Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 1:39-56

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary


Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. Lk 1:45

Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 1:39-56


Zephaniah 3:14-18

Dear Love,

Today the Church celebrates Your Mother Mary who after receiving the astounding news that she was to be the Mother of God, went in haste to visit her cousin for it was revealed to her that she who was called barren and was old was also with child. Both babes in the womb were children of promise and children of joy. 

Long before this event was to come to pass the prophet Zephaniah rejoiced at what the Lord God of Israel would do. He would look with favor on a daughter of Israel and she would rejoice and exult because although she His lowly handmaid was invited to collaborate with Him to bring forth His Son who would save the world. He was to become Emmanuel, the King of Israel, who would bring about a new Jerusalem, who would take judgement on Himself and pay the price for all sin. The Enemy would be crushed, God would walk in our midst, and establish an eternal Covenant of Love with us.  Through Mary, fairest daughter of Israel, the world would receive a Savior who would lead all those who believed from darkness to eternal light.

Isaiah 12:2-6

Dear Love,

We recall the prophecy of Isaiah as well. He revealed that God would send us a Savior who would strengthen His people and bring them to the fountain of salvation from where they will drink life giving water. God would walk in our midst. You would live among us and do mighty deeds so we could believe that You were the One sent by the Father. 

We will give You thanks, we will raise Your Name which is higher than any other. We will recall the mighty deeds You have done culminating in the greatest which brought about the salvation of the whole world. We will sing songs, we will exult and we will praise You as long as we live for saving us, for revealing to us the Father and for sending us Your Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:39-56

Dear Love,

Mary, Your Mother, is the disciple par excellence and we would do well to take her as our model, our Mother and our Queen.

She was truly the handmaid of God who had given her whole life into His hands to do with her just as He pleased. Her first thought was always of others. Her cousin needed her and so she went in haste to offer whatever assistance she could to help her elderly relative as well as to share in her joy. 

Mary had You in her womb, and Elizabeth Your cousin John - filled with the Holy Spirit she cried out aloud in a loud voice praising Mary and recognizing that she was chosen to be most blessed among women in every age because of what God had done for her. God became incarnate  in her. 

And Mary in exultant praise sang the most beautiful hymn for she understood that she was the one chosen by God to fulfill the promise He had made of sending us a Savior, a Messiah, His own Son.

And Mary said:
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever."

Mary remained with her about three months
and then returned to her home.

Acts 20:17-27, Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21, John 17:1-11

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I will ask the Father
and he will give you another Advocate
to be with you always. Jn 14:16

Acts 20:17-27, Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21, John 17:1-11


Acts 20:17-27

Dear Love,

Paul served You well this is why he is considered an apostle to the Gentiles. He was single minded in his vision in preaching and teaching the Good News and he relied completely on the Holy Spirit.

He was a true missionary - he did not rest because he felt passionately the grave responsibility entrusted to him in making the Gospel known to as many as possible so all could be saved. He was not stupid or foolhardy. He knew exactly what it would cost him and it cost him much, for he suffered much, but he endured all hardship gladly for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Grant me dear Love a little of that zeal and that passion so I too, in my own little way may make You known and loved to those whom I encounter and whose lives are entwined with mine.

Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21

Dear Love,

I am grateful to the Father for creating me, I am grateful to You for saving me and I am grateful to the Holy Spirit who enable me to grow in holiness and perfection. You shower graces upon me each time I life my eyes to You, each time I pray, each time I receive You in the Holy Eucharist and each time I encounter Your mercy in Confession. 

I thank our Father for desiring to grant me a share of the glorious inheritance that is Yours and for the future that awaits me in Your Kingdom. Thank You for being yoked to me, taking me by the hand, and helping me through this vale of tears. Thank You for conquering death and for standing at the gate of life to lead me to heaven.

John 17:1-11

Dear Love,

Only one whose nature in Love, whose Word is Love, who can do nothing but Love could make such a prayer as the prayer You prayed to Your Father at the end of Your mission. The hour had finally arrived when the ultimate price for sin was to be paid by the Son of God who lowered Himself and became the Son of Man in order to offer His life in exchange for ours. You knew the mission from eternity and You were obedient to the will of God despite the cost. 

You revealed the Father to His children. The mission would soon end and You would return to the place from where You had come but not before You made this most moving prayer for all of us who would come to believe that You are the Messiah, the Savior, the Redeemer and that there is no other. In Your sacred Flesh, You took upon the sins of the whole world, You absorbed them and You gave back to us another chance with the slate wiped clean. Thank You.

Acts 19:1-8, Psalm 68:2-7, John 16:29-33

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

If then you were raised with Christ,
seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Col. 3:1

Acts 19:1-8, Psalm 68:2-7, John 16:29-33


Acts 19:1-8

Dear Love,

The Apostles and disciples were on afire with the Holy Spirit. There was a burning zeal in their heart and nothing could quench their ardent desire to teach, to preach, to share the Good News of salvation. Nothing stopped them, they were unafraid of persecution, of being imprisoned, lashed, stoned or threatened with death. They went where the Spirit led them, into unknown territory, they sailed to different places facing all kinds of hardship and inclement weather and yet they rejoiced for they knew that they were fulfilling the mission of taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

They got to know the community of believers if any, and they brought them into a deeper communion with the Holy Spirit, baptizing them with the baptism that makes us children of God and heirs. Paul had only to lay hands on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Rarely do we witness this in our own time. We take all we have for granted, we take our faith for granted. We wilt under the least difficulty or hardship and give up when there is a real threat and go into hiding. We lack a faith that will go boldly and proclaim the joy of the Gospel. The world is such a sad, bitter, unholy, violent, wicked place and this is because those who call themselves Your disciples are timid, weak, anxious, and fearful. In this centenary year of the Charismatic Renewal grant us a new Pentecost, give us new signs, set us afire anew for we need disciples like Peter and Paul and all others who were prepared to lay down their lives in order that many may come to the knowledge of truth and be saved.

Psalm 68:2-7

Dear Love,

Today we are reminded that those who belong to You are kept safe in You. Their enemies are scattered to the four winds and they are heard no more. If we had a greater faith we would rise up with confidence and boldly proclaim that there is no God but God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - One in Truth, One in Love. 

Lord, God, be silent no more. Use us to bring about Your Kingdom on the earth so that Your reign of peace and love can prevail. With one word issued forth from Your lips the enemy is routed and will flee. We will sing songs of praise and gladness for You rule the world. As we recall Your mighty deeds our faith will be strengthened for You are a faithful God, the same yesterday, today and always.  What You have done in the past You will do again. You will lead us from darkness into Your own marvelous light and we will praise You. Use us Lord, empower us Lord, give us that same zeal that the Apostles had so we can conquer the world with love and establish Your reign upon the earth,

John 16:29-33

Dear Love,

It took the power of the Pentecost experience to transform the Apostles and disciples from weak, fearful, anxious men into warriors of the faith. Armed with the strength and power of the Holy Spirit they were transformed men. All that You taught them came back to them and they understood that You were the One of whom Scripture spoke. You were indeed the Messiah, the Savior of the world, the Redeemer who was raised from the dead and who ascended into heaven. You sent the Holy Spirit just as You had promised and He set their hearts on fire. They were given the gifts of the Holy Spirit and they began to preach, teach, and prophecy and perform great miracles in You Name.

However, they had to wait and they had to pray for the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit. Without Him they were a bunch of weak, scared men, easily cowed  down. But You promised that although they would have trouble in the world to have courage because You have triumphed, You are victorious, and Your rule over the world has been established forever.

Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47:23-6-9, Ephesians 1:17-23, Matthew 28:16-20

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world. Mt 28:29, 20

Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47:23-6-9, Ephesians 1:17-23, Matthew 28:16-20

Acts 1:1-11

Dear Love,

Luke gives an account of the last weeks before You were taken up to heaven. You appeared to Your Apostles and disciples several times after Your Resurrection from the dead and You continue to instruct them, preparing them for their mission which they would take up after being baptized and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

We are not encouraged to be curious about things that do not concern us. It is a waste of time to wonder about, speculate, and make predictions about things that have not been revealed to us, such as when You will return.  It is enough for us to know that You will and while we wait, we are called to bring as many as we are able to the knowledge of the Truth. Our mission is to make You known and loved. Many still do not know You.  We are called to be Your faithful witnesses by the way we live our lives. 

You will return in the same way that You were lifted up. This is our sure hope. Someday You will come to take us by the hand and lead us home.

Psalm 47:23-6-9

Dear Love,

You have been enthroned at the right hand of the Father and from there You will return to judge both the living and the dead but until that hour dawns my Lord, we will rejoice and give thanks for all that God accomplished through You. We have a great and awesome God who did not reject us when we sinned but gave us a Savior and Redeemer who took upon Himself our burden and set us free.

God has raised You up, the heavens sing night and day about Your triumph over death and evil. We join in their never ending hymn of praise in our liturgy, when we come together to break bread, when we are united in prayer. You are the only Lord that governs and reigns over all the nations and all will bow the knee and proclaim to the glory of God our Father that You indeed are our Lord.

Ephesians 1:17-23

Dear Love,

To us who have believed has been given the fullness of life in You. We have tasted Your goodness and we rejoice because our faith enables us to receive from the wealth of Your riches in glory, a Spirit of wisdom and revelation so we can know You; the well-beloved Son of the Father. We have been granted enlightenment so we know the hope that is ours. You have given us a share in Your inheritance and in heaven we will share Your glory.

Your love is all encompassing and You delight in giving us a share of Your riches and Your power. Just as a lover delights in showering the beloved with gifts, so do You delight in withholding nothing from us but giving us all.  Having been raise from the dead, God our Father is pleased to place You far above all nations, authority, power and dominion giving You a Name that is more powerful than any other in any age. You are the head of the Church and we are its member who receive life and fullness from You.

Matthew 28:16-20

Dear Love,

We are presently living in an age where evil  is rampant. Death, violence, and corruption of morals is the legacy inherited from recent generations. Yet there is reason for hope. There always is reason for hope for You have not left us orphans.

The Ascension commandment and promise given to the eleven Apostles and to us is this, 

"All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."
You have triumphed despite the devil's last ditch attempts at destruction. You reign and we will reign with You.

Acts 18:23-28, Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10, John 16;23-28

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I came from the Father and have come into the world;
now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. Jn 16;28

Acts 18:23-28, Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10, John 16;23-28



Acts 18:23-28

Dear Love,

This is evangelisation at its best, witnessing at its best, teaching and correcting at its best. We see Paul through his mission bringing strength to all the disciples. We see another new believer Apollos, granted the gift of preaching eloquently by the Holy Spirit. He is able to win the hearts and minds of those who hear him and they come to embrace the Good News of  our salvation. To have an ardent  spirit, as Apollos did, is to be excited about the faith, to be on fire with the Holy Spirit, and to be restless because there is a work to be done, there is an urgency to do it, to know that the mission field is immense and laborers, faith filled laborers are needed badly. 

We are told that Apollos was baptized with the baptism of John and that he taught boldly in the synagogue, yet Priscilla and Aquila, who came to know the faith through the teaching and preaching of Paul, heard him they took him aside later and explained the faith more accurately to him. We learn here the value of obedience and humility. To listen to the Church, to be instructed by her and to receive true understanding of the faith.

The Church welcomes and encourages all who labor in Your vineyard in sincerity and truth, just as they embraced Apollos and the Holy Spirit continued to use him for the greater glory of God.

Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10

Dear Love,

We are the people of God, Your chosen ones, and we are privileged to come into His Holy Presence and praise our God with songs of worship and thanksgiving. You are a great and glorious God. You have lifted us up and has given us a place at Your table. You rule over all the earth and everyone in it. To You alone O God is praise and worship due.

The Father has placed You as King and Ruler over the earth. He has enthroned You at His right hand and people from every age, every nation, every language, will come before You and offer You homage for You reign as the supreme head over all.

John 16;23-28

Dear Love,

Three short years You were with Your Apostles and disciples. They lived with You ate with You journeyed with You the length and breadth of the land. They witnessed Your miracles first hand. They saw Your power over everything - nature, the human body and spirit and even over evils spirits and death. They knew You in a way that it is possible to know someone only after one lives with them. 

They were aware that they were privileged to be counted as disciples. Now You tell them that all they need to do is ask the Father in Your Name for all the blessings and favors they need and He will grant it. When we receive what we ask for we will know perfect joy.

The Holy Spirit enables us to understand all that You have said. Nothing is hidden from us who are baptized into Your Body. We are children of the Father and co-heirs to the  Kingdom of God. We know the Father for You have revealed Him to us and Your Holy Spirit, who is Your Gift to us, enables us to understand they ways of God which are often mysterious, and to accept in faith that which our finite minds cannot understand.

You returned to the Father but You are also Emmanuel, God with us and so we have You in us and with us always for we remained united to You and through You to the Father in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You.

Acts 18:9-18, Psalm 47:2-7, John 16:20-23

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

"Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,
and so enter into his glory." Lk 24:46, 26

Acts 18:9-18, Psalm 47:2-7, John 16:20-23

Acts 18:9-18

Dear Love,

When we respond to God's call to proclaim the Good News we need not be afraid, in fact today, You say, "Do not be afraid, speak and do not be silent for I am with you. No one can harm you for there are many here who belong to Me." We are called to be faithful witnesses and we can count on Your protection. It is easy to get discouraged when we see the violence all over the world. Evil and crime seem to be rising and the members of Your Body are persecuted in every way, yet You assure us that Your mighty protection is over us and You are in control.

The enemies of the Church will continue to persecute her but they have already been vanquished. Keep me faithful dear Love, and grant me the grace to be of service to those who have dedicated and consecrated their lives to serve You. 

Psalm 47:2-7

Dear Love,

The psalmist reminds us today that You are King of Kings and Lord of Lord, You are the God Most High and You reign over the heavens and the earth. Those who are Your followers, Your disciples, members of Your Church need not worry for You bring nations and people under the authority of the Church You founded. We are the new Israel, the new Jerusalem, we are the chosen race, we are Your inheritance, we are Your people, Your flock whom You love and for whom You lay down Your life so we could have a future and a hope.

From heaven to earth, from a throne to a crib in a stable, from poverty, suffering, rejection, and death to resurrection, ascension and the throne again where You reign in triumphant victory. From there You will return again to establish forever Your Kingship,Your Lordship over all creation. We have won the victory with You and this is why the Church sings glad songs of praise and thanksgiving for all You have done for us.

John 16:20-23

Dear Love,

There is so much weeping and mourning in the world today. There is crushing grief, grinding poverty both materially and spiritually. There are among Your own those who are persecuted, locked up, and who suffer denial of basic rights because they believe that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and they are prepared to die for their faith. Evil seems to gain momentum in every part of the globe. There is palpable evil as the world is violated by unimaginable wickedness. In time like these, Beloved, it is easy to lose heart, to feel abandoned and believe that God has forgotten His people. It is easy to feel discouraged when nations discriminate against her own people because they are Your followers and yet today You tell us that all these terrible sufferings are like the pangs of a woman in childbirth. Joy will come and when it does the suffering will no longer be remembered.

We do rejoice dear Love, for You come to us at every Eucharist, and we are intimately united in a divine union and the joy we experience no one can take from us. 

Abouna, in the sweet Name of Your beloved Son, I ask for the grace to be pleasing to Him always with the help You will grant me through a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for answering my prayer. Amen.

Acts 18:1-8, Psalm 98:1-4, John 16:16-20

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord;
I will come back to you, and your hearts will rejoice. Jn 14:18


Acts 18:1-8, Psalm 98:1-4, John 16:16-20

Acts 18:1-8

Dear Love,

We are called to preach the Good News it is the work of the Spirit to move the hearts of those who hear the Word and believe. Paul was faithful in preaching the Gospel to the Jews in their Synagogues but when he found them to be unable to move past their own hidebound prejudices, and their refusal to be open rather meeting only with hate and opposition he did what You had desire him to do from the beginning - to preach the Good News to the Gentiles. The Jews were given an opportunity to hear the Gospel but they refused to believe and so, just as You desired, the Good News was taken to the Gentiles and whole households were baptized. For the Spirit moves where He wills and the God of Love gives extravagantly to anyone who desires fervently to know Him and love Him.

Psalm 98:1-4

Dear Love,

An authentic Christian is a joyful Christian. You O Lord put glad songs in our hearts and on our lips for we have tasted Your goodness and we have experienced the joy of being loved by You and we know that God loves us so wonderfully, so graciously, so expansively that we cannot but burst with thanksgiving and praise.

How good You are dear Love, I do not deserve any of Your favors but You do not bless me because I deserve Your blessing, You bless me because You delight in doing so. Thank You for Your merciful love not only for me but for the world. Were it not so the whole world would come to an end and many would be lost forever. You do no desire the death of the sinner but You wish all to come to the knowledge of the Truth which sets us free and saves us from eternal death.  Thank You!

John 16:16-20

Dear Love,

Having lived in communion with You for three years the disciples could not bear to be separated from You, when You spoke of no longer being within sight and sound of You they grew anxious. They could not understand what You were saying, or perhaps they did not want to understand. No one likes or wants to be separated from those they love and yet in this life we all have to experience loss, pain, and heartbreak. You were preparing Your disciples because You loved them and wanted to try and ease their suffering. The subject was too painful and they hesitated in speaking about it to You but discussed among themselves. The time for Your ascension was fast approaching and the disciples could not bring themselves to contemplate this grief but You assured them that their grief would turn to joy. You assured them of the promise of the Holy Spirit and once they had received Him then they would be filled with joy for then they would begin to understand that everything was taking place according to God's perfect plan. We would now begin to live in the age of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 17:15-22----18:1, Psalm 148:11-14, John 16:12-15

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I will ask the Father
and he will give you another Advocate
to be with you always. Jn 14:16

Acts 17:15-22----18:1, Psalm 148:11-14, John 16:12-15


Acts 17:15-22----18:1

Dear Love,

When we take our mission of evangelization seriously, the Holy Spirit will enable us to become articulate as we preach and teach, taking what people already know and building up from there. Paul does this masterfully. He saw the altar that had the inscription, "To an Unknown God' and he was able to reveal to them who God is and His purpose in creating us. They had multiple gods and goddesses made of all kind of material which they worshipped and Paul explained to them that God was above His creation, needing nothing, complete in Himself yet He put a longing in every human heart to know Him and in knowing Him to find joy that is not of this world. 

Dear Love, in You we live, we move and we have our being. You are Vine and we are the branches, with You we live apart from You we wither and die. Paul told his listeners about You, how God sent You died to save us all and in the end You will come again to judge the living and the dead. Many believed and those who believed in turn began to preach the Good News. With the help of Your Spirit grant that I may seize every opportunity to speak of You.

Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14

Dear Love,

Not only do You dwell in the praises of Your people, praise is fitting to all who are called by Your Name. All in heaven praise You, all in Purgatory praise You and we who have an eternal destiny with You praise You for You deserve all the glory. No one is exempt from loving God, worshiping Him, and praising Him always and everywhere priest, beggar and king for in the eyes of God we His children are all equal in His sight. 

We each have a responsibility to hand down the faith so this praise continues from generation to generation and when our life's work is complete on earth we shall continue to praise You more perfectly in heaven for then we will behold You in all Your glory, share in it and offer You praise, adoration and worship eternally,

John 16:12-15

Dear Love,

Without the help of the Holy Spirit we are unable to properly grasp what God has accomplished for us in You. We are unable to wrap our minds around the fact that God the Lord of the heavens and the earth desires us to have an intimate relationship with Himself. So through His Spirit He grants us wisdom and knowledge so we may come to know Him better.The Apostles had to wait until Pentecost when the Holy Spirit would descend on them in fullness, but until that time they were weak, confused, and unable to fully understand what You said to them about all that You were sent to do and the final outcome of the great Sacrifice. But You assured them not to worry, in time You would give them the Helper, the Advocate, a Paraclete who would open their minds to know the unknowable, to understand that every prophecy in the Old Testament found its fulfillment in You and that You are the Messiah whom God sent to save us.  

Acts 16:22-34, Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8, John 16:5-11

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord;
he will guide you to all truth. Jn 16:7, 13


Acts 16:22-34, Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8, John 16:5-11

Acts 16:22-34

Dear Love,

We see in today's reading the power of praise. Only You can grant us courage in the midst of persecution and suffering. The Cross is the source of our power and our strength. When we lift our eyes on the Cross and see what You endured for our sake, we receive courage to endure any suffering that we may receive because we believe in You.

Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and thrown in prison but instead of wallowing in their pain and self pity they chose to focus on You, on the Father and they received grace to praise God even though they were shackled. Their spirits were free and they testified to their faith by singing hymns and praying. Not only the jailers but the other prisoners were edified and when You sent a powerful earthquake to free them, they reassured the terrified jailer not to kill himself, none of them had escaped even though the prison doors had burst open.

Miracles always follows prayers made in faith. No harm can come to those who are covered by Your protection. The relieved jailer took the prisoners into his own home, washed their wound, and asked to know more about You. After hearing all that Paul and Silas said they believed and asked to be baptized and the entire family was saved.

Dear Love, grant me to have faith, hope, and courage in the midst of adversity and to stand strong and true to my faith. Should I ever be called to face persecution help me be a powerful witness to You and  Your love.

Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8

Dear Love,

At every Eucharistic celebration we give You praise and thanks with our whole being. We are in the company of God and His angels and together we join in giving God all the glory and the honor. We gather as a community of believers to share God's love at the Eucharistic table and we eat the Bread of Angels which nourishes us and enable us live out our faith with confidence. 

You are God who saves. You are true to all Your promises. Every time I call You answer me. Your strengthen me. You lift me up.  You keep my hand firmly in Your own and I shall not fall as long as You are with Me. Thank You for Your loving kindness that endures forever and is unconditional.

John 16:5-11

Dear Love,

You ascended to the Father and true to Your promise You sent us the Advocate, the Helper, who came upon the Apostles and disciples in tongues of fire, not a consuming fire but a purifying fire. A holy fire sets the world ablaze with Truth and gives us courage to face the world.  Your Spirit unites us intimately with You and the Father and we can be sure that although the world hates You because it does not believe You, we who believe will be granted the grace to stay strong and endure to the end.

Acts 16:11-15, Psalm 149:1-6, 9, John 15:26----16:4

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord,
and you also will testify.  Jn 15:26-27


Acts 16:11-15, Psalm 149:1-6, 9, John 15:26----16:4

Acts 16:11-15

Dear Love,

The most important thing to take away from Your Word today is this, above and before all we must allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit; He will lead us to where God desires us to be. We must never neglect prayer for in prayer alone we keep the lines of communication open between us and You. When we are people of prayer God will bring people to us whom He desires to lead to Himself and so it is when we read about Paul encountering the women who had gathered there and one of them is singled out for particular mention, Lydia. She worshiped God, she listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul said. We see clearly that it is God alone who directs us, leads us, guides us, and enables us to listen intently. She had the heart of a disciple and a servant. Her first impulse was to open up her home and offer hospitality to the God's people.  

Grant me the grace Lord to emulate her in her love for You and in her desire to open her heart and her home generously to those in need.


Psalm 149:1-6, 9

Dear Love,

All these days since Easter the psalmist reminds us that we who follow You must be joyful, our hearts full of praise and thanksgiving at what God has done for us. We are called to exult in God's goodness and graciousness in saving us and for giving us a share in Your life.

In good  times and bad, is times of sickness and health, in time of plenty and of famine grant O Lord God that I may always praise You for if I have You then I have all that I shall ever need or want.

John 15:26----16:4

Dear Love,

What You said to Your disciples 2000 years ago is just as relevant today. We who are baptized have been given a mission, a solemn duty, to testify with the help of the Holy Spirit whom You have sent to us from the Father, what You have done for us and how You fulfilled the Father's plan to save us.

You also warned Your disciples that the enemies of Truth will seek their destruction. What You said then has held true through the centuries and to the present age. It would seem that the whole world is consumed with hate for those who preach the Good News. We are forewarned and thus forearmed. You have told us this not to alarm us but to prepare us that there will be times when we will be rejected and when we are, we are not to lose heart. What we must remember always is that You have already won the victory. You have triumphed and Satan is defeated.

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17, Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20, 1 Peter 3:15-18, John 14:15-21

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord,
and my Father will love him and we will come to him. Jn 14:23

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17, Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20, 1 Peter 3:15-18, John 14:15-21


Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

Dear Love,

It is clear from the Acts of the Apostles, after Your Ascension into heaven that the power You promised to grant them through the Holy Spirit enabled them to do all that You did. Many saw the signs and wonders and came to believe. In comparison to the early Church the Church today seems asleep, at least so many of its members are. There is no fire, there is no zeal that compels us to preach the Good News as the Apostles and the disciples did. We are too concerned about the things of the world while the things of heaven are cast aside and forgotten. There is a distinct lack of joy in our lives because we are so caught up in the things of the flesh that we have forgotten how the spirit can soar and touch God in heaven.  We have become mediocre Christians, closed in upon ourselves, too concerned about our own needs and wants to the exclusion of our neighbor.

Grant us a new Pentecost dear Love, stir our hearts once more with power from on high. We have become too weak, too complacent, we slumber, we are lazy, we need to be woken up for we have become too lethargic and unable to get out of the situation in which we presently find ourselves.

Hear the prayers of those who pray for Your Church and send forth Your Spirit upon us. Wake us up from our sleep with a thunderbolt that rouses us from our stupor. Time is running out we need a fresh anointing. Help us Lord before it is too late.

Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20

Dear Lorc,

I believe that every pray we pray no matter how feeble is heard before the Throne of Grace and is answered.

Rouse us up once more in the power of Your mighty Holy Spirit that we may sing a new song. Filled with joy we will praise the Lord with thanksgiving, and worship. We will recall all that God has done for us from one generation to the next and how He has not forgotten those who are His.

Count me dear Love, among those who are faithful. Wake me up from my sleep. When I look at the earth, the sky, and all of creation I am filled with awe. Thank You for counting me as Your own. Forgive my sins and grant me the help I need to begin anew with confidence that You are always with me.

1 Peter 3:15-18

Dear Love,

We were purchased at too great a price to be lost. Grant O Lord, God, Savior of the world that we who are called by Your Name might be worthy followers. You are the Way, the Truth and the Life grant that we may walk in the path that leads to righteous, that we may live in the light of the Truth that You have revealed and that we who have received Your Life may not lose it through sin.

Keep us kind and gentle with one another. Grant us all the grace we need through the Sacraments that we may avoid sin and have a conscience that does not accuse us.  Thank You dear Love, for putting to death the works of the flesh so we might live in the power of Your Spirit.

John 14:15-21

Dear Love,

You have not left us orphaned but have revealed to us that Your Father is our Father. At the foot of the Cross You entrusted us to Your Mother and her to us. You have poured Your own Holy Spirit into our hearts. You have given us the Sacraments especially the Holy Eucharist where we eat Your flesh and we drink Your blood and we have Your divine life coursing in us.

You have given us the two great commandments and You assure us that when we obey them we do so because we love You and if we love You then the Father will love us and You will love us and will reveal the Father to us.  How wonderful our present life can be when we live it as You desire. Help me dear, dear Love, soul of my soul, to obey Your commandments always so that I may always live in You and You in me so my joy may be complete.

Acts 16:1-10, Psalm 100:1-3, 5, John 15:18-21

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

If then you were raised with Christ,  seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Col. 3:1

Acts 16:1-10, Psalm 100:1-3, 5, John 15:18-21


Acts 16:1-10

Dear Love,

From the Acts of the Apostles we see how the they and the disciples who now followed You obeyed the decisions reached by Peter and the Apostles. We see how from the very outset the Magisterium decided what was lawful and what was not. We also see how each individual Apostle too made decisions according to what he deemed necessary for the good of the community. Here was Timothy, a good man with a Greek father and a Jewish mother who believed in You but he was not circumcised although according to the Jewish culture, since his mother was a Jew he ought to have been. Paul wished to take Timothy with him as he travelled to different places to preach the Gospel and he did not want any unnecessary dissent among the Jewish Christians to question why Timothy was not circumcised according to the Jewish law. 

Guided by the Holy Spirit always they went where He led them, not following their own way but permitting the Holy Spirit to dictate, lead, guide, and inspire them.This is the best way for us to live our daily lives. You have given the Holy Spirit to us as a powerful Helper to lead us to heaven and yet we neglect Him disgracefully and then we complain when we make foolish choices that You did not intervene. 

When we grant the Holy Spirit complete control over our lives we will find that we will be more joyful and fruitful.

Psalm 100:1-3, 5

Dear Love,

All the psalms chosen for the Liturgy in this time between Easter and Pentecost urge us to sing joyfully, to the Lord. When we contemplate all that God has accomplished through You and all that is possible when we allow the Holy Spirit to have full control over our lives we will be so overwhelmed with joy that it will be impossible not sing, shout, dance, and praise God for that He has done and continues to do for us.

We must be so filled with marvel that we cannot but shout the Good News from the rooftops that all may come to believe the truth about God, about His Son,, and about the Holy Spirit. If we allow the Holy Spirit to take full control over us and we are attentive and obedient to His guidance then the whole world would come to know You and the peace that You have given us will become a reality.

Thank You for numbering me as one of Your sheep dear, dear, Lover and most beloved of my soul.


John 15:18-21

Dear Love,

You remind us today in no uncertain terms that the world will hate us. They hated You and we who are Your disciples can expect no less. Why does the world hate You who came only to reveal the love of the Father to us? Why does the world hate with such visceral hatred those who are called by Your Name? What is it about this faith that we believe and we proclaim that infuriates, angers, and is opposed by whole nations? You who are gentle, kind, loving, patient, and came only to show us a better way, a more perfect way to live here on earth so we may receive the joy of eternal life in heaven.

The Enemy hates us because he hates You. He is so envious and jealous of us because he is aware of how much God loves us, the same God that drove him out of heaven and condemned him and the fallen angels to eternal separation from Himself. This is hell. Eternal separation from God and he desires us to be separated from the God of love as well. This is why there is such evil in the world and it keeps spiraling and is almost out of control like a whirling dervish it destroys and lays everything in its path.  

But You have triumphed dear Love. We are in the last days. And we do know the end of the story. The victory that is Yours is ours as well. Alleluia!!!

Acts 15:22-31, Psalm 57:8-19, 12, John 15:12-17

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I call you my friends, says the Lord,
for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me. Jn 15:15


Acts 15:22-31, Psalm 57:8-19, 12, John 15:12-17

Acts 15:22-31

Dear Love,

We see from the earliest days how the Church was being formed and how the celebration of the Holy Mass would take its form.

A Council was called with the Apostles and others in authority and together with Peter it was decided what was acceptable and must be followed by all. Even now we see how the Magisterium  takes a decision, guided by the Holy Spirit and considering the sentiments and the sensitivity of all both Jews and Gentiles who had come to believe in You and had begun to follow You laid down the law that they decided must bind all the members in the Church. After the Council the member were given a letter to be delivered to the churches and this was read in the presence of all the Christians in that place. Now in the Holy Mass we have the Liturgy of the Word where the letters of the Apostles are read, all hear their exhortation on how to lead holy, blameless lives pleasing to God. All who hear it are encouraged in their hope, and grow in faith in God and charity towards each other.

Psalm 57:8-19, 12

Dear Love,

If I can make this wonderful claim that my heart is steadfast it is only because the grace You pour upon me strengthens me and keeps me faithful. My soul sings of Your goodness and Your wonderful love for me. You have raised me up. You have cleansed me in the waters of baptism, You feed me with Your Body and Blood and strengthen me and You grant me wisdom through the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit in whom I am confirmed in the Sacrament of Confirmation that I may live out this gift of faith boldly without fear all the days of my life.

Thank You Abba Father for creating me and granting that I be born a Catholic where the fullness of faith  is found.  Thank You for Your unending mercy and love. Grant that I may be faithful to the end and when You come for me grant that I may shelter in You eternally just as You have sheltered me here on earth,

John 15:12-17

Dear Love,

When we make the two great commandments the rule of our life by which all our thoughts, deeds and words are shaped then we are on the road that leads to the Kingdom of God. When we obey the commandments we begin to image You more and more each day, we become Your friends, no longer slaves for we become obedient to the Father in the way that You too are always obedient to the Father. You reveal to us that You and the Father are one and that You do everything and say everything that You have seen the Father do and heard the Father say. You give us nothing that is apart from His will and His desire. In You we will bear fruit that is everlasting and will testify that we have indeed been faithful servants.

May we love as You love. May we serve as You serve. May our lives be lived in perfect humility and obedience and we can be sure that the shadow of  Your love and protection will never be taken away from us.

Acts 15:7-21, Psalm 96:1-3, 10, John 15:9-11

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me. Jn 10:27

Acts 15:7-21, Psalm 96:1-3, 10, John 15:9-11

Acts 15:7-21

Dear Love,

Thank You for establishing Your Church and for giving that Church authority to bind and loose in this conflict in understanding the Word of God, Tradition, and interpretation of Scripture finally rests with the Church, its Magisterium and with Peter. St. Augustine said it best when he said, "Rome has spoken, the case is closed." Had You not given Your authority to the Church we too would have had as many divisions and more as the other Christian denominations. 

There is always room to debate, discuss, consider, and after hearing all sides the final authority rests on those to whom such authority has been given by You. This is why it is necessary to be humble and to be obedient even if we do not quite agree. The Holy Spirit is Your Gift to the Church and He will preserve her from teaching error. It is better to be guided by the Wisdom of the Church which has taught the truth unerringly for 2000 years than to be sucked into the prevalent culture that changes with the seasons.

Thank You dear Love for the Church, for the Pope and for all her members. Thank You that anyone and everyone is welcome and that she excludes no one. All find a home in her.

Psalm 96:1-3, 10

Dear Love,

We who belong to You have been given a new song. We who believe and believing are saved rejoice and sing of the marvels that You have done. The chosen people could not stop marveling about how they were saved from slavery and brought into the promised land and till today they celebrate all the wonders God had done. But to us who believe that You are our Savior, our Redeemer, our Messiah, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity who was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became Man to us is given a wonderful new song and we proclaim from the rooftops to all the world the marvelous deeds of God who sent His only Son into the world because He loves us. We bow the knee, and we confess to the glory of the Father that You indeed are the Lord of Lord, King of Kings, and our God.

John 15:9-11

Dear Love,

There are no degrees in the Father's love for You and for us. You speak clearly when You reveal to us that You love us just as the Father loves You His well beloved Son. Just as You are beloved of the Father we are beloved to You. God gave the commandments to the chosen people in order to lead them to holiness. In the same way the two great commandments which summarize all the ten are given to us in order that we may remain in Your love and never be separated from You.  True joy is possible in this valley of tears when we remain in You as the branches remain in the vine. With You all things are possible without You we die.

Thank You for choosing me and for making me Your own.

Acts 14:5-8, Psalm 115:1-4, 15-16, John 14:21-26

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything
and remind you of all I told you. Jn 14:26

Acts 14:5-8, Psalm 115:1-4, 15-16, John 14:21-26

Acts 14:5-8

Dear Love,

There is nothing so fickle as the adulation of the crowd; one moment they will set you on a pedestal and the very next they can tear you to pieces and stomp on you. A crowd is moved not by reason but by emotions which are as transient as the wind as You Yourself experienced so often during Your public ministry. Paul and Barnabas preached the Good News of our salvation with the power of the Holy Spirit and a crippled, lame man believed. Seeing that he had faith Paul commanded that he stand up straight on his feet and the man did. Immediately the crowd went wild, attributing the power of God, the power of the Holy Spirit to false gods they wanted to worship them as gods as well.  Paul and Barnabas were horrified and rightly so. Very often preachers and teachers forget that all they have received comes from God and all glory must be given to God alone for without You, we can do nothing.

Dear Love, grant that I may never be tempted to bask in the glory that is rightfully Yours and to give You all the honor and praise. Help me to remember that I am the channel that You choose to work through and that without You I am nothing. 

Psalm 115:1-4, 15-16

Dear Love,

The psalmist reminds us that all glory belongs rightfully to God and God alone. It is through Your love, grace, mercy, and compassion that You work in favor of human beings and grant us miracles every day. When we steal what belongs to You then we deny our brothers and sisters the truth about God.

All power, all glory is Yours the heavens cannot contain You and to attribute Your power to idols made of silver and gold by men is blasphemy of the worst kind. May I never forget O Lord that every breath I breathe is a miracle and may I praise You always. Thank You for the many graces and blessing You grant me both material and spiritual and keep me grateful always.

John 14:21-26

Dear Love,

It is the desire of the Father of Love, the God of Love Incarnate, that we love You for in loving You we profess to embrace His plan of salvation, a plan conceived in love for His wayward, sinful, children. In loving You we cannot but love Him who is Love. To have Your commandments means that we receive them and hold them in our heart, cherish and obey them for they were given to us by the God who created us and knows best what will make us truly happy and fulfilled. 

You go on to make some amazing promises dear Love, 

"Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him."

You are true to Your Word, You come to us in every Eucharist and You make our dwelling place in us and since You and the Father are One in the Spirit, we become the sanctuary of the Triune God. And as if all this was not enough, You assure us of another Gift the Holy Spirit,

"The Advocate, the Holy Spirit 
whom the Father will send in my name— 
he will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you."

Thank You for making every provision for us that will ensure us not only abundant life on earth but eternal life and the fullness of joy in heaven.