distributed.
Father Damien went to Molokai. Faced with the poverty, corruption and despair, even Damien was shocked. But he made up his mind that for him there was no turning back. The people desperately needed help.
He went to Honolulu to deal with the health authorities. They told him that he could not travel back and forth to Molokai or he could spread the disease. Actually they didn't want him on Molokai because he was creating too many problems for them.
So Damien had to make a choice: if he went back to Molokai, he could never leave. The health authorities didn't know Damien. He chose to stay on Molokai.
He worked hard for eighteen years and with the help of the lepers and generous volunteers, Molokai was transformed. The word Molokai took on a whole different meaning. It became an island of Christian love.
Damien organized burial details and funeral services, so that death might have some dignity. He taught the people how to grow crops and feed themselves better. He organized a choir, and got persons to sing who had not sung in years. He gave them medical attention.
There was already a small chapel on the island but it soon proved too small. So with the help of patients he built a larger one, which soon overflowed every Sunday. Father Damien in the end became a leper himself. He died on April 15, 1889, at the age of forty-nine and was buried there. He was proclaimed "blessed" by Pope John Paul II in 1994.
Reflection: Blessed Damien showed amazing courage and generosity, even giving up his life for others. As a Christian, how do I show love and support to those around me?
Sunday, April 15 |
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Liturgical Color: White |
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