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Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 06-02-14, OM, Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs
USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 06-02-14 | Revised New American Bible

Posted on 06/01/2014 7:55:38 PM PDT by Salvation

June 2, 2014

Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter

 

 

Reading 1 Acts 19:1-8

While Apollos was in Corinth,
Paul traveled through the interior of the country
and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples.
He said to them,
“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?”
They answered him,
“We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
He said, “How were you baptized?”
They replied, “With the baptism of John.”
Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance,
telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,
that is, in Jesus.”
When they heard this,
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul laid his hands on them,
the Holy Spirit came upon them,
and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Altogether there were about twelve men.

He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly
with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab

R. (33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God arises; his enemies are scattered,
and those who hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so are they driven;
as wax melts before the fire.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
Sing to God, chant praise to his name;
whose name is the LORD.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows
is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken;
he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Gospel Jn 16:29-33

The disciples said to Jesus,
“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world.”



TOPICS: Catholic; General Discusssion; Prayer; Worship
KEYWORDS: catholic; easter; prayer; saints
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To: All
Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs

Saints Marcellinus & Peter, Martyrs
Optional Memorial
June 2nd

Saint Marcellinus and Saint Peter were martyred under Diocletian. Their names are included in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I).

Source: Daily Roman Missal, Edited by Rev. James Socías, Midwest Theological Forum, Chicago, Illinois ©2003

Collect:
O God, who surround us with protection
through the glorious confession
of the Martyrs Saints Marcellinus and Peter,
grant that we may profit by imitating them
and be upheld by their prayer.
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.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:4-10

But as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.


Gospel Reading: John 17:11b-19
And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, which Thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in Thy name, which Thou hast given Me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. As Thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate Myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.


21 posted on 06/02/2014 7:45:29 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Information: Sts. Marcellinus & Peter

Feast Day: June 2

Died: 304 AD, Rome

Major Shrine: Santi Marcellino e Pietro

22 posted on 06/02/2014 7:50:48 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Interactive Saints for Kids

St. Marcellinus and St. Peter

Feast Day: June 02

These two saints were greatly honored and prayed to by the early Christians. The feast of these two martyrs was included in the Roman calendar of saints by Pope Vigilius in 555.

Marcellinus was a priest and Peter assisted Marcellinus in his ministry. Both very bravely practiced their Christian faith. They served the Christian community fearlessly and with great self-sacrifice even though they knew that their lives were in danger.

When Emperor Diocletian began punishing Christians for their faith, many Christians were killed. St. Marcellinus and Peter were also killed along with many others. They were beheaded.

But before they died, they were forced to dig their own graves. They were taken to a hidden spot, deep in the Silva Nigra forest, to do this difficult job.

Years later, their graves were discovered in that remote spot. Their executioner, the man who cut off their heads, asked for God's forgiveness and repented of the killings becoming a Christian himself.

He led devoted Christians to the remains, which were then buried in the catacomb of St. Tiberius. Pope Gregory IV sent the relics (or remains) to Frankfurt, Germany, in 827. He believed that the relics of these two saints would bring blessings to the Church in that nation.


23 posted on 06/02/2014 7:58:12 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Monday, June 2

Liturgical Color: Red

Today is the optional memorial of Saints
Marcellinus and Peter. They are 2 of
the martyrs listed in the first Eucharistic
prayer. Arrested during the Diocletian
persecution; both were beheaded in 304
AD, but not before converting their jailer.

24 posted on 06/02/2014 3:29:17 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All

Day 169 - Who can administer the Anointing of the Sick? // What is meant by "Viaticum?"

Who can administer the Anointing of the Sick?

Administering the Anointing of the Sick is reserved to bishops and priests, for it is Christ who acts through them by virtue of their ordination.


What is meant by "Viaticum"?

Viaticum means the last Holy Communion that a person receives before dying.

Rarely is Communion so vitally necessary as in the moment when a person sets out on the path that completes his earthly life: In the future he will have only as much life as he has in union (= communion) with God. (YOUCAT questions 246 & 247)


Dig Deeper: CCC section (1524-1525) and other references here.


25 posted on 06/02/2014 4:08:09 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Part 2: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery (1066 - 1690)

Section 2: The Seven Sacraments of the Church (1210 - 1690)

Chapter 2: The Sacraments of Healing (1420 - 1532)

Article 5: The Anointing of the Sick (1499 - 1532)

V. VIATICUM, THE LAST SACRAMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN

1392
(all)

1524

In addition to the Anointing of the Sick, the Church offers those who are about to leave this life the Eucharist as viaticum. Communion in the body and blood of Christ, received at this moment of "passing over" to the Father, has a particular significance and importance. It is the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection, according to the words of the Lord: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."141 The sacrament of Christ once dead and now risen, the Eucharist is here the sacrament of passing over from death to life, from this world to the Father.142

141.

Jn 6:54.

142.

Cf. Jn 13:1.

1680
2299
(all)

1525

Thus, just as the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist form a unity called "the sacraments of Christian initiation," so too it can be said that Penance, the Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist as viaticum constitute at the end of Christian life "the sacraments that prepare for our heavenly homeland" or the sacraments that complete the earthly pilgrimage.


26 posted on 06/02/2014 4:08:54 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Catholic Culture

 

Daily Readings for:June 02, 2014
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: O God, who surround us with protection through the glorious confession of the Martyrs Saints Marcellinus and Peter, grant that we may profit by imitating them and be upheld by their prayer. 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.

RECIPES

o    Overnight Basic Italian

ACTIVITIES

o    Fourteen Holy Helpers

o    Religion in the Home for Preschool: June

PRAYERS

o    June Devotion: The Sacred Heart

o    Litany of the Fourteen Holy Helpers

LIBRARY

o    Peter in Rome | Giovanni Ricciardi

» Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books!

Old Calendar: Saints Marcellinus, Peter and Erasmus, bishop, martyrs; St. Blandina, martyr (Hist)

Peter and Marcellinus are two Roman martyrs who suffered under the Diocletian persecution, about the year 303; the first was an exorcist, the second a priest. Their cultus was so important that after peace was restored to the Church, Constantine built a basilica in their honor. Their names are mentioned in the Canon of the Mass (Eucharistic Prayer I).

According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. Erasmus, a bishop in Asia Minor, who was martyred in Campania at about the same time. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Historically it is also the feast of St. Blandina, a slave in the second century, who had been taken into custody along with her master, also a Christian.


St. Marcellinus and St. Peter

Peter, an exorcist, was cast into prison at Rome, under the emperor Diocletian, by the judge Serenus, for confessing the Christian faith. He there set free Paulina, the daughter of Artemius, the keeper of the prison, from an evil spirit which tormented her. Upon this, Artemius and his wife and all their house, with their neighbors who had run together to see the strange thing, were converted to Jesus Christ. Peter therefore brought them to Marcellinus the priest, who baptized them all. When Serenus heard of it, he called Peter and Marcellinus before him, and sharply rebuked them, adding to his bitter words threats and terrors, unless they would deny Christ. Marcellinus answered him with Christian boldness, whereupon he caused him to be buffeted, separated him from Peter, and shut him up naked, in a prison strewn with broken glass, without either food or light. Peter also he confined. But when both of them were found to increase in faith and courage in their bonds, they were beheaded, unshaken in their testimony, and confessing Jesus Christ gloriously by their blood.

Excerpted from The Liturgical Year, Abbot Gueranger O.S.B.

Things to Do:


St. Erasmus

In Campania the bishop Erasmus was, under the empire of Diocletian and Maximian, beaten with clubs and whips loaded with lead, and afterwards plunged into resin, sulphur, melted lead, boiling pitch, wax, and oil. From all this he came forth whole and sound: which wonder converted many to believe in Christ. He was remanded to prison, and bound in iron fetters. But from these he was wondrously delivered by an angel. At last, being taken to Formi, Maximian caused him to be subjected to divers torments, being clad in a coat of red-hot brass, but the power of God made him more than a conqueror in all these things also. Afterwards, having converted many to the faith and confirmed them therein, he obtained the palm of a glorious martyrdom.


Excerpted from The Liturgical Year, Abbot Gueranger O.S.B.

He is invoked for intestinal diseases, for his legend asserts that he was tortured by winding his entrails round a windlass. He is also called St. Elmo, and the static electricity on boats, Saint Elmo's Fire, is named after him. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

Patron: Abdominal pains; ammunition workers; appendicitis; birth pains; boatmen; childbirth; childhood intestinal disease; colic; danger at sea; explosives workers; intestinal disorders; mariners; navigators; ordinance workers; sailors; sea sickness; stomach diseases; storms; watermen; women in labor.

Symbols: Windlass or capstan wound with his intestines; ship; ravens bringing him bread; cauldron of molten lead; red-hot armour; three-pronged hook; cauldron of boiling pitch or resin.


St. Blandina

St. Blandina lived as a slave at Lyons, Gaul, in the 2nd century after Christ. She was one of the illustrious company of those martyred under the emperor Marcus Aurelius. She was apprehended together with her master, who was also a Christian. She endured every torment imaginable, to the extent that the tormentors confessed that they could not think of anything else to do to her. And to every question put to her, she gave the same answer: "I am a Christian, and we commit no wrong." Brought to the arena for fresh torments, Blandina was bound to a stake and wild beasts were released upon her but refused to harm her. She witnessed the podvigs (struggles) of all her fellows, and was the last to suffer martyrdom, by being placed on a red hot grate, enclosed in a net, and thrown before a wild steer, who tossed her into the air with his horns. In this manner the great martyr of Christ received her crown.


27 posted on 06/02/2014 4:15:36 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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The Word Among Us

Meditation: Acts 19:1-8

Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs

We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit. (Acts 19:2)

“But wait, there’s more!” This familiar line from countless television commercials captures the spirit of today’s first reading. The disciples in Ephesus were adhering to John the Baptist’s message of repentance. They had been baptized and were living according to what they had learned about turning away from sin.

But wait! God had more for them. Paul came on the scene and told them about Jesus, “the one who was to come after” John (Acts 19:4). They accepted Paul’s message and said yes to baptism “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (19:5). Such wonderful news!

But wait! There was even more. When Paul prayed with them and laid hands on them, the Ephesian disciples were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Paul recognized that God was moving among them, and so for three months, he debated in the synagogue and taught about the kingdom of God. When Paul’s welcome in the synagogue wore out, he didn’t give up. He moved elsewhere in the city and continued teaching the disciples for two more years. Their simple yes to what they heard—from John the Baptist and from Paul—brought them to conversion, but it brought them so much more than that. It brought them into a lifelong relationship with the Holy Spirit!

With God, there is always more. It begins with saying yes to him, yes to whatever he holds out today. If something—anything—stirs your heart toward God, say yes to it. Accept it for the gift that it is, even if you can’t see where it will take you. The disciples at Ephesus surely had no idea of all that awaited them once they accepted Paul’s offer of baptism in the name of Jesus. They just said yes, and God did the rest.

Say yes, even to little things such as squeezing in a prayer time on a busy day or biting back unkind words. Say yes to promptings to speak to someone you may not know or to call or write a letter to someone you have lost touch with. Say yes to offering to pray with a co-worker who is ailing or anxious.

Say yes to the Lord, and you’ll find more of his grace!

“Father, help me recognize what you are offering me today. I say yes to everything you have for me.”

Psalm 68:2-7; John 16:29-33


28 posted on 06/02/2014 4:45:35 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Marriage=One Man and One Woman 'Til Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for June 2, 2014:

Parenting can feel all-consuming, especially if you have young children. Periodically take time to visit a friend, renew a hobby and, especially, reconnect with your spouse. You will feel refreshed and more responsive to your children.

29 posted on 06/02/2014 4:53:09 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation
John
  English: Douay-Rheims Latin: Vulgata Clementina Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
  John 16
29 His disciples say to him: Behold, now thou speakest plainly, and speakest no proverb. Dicunt ei discipuli ejus : Ecce nunc palam loqueris, et proverbium nullum dicis : λεγουσιν αυτω οι μαθηται αυτου ιδε νυν παρρησια λαλεις και παροιμιαν ουδεμιαν λεγεις
30 Now we know that thou knowest all things, and thou needest not that any man should ask thee. By this we believe that thou camest forth from God. nunc scimus quia scis omnia, et non opus est tibi ut quis te interroget : in hoc credimus quia a Deo existi. νυν οιδαμεν οτι οιδας παντα και ου χρειαν εχεις ινα τις σε ερωτα εν τουτω πιστευομεν οτι απο θεου εξηλθες
31 Jesus answered them: Do you now believe? Respondit eis Jesus : Modo creditis ? απεκριθη αυτοις ο ιησους αρτι πιστευετε
32 Behold, the hour cometh, and it is now come, that you shall be scattered every man to his own, and shall leave me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. ecce venit hora, et jam venit, ut dispergamini unusquisque in propria, et me solum relinquatis : et non sum solus, quia Pater mecum est. ιδου ερχεται ωρα και νυν εληλυθεν ινα σκορπισθητε εκαστος εις τα ιδια και εμε μονον αφητε και ουκ ειμι μονος οτι ο πατηρ μετ εμου εστιν
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you shall have distress: but have confidence, I have overcome the world. Hæc locutus sum vobis, ut in me pacem habeatis. In mundo pressuram habebitis : sed confidite, ego vici mundum. ταυτα λελαληκα υμιν ινα εν εμοι ειρηνην εχητε εν τω κοσμω θλιψιν εχετε αλλα θαρσειτε εγω νενικηκα τον κοσμον

30 posted on 06/02/2014 5:57:34 PM PDT by annalex (fear them not)
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To: annalex
29. His disciples said to him, Lo, now you speak plainly, and speak no proverb.
30. Now are we sure that you know all things, and need not that any man should ask you; by this we believe that you came forth from God.
31. Jesus answered them, Do you now believe?
32. Behold, the hour comes, yea, is now come, that you shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33. These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.

CHRYS. The disciples were so refreshed with the thought of being in favor with the Father, that they say they are sure He knows all things: His disciples said to Him, Now you speak plainly, and speak no proverb.

AUG. But why do they say so, when the hour in which He was to speak without proverbs was yet future, and only promised? Because, our Lord's communications still continuing proverbs to them, they are so far from understanding them, that they do not even understand their not understanding them.

CHRYS. But since His answer met what was in their minds, they add, Now we are sure that you know all things. See how imperfect they yet were, after so many and great things now at last to say, Now we are sure &c. saying it too as if they were conferring a favor. And need not that any man should ask you, i.e. you know what offends us, before we tell You, and you have relieved us by saying that the Father loves us.

AUG. Why this remark? To one Who knew all things, instead of saying, you need not that any man should ask You; it would have been more appropriate to have said, you need not to ask any man; yet we know that both of these were done, viz. that our Lord both asked questions, and was asked. But this is soon explained; for both were for the benefit, not of Himself, but of those whom He asked questions of, or by whom He was asked. He asked questions of men not in order to learn Himself, but to teach them: and in the case of those who asked questions of Him, such questions were necessary to them in order to gain the knowledge they wanted; but they were not necessary to Him to tell Him what that was, because He knew the wish of the inquirer, before the question was put. Thus to know men's thoughts beforehand was no great thing for the Lord, but to the minds of babes it was a great thing: By this we know that you came forth from God.

HILARY. They believe that He came forth from God, because He does the works of God. For whereas our Lord had said both, I came forth from the Father, and, I am come into the world from the Father, they testified no wonder at the latter words, I am come into the world, which they had often heard before. But their reply shows a belief in and appreciation of the former, I came forth from the Father. And they notice this in their reply: By this we believe that you came forth from God; not adding, and are come into the world, for they knew already that He was sent from God, but had not yet received the doctrine of His eternal generation. That unutterable doctrine they now began to see for the first time in consequence of these words, and therefore reply that He spoke no longer in parables. For God is not born from God after the manner of human birth; His is a coming forth from, rather than a birth from, God. He is one from one; not a portion, not a defection, not a diminution, not a derivation, not a pretension, not a passion, but the birth of living nature from living nature. He is God coming forth from God, not a creature appointed to the name of God; He did not begin to be from nothing, but He came forth from an abiding nature. To come forth has the signification of birth, not of beginning.

AUG. Lastly, He reminds them of their w weak tender age in respect of the inner man. Jesus answered them, Do you now believe?

BEDE. Which can be understood in two ways, either as reproaching or affirming. If the former, the meaning is, you have awaked somewhat late to belief, for behold the hour comes, yea is now come, that you shall be scattered every man to his home. If the latter, it is, That which you believe is true, but behold the hour comes, &c.

AUG. For they did not only with their bodies leave His body, when He was taken, but with their minds the faith.

CHRYS. You shall be scattered; i.e. when I am betrayed, fear shall so possess you, that you will not be able even to take to flight together. But I shall suffer no harm in consequence: And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

AUG. He wishes to advance them so far as to understand that He had not separated from the Father because He had come forth from the Father.

CHRYS. These things have I said to you, that you might have peace; i.e. that you may not reject Me from your minds. For not only when I am taken shall you suffer tribulation, but so long as you are in the world: In the world you shall have tribulation.

GREG. As if He said, Have Me within you to comfort you, because you will have the world without you.

AUG. The tribulation of which He speaks was to commence thus, i.e. in every one being scattered to his home, but was not to continue so. For in saying, And leave Me alone, He does not mean this to apply to them in their sufferings after His ascension. They were not to desert Him then, but to abide and have peace in Him. Wherefore He adds, Be of good cheer.

CHRYS. i.e. raise up your spirits again; when the Master is victorious, the disciples should not be dejected; I have overcome the world.

AUG. When the Holy Spirit was given them, they were of good cheer, and, in His strength, victorious. For He would not have overcome the world, had the world overcome His members. When He says, These things have I spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace, He refers not only to what He has just said, but to what He had said all along, either from the time that He first had disciples, or since the supper, when He began this long and wonderful discourse. He declares this to be the object of His whole discourse, viz. that in Him they might have peace. And this peace shall have no end, but is itself the end of every pious action and intention.

Catena Aurea John 16
31 posted on 06/02/2014 5:57:57 PM PDT by annalex (fear them not)
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To: annalex


The Crucifixion

Master of the Codex of Saint George

1330-35
Tempera and gold on panel, 46 x 30 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

32 posted on 06/02/2014 5:58:20 PM PDT by annalex (fear them not)
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To: All

Marriage=One Man and One Woman 'Til Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for June 2, 2014:

Parenting can feel all-consuming, especially if you have young children. Periodically take time to visit a friend, renew a hobby and, especially, reconnect with your spouse. You will feel refreshed and more responsive to your children.

33 posted on 06/02/2014 10:26:47 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Regnum Christi

Trust in Christ’s Victory
U. S. A. | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

 

John 16:29-33

The disciples said to Jesus: "Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe in you and all that you have revealed for our salvation. I hope in you because of your overflowing mercy. Every single act of yours on this earth demonstrated your love for us. Your ascent into heaven before the eyes of the Apostles inspires my hope of one day joining you there. I love you and wish you to be the center of my life.



Petition: Lord, give me an unwavering confidence in your victory over sin and evil in my life and in the world.

1. Jesus Knows Our Weaknesses: Jesus warns his disciples that they will all flee from him in the Garden of Gethsemane when the guards come to arrest him. He is preparing them not for their fall, but for their recovery. He never expected them to be perfect, without flaws, mistakes or shortcomings. He doesn’t expect it of us either. There have been times when we have all abandoned him to follow the selfishness of sin. We sought our own pleasure, as he sought the nails of the cross and the scourging of the lash. Where am I struggling right now? Am I wavering over a compromise with sin in my life? Ask him for the strength and light to live as his faithful friend.

2. Trust in the Father’s Presence: Even as the disciples left him, Jesus was not alone. His Father was with him. This essential union of love in his life with his Father was the strength that carried him forward to embrace the cross. He could be calm in the midst of the storm and endure unimaginable sufferings during his passion and death. Jesus lights the way for us in the midst of our own struggles and trials in life. It is natural for us to feel isolated from everyone when we are suffering and struggling, alone in the pain and the emptiness of our life. But God is with us; he is within us. We are never alone.

3. His Victory is My Victory: Jesus never promised his disciples an easy life. He was very clear with them that in the world they would have trouble. It is the same for us. If the world has rejected Christ, it will reject us. We can’t be surprised when opposition and difficulties come our way. It is part and parcel of following Christ and shows that we are heading in the right direction. It is hard to keep fighting, fighting the enemies within and without, but Jesus is with us. We need faith to see that he has won the victory. He has overcome sin and death and he is there at the right hand of the Father.

 Conversation with Christ: Jesus, it is hard to keep fighting. Sometimes it seems I make little progress. I have the same struggles and difficulties every day. I’m overwhelmed by the evil I see in the world, and it can be hard to see your victory in many places, in many families and homes. Give me the hope that I need to keep seeking your will in all things.

Resolution: I will pray for those who are struggling in their faith.


34 posted on 06/02/2014 10:31:20 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Homily of the Day

The disciples who had the chance to journey and to live with Jesus had moments of confusion and difficulty in understanding the kind of life Jesus lived. However, in God’s time, the disciples realized and understood some realities, and so they said: Now you are speaking plainly and not in veiled language.” Jesus gradually revealed himself to his disciples. The disciples experienced moments of doubt and so there was the desire to be assured that Jesus came from God. We can understand what the disciples were feeling having lived with Jesus and accompanied him in his ministry. Later in Jesus’ ministry, the disciples saw and experienced the vulnerability of Jesus to threats, to persecution, rejection and ridicule. They were seeing more the human suffering of Jesus while he was awaiting his death. They needed to be assured that Jesus really came from God. Jesus understood the feeling of the disciples. So Jesus had to assure the disciples: “The Father is with me…I have told you so you may have peace.”

In our world of so many ‘unknowns’ and ‘accidents’ and “unexpected,” from whom do we get assurance? When troubled and in doubt, confused and in difficult situations, who gives us real peace? What words of assurance do we need more than these words of Jesus: “The Father is with me! … have peace… I have overcome the world! Indeed, Jesus’ Incarnation is a great assurance that God truly understands human condition. He is one with us in our struggles, and he comes to offer us assurance and peace.

There is a story of a couple who had a child they loved very much. One day they decided to call for insurance agents in order to avail of insurance plans best for their child for his future. One agent assured the couple of an insurance “from the basket to the casket”; another agent offered “from delivery to cemetery,” and the last one assured them of an insurance “from womb to tomb,” The couple asked the agents if there are other plans they can offer. All three agents told the couple there is one best insurance plan than only God can give, “from incarnation to resurrection’. It is a simple story, but so assuring for those who believe that God, the loving Father, always wants the best for all of us, so He offers Jesus from his incarnation to his resurrection.

May we find peace and assurance believing that Jesus is here with us!


35 posted on 06/02/2014 10:34:22 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Español

All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 4

<< Monday, June 2, 2014 >> Sts. Marcellinus & Peter
Pentecost Novena - Day 4

 
Acts 19:1-8
View Readings
Psalm 68:2-7 John 16:29-33
Similar Reflections
 

UNQUESTIONABLE FAITH

 
"Do you really believe?" —John 16:31
 

Twelve men of Ephesus claimed to be believers (see Acts 19:2). Paul questioned this because they didn't seem to have received the Holy Spirit. As it turned out, they weren't believers in Jesus but in John the Baptizer. Thereupon, Paul explained to them about Jesus, baptized them, and laid hands on them (Acts 19:5-6). "The Holy Spirit came down on them and they began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies" (Acts 19:6). Then there was no question that they were believers in Jesus.

Jesus' disciples said they believed that Jesus came from God (Jn 16:30). Jesus questioned this because He knew they would soon be scattered, leaving Him quite alone (Jn 16:31-32). We too are scattered and shattered into thousands of denominations and divisions. Instead of praying, receiving Communion, reading the Bible, or being with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we leave Jesus alone. This makes our faith questionable.

Through this Pentecost novena, let us receive the Holy Spirit of unity (see Eph 4:3) and of power. Then Jesus will not have to question our faith. Then He can say to us: "You have great faith!" (Mt 15:28)

 
Prayer: Holy Spirit, produce in me the fruit of faith (Gal 5:22). May my faith — not my lack of faith — evoke questions from those who know me.
Promise: "I tell you all this that in Me you may find peace. You will suffer in the world. But take courage! I have overcome the world." —Jn 16:33
Praise: St. Marcellinus is said to have converted not only his jailer and the jailer's family, but also his executioner.

36 posted on 06/02/2014 10:37:23 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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37 posted on 06/02/2014 10:52:02 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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