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From: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Peter’s Address (Continuation)

[14a] But Peter, standing with the Eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them,
[36] “Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made Him
both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Many Baptisms

[37] Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and
the rest of the Apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” [38] And Peter said to
them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for
the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39]
For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one
whom the Lord our God calls to Him.” [40] And he testified with many other words
and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” [41]
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day a-
bout three thousand souls.

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

14. In his commentaries St. John Chrysostom draws attention to the change
worked in Peter by the Holy Spirit: “Listen to him preach and argue so boldly,
who shortly before had trembled at the word of a servant girl! This boldness is a
significant proof of the resurrection of his Master: Peter preaches to men who
mock and laugh at his enthusiasm. [...] Calumny (’they are filled with new wine’)
does not deter the Apostles; sarcasm does not undermine their courage, for the
coming of the Holy Spirit has made new men of them, men who can put up with
every kind of human test. When the Holy Spirit enters into hearts He does so to
elevate their affections and to change earthly souls, souls of clay, into chosen
souls, people of great courage [...]. Look at the harmony that exists among the
Apostles. See how they allow Peter to speak on behalf of them all. Peter raises
his voice and speaks to the people with full assurance. That is the kind of cou-
rage a man has when he is the instrument of the Holy Spirit. [...] Just as a bur-
ning coal does not lose heat when it falls on a haystack but instead is enabled
to release its heat, so Peter, now that he is in contact with the life-giving Spirit,
spreads his inner fire to those around him” (”Hom. on Acts”, 4).

36. During His life on earth Jesus had often presented Himself as the Messiah
and Son of God. His resurrection and ascension into Heaven reveal Him as
such to the people at large.

In Peter’s address we can see an outline of the content of the apostolic procla-
mation (”kerygma”), the content of Christian preaching, the object of faith. This
proclamation bears witness to Christ’s death and resurrection and subsequent
exaltation; it recalls the main points of Jesus’ mission, announced by John the
Baptist, confirmed by miracles and brought to fulfillment by the appearances of
the risen Lord and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; it declares that the messia-
nic time predicted by the prophets have arrived, and calls all men to conversion,
in preparation for the Parousia or second coming of Christ in glory.

37. St. Peter’s words were the instrument used by God’s grace to move the
hearts of his listeners: they are so impressed that they ask in all simplicity what
they should do. Peter exhorts them to be converted, to repent (cf. note on 3:19).
The “St. Pius V Catechism” explains that in order to receive Baptism adults
“need to repent the sins they have committed and their evil past life and to be
resolved not to commit sin henceforth [...], for nothing is more opposed to grace
and power of Baptism than the outlook and disposition of those who never decide
to abjure sin” (II, 2, 4).

38. “Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ”: this does not necessarily mean
that this was the form of words the Apostles normally used in the liturgy, rather
than [the] Trinitarian formula prescribed by Jesus. In the “Didache” (written a-
round the year 100) it is stated that Baptism should be given in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, but this does not prevent it, in other
passages, from referring to “those baptized in the name of the Lord.” The expres-
sion “baptized in the name of Christ” means, therefore, becoming a member of
Christ, becoming a Christian (cf. “Didache”, VII, 1; IX, 5).

“Like the men and women who came up to Peter on Pentecost, we too have
been baptized. In baptism, our Father God has taken possession of our lives,
has made us share in the life of Christ, and has given us the Holy Spirit” (St. J.
Escriva, “Christ Is Passing By”, 128). From this point onwards, the Trinity be-
gins to act in the soul of the baptized person. “In the same way as transparent
bodies, enlightened by the Holy Spirit become spiritual too and lead others to
the light of grace. From the Holy Spirit comes knowledge of future events, un-
derstanding of mysteries and of hidden truths, an outpouring of gifts, Heavenly
citizenship, conversation with angels. From Him comes never-ending joy, per-
severance in good, likeness to God and—the most sublime thing imaginable —
becoming God” (St. Basil, “On the Holy Spirit”, IX, 23).

This divinization which occurs in the baptized person shows how important it is
for Christians to cultivate the Holy Spirit who has been infused into their souls,
where He dwells as long as He is not driven out by sin. “Love the Third Person
of the Blessed Trinity. Listen in the intimacy of your being to the divine motions
of encouragement or reproach you receive from Him. Walk through the earth in
the light that is poured out in your soul. [...] We can apply to ourselves the ques-
tion asked by the Apostle: ‘Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that
God’s Spirit dwells in you?’ (1 Corinthians 3:16). And we can understand it as
an invitation to deal with God in a more personal and direct manner. For some,
unfortunately, the Paraclete is the Great Stranger. He is merely a name that is
mentioned, but not Someone—not one of the three Persons in the one God—with
whom we can talk and with whose life we can live. No: we have to deal with Him
simply and trustingly, as we are taught by the Church in its liturgy. Then we will
come to know our Lord better, and at the same time, we will realize more fully
the great favor that was granted us when we became Christians. We will see the
greatness and truth of this divinization, which is a sharing in God’s own life” (St.
J. Escriva, “Christ Is Passing By”, 133-134).

39. The “promise” of the Holy Spirit applies to both Jews and Gentiles, but in the
first instance it concerns the Jews: it is they to whom God entrusted His oracles;
theirs was the privilege to receive the Old Testament and to be preached to di-
rectly by Jesus Himself. St. Peter makes it clear that this promise is also made
“to all that are far off”—a reference to the Gentiles, as St. Paul explains (cf. Ephe-
sians 2:13-17) and in line with Isaiah’s announcement, “Peace, peace to the far
and to the near” (Isaiah 57:19). Cf. Acts 22:21.

40. “This crooked generation” is not only that part of the Jewish people who re-
jected Christ and His teaching, but everyone who is estranged from God (cf.
Deuteronomy 32:5; Philippians 2:5).

41. St. Luke here concludes his account of the events of the day of Pentecost
and prepares to move on to a new topic. Before he does so he adds a note, as
it were, to say that “about three thousand souls” became Christians as a result
of Peter’s address.

St. Luke often makes reference to the numerical growth of the Church (2:47; 4:4;
5:14; 6:1, 7; 9:31; 11:21, 24; 16:5). Interesting in itself, this growth clearly shows
the effectiveness of the Gospel message boldly proclaimed by the Apostles. It
proves that if the Gospel is preached with constancy and clarity it can take root
in any setting and will always find men and women ready to receive it and put it
into practice.

“It is not true that everyone today—in general—is closed or indifferent to what our
Christian faith teaches about man’s being and destiny. It is not true that men in
our time are turned only toward the things of this earth and have forgotten to look
up to Heaven. There is no lack of narrow ideologies, it is true, or of persons who
maintain them. But in our time we find both great desires and base attitudes, he-
roism and cowardice, zeal and disenchantment—people who dream of a new
world, more just and more human, and others who, discouraged perhaps by the
failure of their youthful idealism, take refuge in the selfishness of seeking only
their own security or remaining immersed in their errors.

“To all those men and women, wherever they may be, in their more exalted mo-
ments of in their crises and defeats, we have to bring the solemn and unequivo-
cal message of St. Peter in the days that followed Pentecost: Jesus is the cor-
nerstone, the Redeemer, the hope of our lives. ‘For there is no other name under
Heaven given among men by which we must be saved’ (Acts 4:12)” (St. J.
Escriva, “Christ Is Passing By”, 132).

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

From: 1 Peter 2b:20-25

Duties Towards Masters—Christ’s Example

[20b] [Beloved}: if when you do right and suffer for it you take it patiently, you
have God’s approval. [21] For to this you have been called, because Christ al-
so suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
[22] He committed no sin; no guile was found on His lips. [23] When He was
reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten; but
He trusted to Him who judges justly. [24] He Himself bore our sins in His body
on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds
you have been healed. [25] For you were straying like sheep, but have now re-
turned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

18-25. The sacred writer now addresses all domestic servants (the Greek word
means all who work in household tasks). He exhorts them to obey their masters,
even if they are harsh (verse 18), because God is pleased if they put up with un-
fairness for His sake (verses 19-20); in doing so they are imitating the example
of Jesus (verses 21-25). St. Paul, when addressing slaves in his letters (cf. Ephe-
sians 5:5-9; Colossians 3:22-24), never encourages them to rebel. Christian tea-
ching on social issues is not based on class struggle but on fraternal love: love
eventually does away with all discrimination, for all men have created in the im-
age of God and are equal in His sight. This peaceable policy gradually made for
the suppression of slavery, and it will also lead to the solution of all social prob-
lems (cf. “Gaudium Et Spes”, 29).

The fact that St. Peter addresses only servants and does not go on to say any-
thing to masters (as St. Paul usually does: cf. Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:
23ff) has led some commentators to suggest that most of the Christians addres-
sed in this letter must have been people of humble condition.

21-25. This passage is a beautiful hymn to Christ on the cross. Christ’s suffe-
rings, which fulfill the prophecies about the Servant of Yahweh contained in the
Book of Isaiah (52:13-53:12), have not been in vain, for they have a redemptive
value. He has taken our sins upon Himself and brought them with Him on the
cross, offering Himself as an atoning sacrifice. This means that we are free of
our sins (”dead to sin”) and can live “to righteousness”, that is, can live for holi-
ness with the help of grace.

The example of the suffering of Christ is always a necessary reference point for
Christians: however great the trials they experience, they will never be as great
or as unjust as those of our Lord. Reflecting on Christ’s suffering led St. Bernard
to comment: “I have come to see that true wisdom lies in meditating on these
things [...]. Some have provided me with wholesome, if bitter, drink, and I have
used others as gentle and soothing unction. This gives me strength in adversity
and helps me to be humble in prosperity; it allows me to walk with a sure step
on the royal road of salvation, through the good things and the evil things of this
present life, free from the dangers which threaten to right and left” (”Sermons on
the Song of Songs”, 43, 4).

25. The messianic prophecy about the Servant of Yahweh includes the image
of the scattered flock (cf. Isaiah 53:6), to which Jesus alludes in His allegory of
the Good Shepherd (cf. John 10:11-16). St. Peter, to whom our Lord had given
charge of His flock (cf. John 21:15-19), would have had a special liking for ima-
gery connected with shepherding.

Jesus Christ is “the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls” and “the chief Shep-
herd” (1 Peter 5:4). The etymology of the Greek word—”episcopos” (guardian) —
means “overseer”; the word was used in civic life to designate those who were
responsible for seeing that the law was kept. In the Dead Sea manuscripts the
Hebrew equivalent (”mebaqqer”) is used to designate the religious leaders of
the schismatic community of Qumran. Whatever might be the origin of the term,
in the New Testament the word “episcopos” (bishop) is often used to mean the
pastor of the Church (cf., e.g., Acts 20:28; see the note on 1 Peter 5:1-4). Here
St. Peter applies to Christ the words the prophet Ezekiel places on the lips of
God: “I will seek out My sheep and I will rescue them from all places where they
have been scattered” (Ezekiel 34:12). Our Lord founded the Church as a sheep-
fold “whose sheep, although watched over by human shepherds, are neverthe-
less at all times led and brought to pasture by Christ Himself, the Good Shep-
herd and prince of shepherds (cf. John 10:11; 1 Peter 5:4), who gave His life for
His sheep (cf. John 10:11-16)” (Vatican II, “Lumen Gentium”, 6).

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

From: John 10:1-10

The Good Shepherd

[Jesus said to the Pharisees,] [1] “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not
enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief
and a robber; [2] but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
[3] To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own
sheep by name and leads them out. [4] When he has brought out all his own, he
goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. [5] A stran-
ger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice
of strangers.” [6] This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand
what He was saying to them.

[7] So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the
sheep. [8] All who came before Me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did
not heed them. [9] I am the door; if any one enters by Me, he will be saved, and
will go in and out and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and
destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

1-18. The image of the Good Shepherd recalls a favorite theme of Old Testament
prophetic literature: the chosen people is the flock, and Yahweh is their shepherd
(cf. Psalm 23). Kings and priests are also described as shepherds or pastors.
Jeremiah inveighs against those pastors who had let their sheep go astray and
in God’s name promises new pastors who will graze their flocks properly so that
they will never again be harassed or anxious (cf. 23:1-6; also 2:8; 3:15; 10:21;
Isaiah 40:1-11). Ezekiel reproaches pastors for their misdeeds and sloth, their
greed and neglect of their responsibility: Yahweh will take the flock away from
them and He Himself will look after their sheep: indeed, a unique shepherd will
appear, descended from David, who will graze them and protect them (Ezekiel
34). Jesus presents Himself as this shepherd who looks after His sheep, seeks
out the strays, cures the crippled and carries the weak on His shoulders (cf.
Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:4-7), thereby fulfilling the ancient prophecies.

From earliest times, Christian art found its inspiration in this touching image of
the Good Shepherd, thereby leaving us a representation of Christ’s love for each
of us.

In addition to the title of Good Shepherd, Christ applies to Himself the image of
the door into the sheepfold of the Church. “The Church,” Vatican II teaches, “is
a sheepfold, the sole and necessary gateway to which is Christ (cf. John 10:1-10).
It is also a flock, of which God foretold that He Himself would be the shepherd
(cf. Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11ff.), and whose sheep, although watched over by
human shepherds, are nevertheless at all times led and brought to pasture by
Christ Himself, the Good Shepherd and Prince of shepherds (cf. John 10:11; 1
Peter 5:4), who gave His life for His sheep (cf. John 10:11-15)” (”Lumen Gentium”,
6).

1-2. The flock can be harmed in a subtle, hidden way, or in a blatant way through
abuse of authority. The history of the Church shows that its enemies have used
both methods: sometimes they enter the flock in a secretive way to harm it from
within; sometimes they attack it from outside, openly and violently. “Who is the
good shepherd? ‘He who enters by the door’ of faithfulness to the Church’s doc-
trine and does not act like the hireling ‘who sees the wolf coming and leaves the
sheep and flees’; whereupon ‘the wolf snatches them and scatters them’” (St. J.
Escriva, “Christ Is Passing By”, 34).

3-5. In those times it was usual at nightfall to bring a number of flocks together
into one sheepfold, where they would be kept for the night with someone acting
as look-out. Then at dawn the shepherds would come back and open the sheep-
fold and each would call his sheep which would gather round and follow him out
of the pen (they were used to his voice because he used to call them to prevent
them from going astray) and he would then lead them to pasture. Our Lord uses
this image—one very familiar to His listeners—to teach them a divine truth: since
there are strange voices around, we need to know the voice of Christ—which is
continually addressing us through the Magisterium of the Church—and to follow
it, if we are to get the nourishment our soul needs. “Christ has given His Church
sureness in doctrine and a fountain of grace in the Sacraments. He has arranged
things so that there will always be people to guide and lead us, to remind us con-
stantly of our way. There is an infinite treasure of knowledge available to us: the
word of God kept safe by the Church, the grace of Christ administered in the
Sacraments and also the witness and example of those who live by our side and
have known how to build with their good lives a road of faithfulness to God” (St. J.
Escriva, “Christ Is Passing By”, 34).

6. Christ develops and interprets the image of the shepherd and the flock, to en-
sure that everyone who is well-disposed can understand His meaning. But the
Jews fail to understand—as happened also when He promised the Eucharist (John
6:41-43) and spoke of the “living water” (John 7:40-43), or when He raised Lazarus
from the dead (John 11:45-46).

7. After describing His future Church through the image of the flock, Christ extends
the simile and calls Himself the “door of the sheep”. The shepherds and the sheep
enter the sheepfold: both must enter through the door, which is Christ. “I”, St. Au-
gustine preached, “seeking to enter in among you, that is, into your heart, preach
Christ: if I were to preach other than that, I should be trying to enter by some other
way. Through Christ I enter in, not to your houses but to your hearts. Through
Him I enter and you have willingly heard me speak of Him. Why? Because you
are Christ’s sheep and you have been purchased with Christ’s blood” (”In Ioann.
Evang.” 47, 2-3).

8. The severe reproach Jesus levels against those who came before Him does not
apply to Moses or the prophets (cf. John 5:39, 45; 8:56; 12:41), nor to the Baptist
(cf. John 5:33), for they proclaimed the future Messiah and prepared the way for
Him. He is referring to the false prophets and deceivers of the people, among them
some teachers of the Law—blind men and blind guides (cf. Matthew 23:16-24) who
block the people’s way to Christ, as happened just a little before when the man
born blind was cured (cf. John 9).

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

Readings at Mass

First reading

Acts 2:14,36-41 ©

On the day of Pentecost Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed the crowd in a loud voice: ‘The whole House of Israel can be certain that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.’

Hearing this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the apostles, ‘What must we do, brothers?’ ‘You must repent,’ Peter answered ‘and every one of you must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise that was made is for you and your children, and for all those who are far away, for all those whom the Lord our God will call to himself.’ He spoke to them for a long time using many arguments, and he urged them, ‘Save yourselves from this perverse generation.’ They were convinced by his arguments, and they accepted what he said and were baptised. That very day about three thousand were added to their number.

Psalm

Psalm 22:1-6 ©

The Lord is my shepherd: there is nothing I shall want.

or

Alleluia!

The Lord is my shepherd;

there is nothing I shall want.

Fresh and green are the pastures

where he gives me repose.

Near restful waters he leads me,

to revive my drooping spirit.

The Lord is my shepherd: there is nothing I shall want.

or

Alleluia!

He guides me along the right path;

he is true to his name.

If I should walk in the valley of darkness

no evil would I fear.

You are there with your crook and your staff;

with these you give me comfort.

The Lord is my shepherd: there is nothing I shall want.

or

Alleluia!

You have prepared a banquet for me

in the sight of my foes.

My head you have anointed with oil;

my cup is overflowing.

The Lord is my shepherd: there is nothing I shall want.

or

Alleluia!

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me

all the days of my life.

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell

for ever and ever.

The Lord is my shepherd: there is nothing I shall want.

or

Alleluia!

Second reading

1 Peter 2:20-25 ©

The merit, in the sight of God, is in bearing punishment patiently when you are punished after doing your duty.

This, in fact, is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and left an example for you to follow the way he took. He had not done anything wrong, and there had been no perjury in his mouth. He was insulted and did not retaliate with insults; when he was tortured he made no threats but he put his trust in the righteous judge. He was bearing our faults in his own body on the cross, so that we might die to our faults and live for holiness; through his wounds you have been healed. You had gone astray like sheep but now you have come back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Gospel Acclamation

Jn10:14

Alleluia, alleluia!

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;

I know my own sheep and my own know me.

Alleluia!

Gospel

John 10:1-10 ©

Jesus said: ‘I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but gets in some other way is a thief and a brigand. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out. When he has brought out his flock, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow because they know his voice. They never follow a stranger but run away from him: they do not recognise the voice of strangers.’

Jesus told them this parable but they failed to understand what he meant by telling it to them.

So Jesus spoke to them again:

‘I tell you most solemnly,

I am the gate of the sheepfold.

All others who have come

are thieves and brigands;

but the sheep took no notice of them.

I am the gate.

Anyone who enters through me will be safe:

he will go freely in and out

and be sure of finding pasture.

The thief comes

only to steal and kill and destroy.

I have come

so that they may have life and have it to the full.’

He is Risen! Truly Risen!

A blessed Eastertide to all!

Emmaus: From Despair to Joy
Why Was the Resurrection Such a Hidden Event?
Mary Magdalene’s Journey out of Fear to Easter Faith
He is Risen!
Jesus is Real to Me – A Meditation on the Easter Gospel
The Earth’s Most Serious Wound
Regina Caeli: Ask Jesus what he wants from you (Catholic Caucus)
If Christ Has Not Been Raised (you don't want to miss this one!)
The Few Witnesses to the Resurrection
Iraq: Christians celebrate Easter behind high blast walls and tight security cordons
8 things you need to know about Easter
Pope: Urbi et Orbi Message, Easter, 2013 [Full text]
Pope Francis Leads First Easter Celebrations
Resurrection of the Body (Ecumenical)
April 11 Audience: On Easter's Spiritual Joy
When did the Resurrection become truly the Faith, and the official teaching of the Church?
What are they thinking? (The Easter and Christmas only Church-goers, that is!)

The Resurrection Appearances Chronologically Arranged
Are There Discrepancies in the Resurrection Accounts? If so, Can They be Resolved?
URBI ET ORBI MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI - EASTER 2012
Saint Gregory the Great’s Sermon on the Mystery of the Resurrection
Pope Benedict XVI warns of moral 'darkness' as he celebrates Easter Mass
Easter Changes Everything
New Catholics a sign of Easter blessing for church (in Oregon)
On Easter Joy -- General Audience, Pope Benedict XVI
The Christ of the Folded Napkin
Reflection on Hope and New Life After the Easter Feasts (Thomas Rosica, CSB)
Easter Time [Eastertide or Easter Season]
Risen Christ opens for a us a completely new future says the Pope at Easter Mass
Man Who "Died" 5 Times Is Becoming Catholic (Thousands to Enter Church at Easter)
On the Resurrection-Pope Benedict XVI
Octave of Easter, Pope Benedict XVI
The Double Alleluia
Easter Sunday
Eastertide Overview
Our 'Great Sunday' (Season of Easter) [Editorial Column]
Happy Easter: The Tomb is Empty! The Warrior of Love has conquered!

Homily Of His Holiness Benedict XVI (Holy Saturday Easter Vigil, Saint Peter's Basilica)
Pope to Baptize Prominent Muslim
Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
The Exultet
The Dark before Dawn
Easter and the Holy Eucharist(Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil
Easter Day and Easter Season
THE EASTER LITURGY [Easter Vigil] (Anglican and Catholic Rites)
Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil
Poles visit symbolic Christ's Graves on Holy Saturday
Easter Vigil tonight
HOMILIES PREACHED BY FATHER ALTIER FOR EASTER VIGIL FROM 2002-2005
2 Paschal Candles; Lights On at Vigil And More on Washing of the Feet
RCIA and Holy Saturday
The Time Of Easter or Eastertide -- Easter Seasosn
Easter Day and Easter Season
Easter Reflections -- 50 Days of the Easter Season
The Blessed Season of Easter - Fifty Days of Reflections

Perpetual Novena for the Nation (Ecumenical)

Prayers for The Religion Forum (Ecumenical)

Jesus, High Priest

We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry.

Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love.

Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit.

Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.

Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen and heal us.

Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will.

O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son.

Intercede for our priests, that offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests

This icon shows Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest.

The gold pelican over His heart represents self-sacrifice.

The border contains an altar and grapevines, representing the Mass, and icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.

Melchizedek: king of righteousness (left icon) was priest and king of Jerusalem. He blessed Abraham and has been considered an ideal priest-king.

St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests.

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

Pray the Rosary

1. Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. The Apostles Creed: I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

3. The Lord's Prayer: OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

4. (3) Hail Mary: HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)

5. Glory Be: GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Fatima Prayer: Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.

Announce each mystery, then say 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be and 1 Fatima prayer. Repeat the process with each mystery.

End with the Hail Holy Queen:

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears! Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus!

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Final step -- The Sign of the Cross

The Mysteries of the Rosary

By tradition, Catholics meditate on these Mysteries during prayers of the Rosary.
The biblical references follow each of the Mysteries below.

The Glorious Mysteries
(Wednesdays and Sundays)
1.The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-29) [Spiritual fruit - Faith]
2. The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:6-11) [Spiritual fruit - Christian Hope]
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13) [Spiritual fruit - Gifts of the Holy Spirit]
4. The Assumption [Spiritual fruit - To Jesus through Mary]
5. The Coronation [Spiritual fruit - Grace of Final Perseverance]

~ PRAYER ~

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle
Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
Cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen
+

A Prayer for our Free Nation Under God
God Save Our Country web site (prayer warriors)
Prayer Chain Request for the United States of America
Pray for Nancy Pelosi
Prayer and fasting will help defeat health care reform (Freeper Prayer Thread)
Prayer Campaign Started to Convert Pro-Abortion Catholic Politicians to Pro-Life
[Catholic Caucus] One Million Rosaries
Non-stop Rosary vigil to defeat ObamaCare

From an Obama bumper sticker on a car:

"Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8"

PLEASE JOIN US -

Evening Prayer
Someone has said that if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless.
Did you know that during WWII there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace?

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central) (7:00 PM Mountain) (6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, and for a return to a Godly nation. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Please forward this to your praying friends.

May Devotion: Blessed Virgin Mary

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. Toward the end of the eighteenth century a zealous Jesuit priest, Father Lalomia, started among the students of the Roman college of his Society the practice of dedicating May to Our Lady. The devotion, which others had promoted in a small way, soon spread to other Jesuit Colleges and to the entire Latin church and since that time it has been a regular feature of Catholic life.

INVOCATIONS

Thou who wast a virgin before thy delivery, pray for us. Hail Mary, etc.
Thou who wast a virgin in thy delivery, pray for us. Hail Mary, etc.
Thou who wast a virgin after thy delivery, pray for us. Hail Mary, etc.

My Mother, deliver me from mortal sin.
Hail Mary (three times).

Mother of love, of sorrow and of mercy, pray for us.

Remember, O Virgin Mother of God, when thou shalt stand before the face of the Lord, that thou speak favorable things in our behalf and that He may turn away His indignation from us.
Roman Missal

Thou art my Mother, O Virgin Mary: keep me safe lest I ever offend thy dear Son, and obtain for me the grace to please Him always and in all things.

FOR THE HELP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

May we be assisted, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, by the worshipful intercession of Thy glorious Mother, the ever-Virgin Mary; that we, who have been enriched by her perpetual blessings, may be delivered from all dangers, and through her loving kindness made to be of one heart and mind: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Roman Missal

THE SALVE REGINA

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears! Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus! O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Roman Breviary

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

O blessed Virgin Mary, who can worthily repay thee thy just dues of praise and thanksgiving, thou who by the wondrous assent of thy will didst rescue a fallen world? What songs of praise can our weak human nature recite in thy honor, since it is by thy intervention alone that it has found
the way to restoration? Accept, then, such poor thanks as we have here to offer, though they be unequal to thy merits; and, receiving our vows, obtain by thy prayers the remission of our offenses. Carry thou our prayers within the sanctuary of the heavenly audience, and bring forth from it the antidote of our reconciliation. May the sins we bring before Almighty God through thee, become pardonable through thee; may what we ask for with sure confidence, through thee be granted. Take our offering, grant us our requests, obtain pardon for what we fear, for thou art the sole hope of sinners. Through thee we hope for the remission of our sins, and in thee, 0 blessed Lady, is our hope of reward. Holy Mary, succour the miserable, help the fainthearted, comfort the sorrowful, pray for thy people, plead for the clergy, intercede for all women consecrated to God; may all who keep thy holy commemoration feel now thy help and protection. Be thou ever ready to assist us when we pray, and bring back to us the answers to our prayers. Make it thy continual care to pray for the people of God, thou who, blessed by God, didst merit to bear the Redeemer of the world, who liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.
Saint Augustine

PETITION TO MARY

Most holy Virgin Immaculate, my Mother Mary, to thee who art the Mother of my Lord, the queen of the universe, the advocate, the hope, the refuge of sinners, I who am the most miserable of all sinners, have recourse this day. I venerate thee, great queen, and I thank thee for the many graces thou hast bestowed upon me even unto this day; in particular for having delivered me from the hell which I have so often deserved by my sins. I love thee, most dear Lady; and for the love I bear thee, I promise to serve thee willingly for ever and to do what I can to make thee loved by others also. I place in thee all my hopes for salvation; accept me as thy servant and shelter me under thy mantle, thou who art the Mother of mercy. And since thou art so powerful with God, deliver me from all temptations, or at least obtain for me the strength to overcome them until death. From thee I implore a true love for Jesus Christ. Through thee I hope to die a holy death. My dear Mother, by the love thou bearest to Almighty God, I pray thee to assist me always, but most of all at the last moment of my life. Forsake me not then, until thou shalt see me safe in heaven, there to bless thee and sing of thy mercies through all eternity. Such is my hope. Amen.
Saint Alphonsus Liguori

Magnificat Prayer
My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior,
For he has looked upon his servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me blessed.
God who is mighty has done great things for me,
holy is his name; His mercy is from age to age on those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm; he has confused the proud in their inmost thoughts. He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. The hungry he has given every good thing, while the rich he has sent empty away. He has upheld Israel his servant, ever mindful of his mercy; Even as he promised our fathers, promised Abraham and his descendants forever.
(Lk 1:46-55)

TO MARY, REFUGE OF SINNERS
Hail, most gracious Mother of mercy, hail, Mary, for whom we fondly yearn, through whom we obtain forgiveness! Who would not love thee? Thou art our light in uncertainty, our comfort in sorrow, our solace in the time of trial, our refuge from every peril and temptation. Thou art our sure hope of salvation, second only to thy only-begotten Son; blessed are they who love thee, our Lady! Incline, I beseech thee, thy ears of pity to the entreaties of this thy servant, a miserable sinner; dissipate the darkness of my sins by the bright beams of thy holiness, in order that I may be acceptable in thy sight.

FOR THE GRACE OF LOVE
O Mary, my dear Mother, how much I love thee! And yet in reality how little! Thou dost teach me what I ought to know, for thou teachest me what Jesus is to me and what I ought to be for Jesus. Dearly beloved Mother, how close to God thou art, and how utterly filled with Him! In the measure that we know God, we remind ourselves of thee. Mother of God, obtain for me the grace of loving my Jesus; obtain for me the grace of loving thee!
Cardinal Merry del Val

TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY FOR MAY

O most august and blessed Virgin Mary! Holy Mother of God! glorious Queen of heaven and earth! powerful protectress of those who love thee, and unfailing advocate of all who invoke thee! look down, I beseech thee, from thy throne of glory on thy devoted child; accept the solemn offering I present thee of this month, specially dedicated to thee, and receive my ardent, humble desire, that by my love and fervor I could worthily honor thee, who, next to God, art deserving of all honor. Receive me, 0 Mother of Mercy, among thy best beloved children; extend to me thy maternal tenderness and solicitude; obtain for me a place in the Heart of Jesus, and a special share in the gifts of His grace. 0 deign, I beseech thee, to recognize my claims on thy protection, to watch over my spiritual and temporal interests, as well as those of all who are dear to me; to infuse into my soul the spirit of Christ, and to teach me thyself to become meek, humble, charitable, patient, and submissive to the will of God.

May my heart bum with the love of thy Divine Son, and of thee, His blessed Mother, not for a month alone, but for time and eternity; may I thirst for the promotion of His honor and thine, and contribute, as far as I can, to its extension. Receive me, 0 Mary, the refuge of sinners! Grant me a Mother's blessing and a Mother's care, now, and at the hour of my death. Amen.

TO OUR LADY

Saint John Vianney, better known as the Cure of Ars, when asked how long he had loved Mary, said: "I loved her almost before I could know her." In this prayer he expresses that love.
O thou most holy virgin Mary, who dost evermore stand before the most holy Trinity, and to whom it is granted at all times to pray for us to thy most beloved Son; pray for me in all my necessities; help me, combat for me, and obtain for me the pardon of all my sins. Help me especially at my last hour; and when I can no longer give any sign of the use of reason, then do thou encourage me, make the sign of the cross for me, and fight for me against the enemy. Make in my name a profession of faith; favor me with a testimony of my salvation, and never let me despair of the mercy of God. Help me to overthrow the wicked enemy. When I can no longer say: "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I place my soul in your hands," do thou say it for me; when I can no longer hear human words of consolation, do thou comfort me. Leave me not before I have been judged; and if I have to expiate my sins in purgatory, oh! pray for me earnestly; and admonish my friends to procure for me a speedy enjoyment of the blessed sight of God. Lessen my sufferings, deliver me speedily, and lead my soul into heaven with thee: that, united with all the elect, I may there bless and praise my God and thee for all eternity. Amen.
Saint John Vianney

ACT OF REPARATION

O blessed Virgin, Mother of God, look down in mercy from heaven, where thou art enthroned as Queen, upon me, a miserable sinner, thine unworthy servant. Although I know full well my own unworthiness, yet in order to atone for the offenses that are done to thee by impious and blasphemous
tongues, from the depths of my heart I praise and extol thee as the purest, the fairest, the holiest creature of all God's handiwork. I bless thy holy name, I praise thine exalted privilege of being truly Mother of God, ever virgin, conceived without stain of sin, co-redemptrix of the human race. I bless the Eternal Father who chose thee in an especial way for His daughter; I bless the Word Incarnate who took upon Himself our nature in thy bosom and so made thee His Mother; I bless the Holy Spirit who took thee as His bride. All honor, praise and thanksgiving to the ever-blessed Trinity, who predestined thee and loved thee so exceedingly from all eternity as to exalt thee above all creatures to the most sublime heights. 0 Virgin, holy and merciful, obtain for all who offend thee the grace of repentance, and graciously accept this poor act of homage from me thy servant, obtaining likewise for me from thy divine Son the pardon and remission of all my sins. Amen.

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

Memorare of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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 by this confidence, I fly unto Thee!
O Virgin of virgins, My Mother!

To Thee I come before Thee I stand,
Sinful and Sorrowful,
Oh Mother of the Word Incarnate,
Despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy,
Hear and answer me.

Amen

Who Is Our Lady of Laus? “My name is Mary” (CATHOLIC CAUCUS)
What Happened to the Virgin Mary After Pentecost? [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
Saint Thomas Aquinas on the Hail Mary (Catholic Caucus)
Yes, Mary DOES Know
How Can Mary Hear Thousands Simultaneously?
Fr Paul Schenck: Immaculate Conception Tells us Who Mary Is and Who We Are (Catholic Caucus)
Mary,Our Lady of Quatlasupe,She who crushes the head of the serpent, is leading...(Catholic Caucus)
MARY, MOTHER OF EVANGELIZATION [Cath-Orth caucus]
On Mary, Model of Faith, Charity and Union with Christ [Weekly Audience]
Why Don’t You honor Mary?
Columbus and the Virgin Mary [Catholic Caucus]

Pope Francis: Mary’s faith unties the knot of sin
Pope consecrates world to immaculate heart of Mary
Mary, Mother of God
Mary 'can only bring us to God,' expert says as entrustment nears
Pope Francis: "Mary, look upon us" (Mass in Cagliari)
Devotion to the Most Holy Name of Mary [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
Pope Francis: contemplate the “suffering humanity” of Jesus and the sweetness of Mary
Mary's Nativity Draws Tens of Thousands to Indian Basilica
Veneration of Mary in Luke 11:27-28
Pope at Mass: Learning from Mary to keep the Word of God

Pope: Mary is always in a hurry to help us (first pastoral visit to a diocese in Rome)
Catholic Word of the Day: MARY'S SINLESSNESS, 04-01-13
Letter #47: To Mary (Pope Francis prays at (tomb of Pope St. Pius V) [Catholic Caucus]
Catholic Word of the Day: MARY'S VIRGINITY, 02-26-13
Mariaphobic Response Syndrome: Part Two
Mariaphobic Response Syndrome: Part One
A Mother’s Love, The Blessed Virgin Mary Saying YES To God
Chesterton on devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary [Ecumenical]
The Perpetual Virginity of Blessed Mary
A Comparison is Instituted Between the Disobedient and Sinning Eve and the Virgin Mary..

Magnificat: The Hymn of the Blessed Virgin Mary [Catholic Caucus]
The Blessed Virgin Mary's Role in the Celibate Priest's Spousal... (Pt 2) (CATHOLIC CAUCUS)
The Blessed Virgin Mary's Role in the Celibate Priest's Spousal and Paternal Love (CATHOLIC CAUCUS)
Discovering Mary [Excellent New Book For Converts]
Beginning Our Lady's Month [Catholic Caucus]
Give it all to Mary [Catholic Caucus]
JESUS LIVING IN MARY: HANDBOOK, SPIRITUALITY OF ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT, ROSARY [Ecumenical]
Mary, Tabernacle of the Lord By Archbishop Fulton Sheen(Catholic Caucus)
A Protestant Discovers Mary
Mary is our Mother and Queen of the New Davidic Kingdom (Scriptures Agree With Catholic Church)

Hail Mary
Holy Water Silhouette (Virgin Mary -video))
How could Mary be the Mother of God?
Mary, the Mother of God (a defense)
Calling Mary “Mother of God” Tells Us Who Jesus Is
The Holy Spirit And Mary (Catholic Caucus)
Mary, Our Cause of Rejoicing
Mary in Byzantine Doctrine and Devotion (Catholic / Orthodox Caucus)
Radio Replies First Volume - Devotion to Mary
The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Catholic Discovery of America(Catholic Caucus)

Mary is the star that guides us to holiness, says Holy Father during Angelus [Catholic Caucus]
The Efficacy and Power of One Hail Mary [Ecumenical]
When Did Belief in the Virgin Birth Begin?
Mary, Motherhood, and the Home BY Archbishop Fulton Sheen
On Mary, Mother of Priests
Benedict reflects on Mary and the priesthood [Catholic Caucus]
Radio Replies First Volume - Mary
Scholar says Baptists neglect lessons from Virgin Mary
Mary and the Sword Continued Part #2 by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
Mary and the Sword by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen(Catholic Caucus)

Why Did Mary Offer a Sin Offering? [Ecumenical]
Mary and Intercessory Prayer
Mary: Holy Mother
Mary not just for Catholics anymore
Pope concludes Month of Mary in the Vatican Gardens
Consecration to Mary(Catholic Caucus)
Mary’s Marching Orders
Praying the Hail Mary Like Never Before [Ecumenical]
Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament [Catholic Caucus]
Catholic Caucus: The Catechism of St. Thomas Aquinas - THE HAIL MARY

Our Jewish Roots: The Immaculate Conception [Ecumenical]
The Blessed Virgin in the History of Christianity [Ecumenical]
Archbishop Sheen Today! -- Mary and the Moslems
Mary Immaculate: Patroness of the United States [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
"The Woman He Loved": Fulton Sheen and the Blessed Mother(Catholic Caucus)
September 12: The Most Holy Name of Mary and Militant Islam
Catholic Devotional: Feast of the Holy Name of Mary
A Homily on the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary
May Devotion: Blessed Virgin Mary
Catholic Caucus: Mary, The Power of Her Name [The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary]

May 2014 Year
Pope's Intentions
Universal: That the media may be instruments in the service of truth and peace.
For Evangelization: That Mary, Star of Evangelization, may guide the Church in proclaiming Christ to all nations.

Daily Gospel Commentary

Fourth Sunday of Easter - Year A

Commentary of the day
Saint Augustine (354-430), Bishop of Hippo (North Africa) and Doctor of the Church
Sermon 46, On the shepherds; CCL 41, 529

" I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly"

“Thus says the Lord: 'I myself will come'”... This is what he has undoubtedly done and what he will yet do: “I myself am coming: I will seek out my sheep, I will tend them as a shepherd tends his flock.” The wicked shepherds took no care of them because they did not redeem their sheep with their blood... “My sheep hear my voice. I will seek out my sheep from the midst of the scattered sheep and will bring them out from all the places they were scattered on the day of clouds and darkness. No matter how hard it is to find them, I will find them... I will rescue my sheep from foreign lands, I will gather them and lead them back to their own homes; I will lead them to pasture on the mountains of Israel.”

These “mountains of Israel” are the writers of holy Scripture. They are the pastures where you are to feed if you wish to do so safely. Savor everything you learn from them and reject everything outside. Don't go astray in the mists, listen to the shepherd's voice. Gather on the mountains of holy Scripture. There you will find true delight for your heart. There is nothing poisonous there, nothing dangerous; they are rich pastures... “I will lead them beside rivers, in the best places.” From those mountains we were just talking about, rivers of Gospel preaching pour down since “the voice [of the apostles] resounds to the ends of the earth” and all the ends of the earth provide pleasant and fertile pastures for the sheep.

“I will cause them to feed in good pasture..., and their sheepfold will be there”, that is to say, there they will rest, there they will be able to say: “It is good to be here; true enough, it is perfectly clear, we have found the truth.” They will take their rest in the glory of God as in a sheepfold.

(Biblical references : Ez 34,10-14; Ps 79[80],2-3; Jn 10,27; Ps 18[19],5)

Arlington Catholic Herald

GOSPEL COMMENTARY JN 10:1-10

The narrow gate

Fr. Jerry J. Pokorsky

The irascible and always entertaining British novelist Evelyn Waugh observed more than 75 years ago, “It is better to be narrow-minded than to have no mind, to hold limited and rigid principles than none at all. That is the danger that faces so many people today — to have no considered opinions on any subject, to put up with what is wasteful and harmful with the excuse that there is ‘good in everything’ — which in most cases means inability to distinguish between good and bad.” Is this a mere literary rant for our amusement, or is Waugh to be taken seriously?

Whenever there is an act of violence in the name of religion somewhere in the world, the customary early response is: “Not all members of that religious group are bad.” Aside from stating the obvious, it is a provocative initial response. In considering the horror of the violence at a distance, there seems to be a pressing need to avoid being labeled “narrow-minded” or “judgmental” or even “bigoted” — a need apparently equal to recognizing the evil of the deed. Hence it is useful to press those who make the response with the question echoing Christ: Why do you call them (or anyone) good?

In the Gospel, Jesus responds to the rich young man, “No one is good — except God alone” (Mk 10:18). God alone defines what is good. But in every generation, in every heart, there is an unholy inclination to test God to our own definition of good and evil, just as Adam and Eve were seduced by the devil to “know (be in charge of) good and evil.” Furthermore, whenever we hear, as we often do, that “we are hated because of our values,” before we take up arms it would be helpful to ensure that our “values” coincide with God’s values. And God’s “values” can be found in summary form in the Ten Commandment covenant revealed to Moses and the Israelites.

But the commandments do not resonate only in the hearts of Jews and Christians; they are inherent in the hearts of everyone. St. Paul insists the commandments have been inscribed on the heart of every man: “When Gentiles (unbelievers) who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus” (Rom 2:13-16). When it comes to the possibility of unbelievers truly living God’s law and entering into heavenly glory with a clean conscience, St. Paul is “inclusive.”

In view of St. Paul’s “natural moral law” assertion, it is a mistake to dismiss Catholic teaching on morality as rigidly narrow and sectarian. Yet we often hear people say, for example, “For Catholics, abortion and contraception are wrong.” Of course, this is none-too-subtly suggesting contraception and abortion may not be wrong for non-Catholics. But the absurdity of the phrase, “for Catholics,” in connection with morality should be clear if, for example, we adjust the phrase: “For Americans, mass murder is wrong,” or “For Americans, racism is wrong.” A universal objective moral order is evident and should be acknowledged. Catholic teaching on morality is not an “imposition” on a limited number of believers or cultures. Catholic moral teaching is a gift of moral clarity, broadly revealing to everyone the path to salvation — as well as the path to just and orderly families and societies — and even a template for dialog among nations and religions. The computer voice of a GPS navigational device may be pleasant and nonjudgmental during wrong turns, but the recalculations always point to the final destination. Our leaders and shepherds might take a lesson from the example of those relentless GPS devices, directing us on our way to justice and salvation with constant references to the Ten Commandments written on the hearts of all people.

How “rigid” or “open-minded” must we be in matters of our salvation? Christ teaches in Sunday’s Gospel, “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.”

Christ knows we have enemies and obstacles to salvation. And He carefully distinguishes between good and bad as He directs us through the narrow gate. He is the Good Shepherd whose voice we recognize. Evelyn Waugh may not speak with the pleasant GPS voice we would care to hear every day. But his message is fully compatible with the teachings of Christ.

Fr. Pokorsky is pastor of St. Michael Church in Annandale.

The Work of God

Year A - Fourth Sunday of Easter

I am the gate of the sheepfold

John 10:1-10

1 "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit.
2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers."
6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them.
9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (NRSV)

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

I am the Good Shepherd, the one who cares for the sheep. They get lost, hungry, and sick, and finally perish unless I come to the rescue. I open the gate for them, so that they can come in and find good pasture. I lead them through the meadows of life so that they may be happy and enjoy what I have to offer.

I am the gate of the sheepfold; there is no other way for them to go in. I am always open to welcome back my sheep, to care for them, and to protect them in the enclosure of my stronghold.

When they leave the sheepfold and go astray they are putting themselves at high risk, because the wolf is always ready to destroy them.

I am the One who gives life. I came to give life abundantly, not just the life that you live now but eternal life that comes from me.

I am the Lord, your protector: I protect what is mine. When you come to me and give yourself to me you become mine. In my joy I protect you and take care of you.

Come by my side and stay with me. I will share my Holy Spirit with you so that you may live for the spiritual life I offer. I will shine my light before you and lead you through the darkness of life, so that you may always feel secure.

Goats are proud but sheep are humble, they are both images of man. I delight in the humble of heart but resist the proud.

Be humble and accept my call, bend your will to my teachings, listen to my voice and open your heart to let my words burn within you. I want you.

Come, follow me.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary

Zenit.org

The Shepherd: the Lamb Who Saves the Sheep

Lectio Divina: Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year

Paris, May 09, 2014 (Zenit.org) Monsignor Francesco Follo | 617 hits

1) He is the true Shepherd, the good one.

Today's liturgy invites us to contemplate Jesus as both the shepherd and the entry to the sheepfold while at Easter we have contemplated Him as the Lamb, the paschal victim who redeems the sheep conquering death forever.

Today in the developed western world, the image of the shepherd is not very present and when it is, it is done with a bit of contempt so much so that the expression "I am not a sheep" is used to define independent and courageous adults not in need of a shepherd.

In the former days and in the Jewish civilization the figure of the shepherd was a well-known and familiar one: Abraham was a shepherd, Moses was the shepherd of his people and so was also King David. In fact, in the biblical civilization the image of the shepherd as the king who leads his people and of the God as The Shepherd who leads his people to freedom and to life was well known.

The History of Salvation sung in Psalms and narrated in particular in the book of Exodus, has made familiar to the Jews the experience of a God who is near. This experience is well expressed by the image of God that leads his people to pastures, defends them from the enemies, led them to safety through the dangers of the desert and guides them toward the fulfillment of His promises and to the Promised Land.

It is a divine romance that sums up the troubled relationship between the people and God who uses the image of the shepherd to say, “Look! I myself will search for my sheep and examine them. As a shepherd examines his flock while he himself is among his scattered sheep, so will I examine my sheep. I will deliver them from every place where they were scattered on the day of dark clouds.I will lead them out from among the peoples and gather them from the lands; I will bring them back to their own country and pasture them upon the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and every inhabited place in the land.In good pastures I will pasture them; on the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down on good grazing ground; in rich pastures they will be pastured on the mountains of Israel. I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest—oracle of the Lord GOD. The lost I will search out, the strays I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, and the sick I will heal; but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them in judgment." (Ez 34: 11-16).

Jesus, who bore within itself the truth and the fulfillment of all the prophecies, puts himself into this path and proves to be the truth, the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep and his sheep know Him, just as the Father knows Him and He knows the Father (cf. Jn 10:14-15 ) . How wonderful is this knowledge that reaches up to the eternal Truth and Love, whose name is the "Father." It is from this source that comes the particular knowledge which gives rise to full and pure trust. This is not an abstract knowledge, a purely intellectual certainty. It is a liberating knowledge that inspires trust.

2) The Shepherd is the Door

As I mentioned above, the allegory of the shepherd, with which Jesus describes his identity "I AM the good shepherd” (Jn 10:11), moves on a background still very familiar to the life in the Holy Land. In the evening, the shepherds lead the flock in a pen for the night. A common fence serves generally for several flocks. In the morning each shepherd cries his call and the sheep - the sheep that know his voice - follow him.

Recounting this familiar scene Jesus emphasizes first that HE is the true shepherd because - unlike the mercenary – he is not going to steal the sheep, but to give life. The characteristic of the true shepherd is the gift of self.

But there is also a second thought: Jesus is the door of the sheepfold “I AM the Door" (cf. Jn 10: 7:09). And this takes on two meanings: one for the leaders and a second for the faithful. Jesus is the door through which we must pass in order to be legitimate shepherds. No one can have authority over the Church if not legitimized by Jesus. And no one is a disciple if he does not go through Jesus and enters in his community. As you can see, Jesus is at the center of the authority that governs in his name and of the faithful that in communion with Him can truly belong to the people of God

In today's Gospel, Jesus says: " I AM" and he says it four times: I AM the door, and again I AM the door, then I AM the good Shepherd, I AM the Shepherd good; - where the I AM reminds to the God of the Exodus, the revelation of the Name of God, the God who saves mankind and sets him free.

Whoever enters via the door is the shepherd; all the others are thieves. The door is a hole in the wall and at the same time the fence from where you can walk out to freedom. Jesus is the door that is opened between man and God. As the incarnated Word of God, He is the door from man to God. He is the door through which humanity sees the truth of the man, who is the Son of God. Those who enter through this door, enter through intelligence, for the Son is the Word of the Father, which is itself intelligence. They enter through freedom and love for the children who are free, love, respond to love and follow a certain kind of life.

Compared to the fence of the sheepfold, which although necessary for the protection of the sheep is also a barrier, the door means the possibility for communication and communion.

That door, which is Jesus, is the breaking of what separates God from us and us from God and therefore it is the possibility of the communication and the communion desired both by Him and by us.

3) We must follow the Shepherd to evangelize.

However, today’s Gospel passage not only describes the figure of Jesus as Shepherd and Pastor of the Church, but it also describes the behavior of the sheep, which are called by name to follow their shepherd. The following is the result of a call (“He calls his own sheep by name "), implying a sense of belonging (the sheep are his) and requiring listening (“hear his voice ").

Call, belonging and listening are the traits of the community that walks with Jesus. Of course all of this requires the rejection of any other shepherd and every other teacher (“a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him ").

Jesus, light of the world, leads to the pastures of life, makes us one flock of free people, children and siblings like him and different from each other. He is the Lamb who knows how to expose, lay and place his life on behalf of others. He is the Chief because He is the Servant of all. He is the true Shepherd, different from celebrities who are too often followed as a model, but are models that steal life and do not donate it.

The model of man that Jesus asks us to live is the model of the shepherd. He, the Good Shepherd, comes to bring us to freedom, which means not to follow the current models, stylish and deviant. He is the Good and True Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep “(Jn 10, 11.15).

But there is also another characteristic, which is indicated after a few lines. The Shepherd Jesus not only traces the path to the flock (walking in front of the flock and is he only the one who gathers the flock (who loves and calls his own sheep), but he is the one who - walking in front of the flock – thinks also of the sheep that do not belong to the fold. So is Peter: he is the pastor of the Church, but his thought is for the whole world. His role is also to not allow the Christian community to close in, to get away from the world and to think only about herself.

In this regard, the consecrated Virgins show that being religious does not mean “to spare themselves for eternal life” ... but to penetrate, as did the Word of God, into everyday work showing the face of the Father who awaits, of the Son who remakes all things and of the Spirit that animates them.

To enter into the world means to bring the example of the limits of the Incarnation up to a more intensely dramatic sphere. St. Paul writes: “Those who use this world do not stick to it, because the scene of this world passes” (cf. 1 Cor 7:31). This involves putting the transcendent in the very core of our life and of the daily activities of our commitment. This dimension constitutes a consecration and “By such a bond, a person is totally dedicated to God, loved beyond all things. In this way, that person is ordained to the honor and service of God under a new and special title. (Dogmatic Constitution of the Church “Lumen Gentium”, 44)

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Acts 2:14 a-36 - 41; Ps 23 ; 1 Peter 2:20 b- 25; Jn 10:1-10