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


Zephaniah 3:14-18A,

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Thank You for Your salvation. Thank You for Your yes to the Father, and we thank Mary for her yes to Him. Father, we thank You for Your wonderful plan of salvation that gave us so wondrous a Savior, Redeemer in Jesus, Your Son and a loving Mother in Mary, the fairest of Your daughters.

Thank You for the hope we have because of Mary's yes. She has truly crushed the head of the Serpent under her heel. She is our Warrior Queen. She is the fierce protectress of her children who have been washed in the waters of baptism and are made one in You as members of Your mystical body, the Church.

Thank You, for Your mighty protection and Your saving blood. Thank You for the forgiveness of sins. Thank You for unceasing hope and for Your unending love. Truly, we have reason to rejoice and be glad for the Lord, our God, is a mighty Savior who has stooped low to save us.


Isaiah 12:2-6

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

I thank You, Father of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, for Jesus Your Son. Because He has redeemed us through the shedding of His most precious blood we have been set free from the powers of darkness. 

Thank You for our salvation which was wrought at so great a price on the Cross. Thank You for the strength and courage that we receive daily through the immense graces poured into our souls at every worthy reception of the Sacraments.

Thank You for Your invitation to come to You, we who labor and are heavy burdened and find rest in You. Thank You for giving us the Bread of Angels and for leading us to the streams of living water to refresh our spirit.  Is it any wonder that we have songs of praise, thanksgiving and worship welling in our hearts and spilling forth from our lips? Thank You, Lord, for all You have done for us and continue to do even though we are weak, sinful, and unworthy. 

Luke 1:39-56

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Mary is a wonderful example of a disciple par excellence. She is our model and if emulate her she will lead us directly into Your loving arms. 

Filled with the Holy Spirit in her soul, and carrying in her womb the Son of God, she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who had conceived miraculously in her old age. She understood how much it would mean to her to have her help and companionship at this time.

How grateful Elizabeth was to see her can be seen in her greeting of her cousin and the response of her own baby still in her womb. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth was given the grace of knowing that the Baby in Mary's womb was the promised Messiah of Israel and the world.

When Mary saw that Elizabeth was aware of the Precious Secret she carried in her womb, her heart exploded with joy and she gave God the most wonderful hymn of praise and thanksgiving for what He had done for her in choosing her among all women and for the world.


"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."

Each one of us is called to fulfill God's plan in the world; for some, it will be in small ways and some will be called to do great and wonderful things. In every case, it is imperative that we do God's will always. Pray for the grace to persevere till the end and remember that we are only His poor instruments. All we need to do is to say yes and yield to the Holy Spirit who will accomplish the work given to us.  

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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter


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

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

If we are guided by the Holy Spirit we will know when it is time to leave. Hearts and minds that are closed can never understand divine truths. Only God can give the gift of faith and grace to enable the listener to believe and be transformed. 

When the Jews refused to listen to him, Paul did not persist. Having brought the Good News to them they rejected it and hence they alone were responsible for not accepting the Truth. Instead, Paul turned to the Gentiles who heard the Gospel, believed the Good News and were saved. 

You know how to turn every situation to good. Thank You, Lord.


Psalm 98:1-4

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

In two thousand years since You came into the world, the saving message of the Gospel has been preached throughout the world, just as You commanded the Apostles and disciples. The whole world is given a new song because You have crushed the Enemy, defeated the powers of darkness, and won a glorious victory for all who embrace the Truth and believe in the Good News.

Grant O Lord, that we take the command You give us to go out and to spread the Gospel by our lives seriously, so that many more may come to believe by our daily witness.


John 16:16-20

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Thank You for Your death, and Your glorious Resurrection and ascension into heaven. Thank You for the hope You have brought to our once fallen race. Thank You for the Good News that saves. Thank You for grace and the gift of faith poured into our hearts at Baptism. Thank You for the Sacraments especially that of Confession and the Holy Eucharist that enables us progress daily in the path of holiness and perfection. Thank You most especially for Your Holy Spirit who abides in us and makes our body His temple. Thank You for the fulfillment of Your promise that You will never leave us or abandon us. Thank You for holding us safe in Yourself and in Your Sacred Heart. Thank You for the glorious hope we have that someday You will come again and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. 

Acts 17:15, 22---18:1, Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14, John 16:12-15

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

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 148:1-2, 11-14, 
John 16:12-15


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

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

We are not called to work in isolation but as a community serving God's people as one body within the Church. We must be sensitive to the needs and respond to the call; doing what is asked of us generously, gladly, willingly, obediently, and above all with humility.

There are some whom God calls to be leaders as they have been given this charism as Paul was. We must be prepared to serve in the capacity that is suited to our gifts and talents. There must be harmony between those who serve and those who are served. We must be prepared to step out of our comfort zone when we are invited to do say and discerning God's call we must always say yes.

The Acts of the Apostles are a wonderful testament of all that the Spirit of God can do with those who are willing to take You at Your Word.


Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

On earth, we are called to begin what we will do eternally in heaven - praise God always. In the Holy Mass, the priest says, "It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father of holiness, Lord of heaven and earth, through our Lord Jesus Christ." Lord God, grant that no matter what the circumstances of my life, that I may always be inspired to praise You for You are worthy of all praise.


John 16:12-15

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

You know how weak we are. How hard of understanding and You are aware that we need divine assistance in order to progress on the Way. You understood the limitations of the disciples and were always gentle with them. You did not have greater expectations from them than they could possibly meet. This is wisdom and prudence.  It would help us greatly in our relationships if we exercised these virtues as well.

Thank You for knowing how much help we would need and for asking the Father to send us Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for all the Gifts that He brings and for the grace that is poured into our hearts through the Sacraments.  The only reason we can praise and glorify You is because we have been given the Spirit. Thank You, Beloved.

Acts 16:22-34, Psalm 138:1-3, 7-9, John 16:5-11

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

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, 7-9, John 16:5-11


Acts 16:22-34

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

You have warned us and prepared us to expect persecution if we live as strangers to the world. The Apostles, Paul, and countless others since then have suffered for the sake of the Gospel and this continues to this day as well. Paul and all those who have suffered for the sake of Your Name rejoiced to be counted worthy of suffering. Grant O Lord, that when I am called to endure a little pain because I am a member of Your Body, may I suffer gladly and rejoice.

When we are humble, gentle, and patient even when we are treated unjustly, it is a powerful witness to Love. Just as the jailor and his family members were baptized so also many will long to have the abiding joy we have if we are faithful to the Word.


Psalm 138:1-3, 7-9

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

How wonderfully the psalmist expresses himself when he sings Your praise. His hear is full of joy and thanksgiving. Gratitude for all You have done overflows from his heart and nothing gives him greater joy than to come into Your House and give thanks to Your Name that is above every other.

We have all experienced Your loving kindness, Beloved. You are true to Your Word, You keep every one of Your promises. Before we call You are already beside us and answer us. You give us strength each day as we journey from this life to the next. 

How marvellous is our God, the Father, who loved so much that He sent You to save us. How great is our God and how worthy of praise. Thank You, Beloved. May I never fail to thank You for Your kindness to me and may I never do anything that will sever my relationship with You. Amen.


John 16:5-11

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Today I offer You grateful thanksgiving for all You have done for me and for those I love.

Thank You for answering all my prayers. Thank You for the Gift of Yourself to me in the Sacraments especially the Holy Eucharist. 

Thank You, for the awesome Gift of the Holy Spirit who abides in me and makes His home in my poor, unworthy heart.

Thank You for showing us the Way to the Father's House, thank You for the Life of Grace through the Holy Spirit. Thank You for revealing the Truth embodied in You so we will always have the Light of Truth to illumine our life.

All glory, praise, and honour to You, Lord, Jesus Christ, now and always. Amen.

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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter

The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord,
and you also will testify. Jn 15: 26B, 27A
Acts 16:11-15, Psalm 149:1-6, 9, John 15:26 --- 16:4A


Acts 16:11-15

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

We are called to be Your witnesses wherever we go. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of those who see us and to grant them the grace to know You and accept You as Lord. We too ought to be receptive to the inspiration of the Spirit and allow Him to direct us in all things.


Not only was Lydia baptized but her whole household. The Spirit led her to invite Paul and his companions to live with her. We must be generous in offering all we can to those who have dedicated their lives to proclaiming the Gospel.


Psalm 149:1-6, 9

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

The Psalmist has understood fully what it means to know that we belong to God and that He delights in those who are His.

This knowledge naturally stirs within our hearts a desire to love God and to rejoice always in His wondrous care of us. Beloved, God so loves us that He gave us His only Son. We thank You for Your love for the Father that said yes to His plan to open the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven to us. 

Grant me this grace my Lord, to praise You constantly. In season and out of season. May my heart, mind, soul, body, and spirit be raised to You always acknowledging Your goodness and kindness to us always.


John 15:26 --- 16:4A

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

The Twelve who were with You from the first received the fullness of the Holy Spirit to carry on the work of salvation that You had begun. This same Spirit remains with the Church, with the Vicar of Christ on earth and with the Bishops.

We thank You that You did not leave us orphans but have ensured that You are with us and the power of the Spirit is alive in us through the Sacraments.

Yes, the world will hate us because we are a sign of contradiction to the prevailing culture. As long as we remain in the world but not of it we can be sure that Your mighty protection will be ours and You will give us all the courage we need if we are privileged to suffer for You and for the Gospel.

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Psalm 67:2-3, 5-8, Revelations 21:10-14, 22-23, John 14:23-29

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Sixth Sunday of Easter


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 15:1-2, 22-29, Psalm 67:2-3, 5-8, 
Revelations 21:10-14, 22-23, John 14:23-29

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

The Church You founded has always cared for her children as tenderly as a Mother. She is sensitive to their needs and does not lay upon them burdens too heavy to bear. We see this even in from the earliest times in the Church. The Apostles and elders heard the problem, discussed it, prayed about it, decided on the right course of action to be taken as inspired by the Holy Spirit, and then sent two representatives along with Paul and Barnabas to advise the Church what it had decided with regard to the requirement of circumcision of the Gentiles that some of the Jews demanded.

In the message sent by the Apostles, they warned the Christians of Gentile origin of those who were wolves in sheep's clothing, who were not sent by the Church Leaders and Elders and were sowing dissent.

We too must be on guard not to be taken in by those who preach and teach error in Your Name. If we heed the teachings of Holy Mother Church and are always guided by her, we will be protected from heresy and error. 

Psalm 67:2-3, 5-8

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

The peoples of all nations will praise You if we who belong to You live exemplary and holy lives. They will see Your Light shine upon us and they too will desire what we have. The Truth embodied in You.

Help us through the awesome power of Your Most Holy Spirit, to be guided by Him in all we do, always. May our lives be a witness to all that the Church teaches in faith and morals so that others may see and desire to have the joy and peace that is given to all who believe.


Revelations 21:10-14, 22-23

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

I thank and praise You for the glorious future that awaits us in the City of God where Your glorious Light is the only illumination it needs. Thank You for all that You won for us at so great a price.

We thank God, our Father, for giving us so wonderful a Savior as You, His Only Son, and we thank You, Beloved, for the Gift of Your Holy Spirit who enables us to strive after holiness and perfection so that we receive divine grace and help to grow in Your Image and Likeness.


John 14:23-29


Jesus said to his disciples:
"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.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.

"I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

You heard me tell you,
'I am going away and I will come back to you.'
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe."

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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

We see that Paul did not hesitate from doing what seemed to be right to him for the good of the community even though it could have been seen as a contradiction. Sometimes we are not so brave. We go along even though we know what the right course of action is.

They were so sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It was always the Holy Spirit who was in control of what they said, where they went, and what they did. If we allow the Holy Spirit complete autonomy over our lives we will be perfectly content. It is only when we are in tune with the Holy Spirit in all things then He can empower us to draw many to believe.

Sweet Spirit of God today I ask the Father in the mighty Name of Jesus, to give me a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in order that I may always be pleasing to Him. Amen.


Psalm 100:1-3, 5

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

We are called to be a joyful people. This does not mean that everything will always go favorably for us but it means that no matter what the circumstances of our lives we are rooted and grounded in You. We draw our life from You and we are content always so long as You are at the center of our lives.

We belong to You, Beloved, we could not ask for more. We are the sheep of Your flock. You are our Good Shepherd and we can trust You to lead us to the Kingdom of God. 

Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Son. Thank You, Beloved, for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We have all we need in this life when we have the Holy Trinity in-dwelling in us.


John 15:18-21

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

You made no effort to sugar-coat the cost of discipleship. If we are seriously committed to be Your witnesses then we can be certain of opposition. We can be certain of persecution. We can be certain of being bullied. 

You came into the world doing nothing but good. You performed signs and wonders that proved beyond a doubt that You are God. You had power over nature, over life and death, over our spiritual and physical nature. You spoke with authority and with wisdom that could only be divine and yet You were rejected. 

There is a depth of Satanic evil in this world that will always oppose the truly good, holy, and pure. They will do all in their power to drag it out and if possible crush it in order to destroy it. Thank You Beloved for showing us the power of the Cross, the power of suffering, and the power of obedience and humility. Despite the world, we are triumphant and victorious for You have won the victory for us. Alleluia.

Acts 15:22-31, Psalm 57:8-10, 12, John 15:12-17

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

Acts 15:22-31, Psalm 57:8-10, 12, John 15:12-17

Acts 15:22-31

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

The Church is always vigilant against false teachers and warns us to beware of those who do not come with a mandate from her Bishops. The Church who is also our Mother does not impose on her children burdens too heavy for her to bear. 

We thank You, Beloved, for giving us Peter, Your visible head so Your Bride can be guided without error by him. 

Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that makes His dwelling place in the Church and enables those who hold positions of authority may guide her safely in the dark, troubled, turbulent waters of the world and bring her safely to harbour.


Psalm 57:8-10, 12

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Because You are my Lord and my God, I need never be worried or anxious about anything. I can rest calmly in Your love certain that nothing can trouble me since I am Yours.

Thank You for the song of praise and thanksgiving in my heart because of Your immeasurable goodness and kindness to me.

Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your never-ending mercies from the rising of the sun to its setting. May I never cease to sing Your praise until my breath leaves my body and I come home to rest in You eternally.


John 15:12-17

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

The one commandments that we are called to obey is that of love. Love must be the guiding principle of our life. It is not easy Beloved, but nothing truly worthwhile ever is. It is hard to love those who annoy us, irritate us, are less than pleasing to our sensibilities, who grate on our nerves. Yet, these are the very ones that You command us to love. 

Love costs. That's what You have so wonderfully shown us; that while we were yet sinners, You lay down Your life for us. You have made known to us the Way to the Father's House. You give us Your Life through the Sacraments. You have revealed hidden and eternal truths that are embodied in You who are Truth. 

You have commissioned me to go out and bear fruit and You assure me that anything I ask the Father in Your Name will be given me. How can I fail, Beloved? Stay ever beside me and in me till the end. Amen.

Jesus said to his disciples:
"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one's life for one's friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another."

Acts 15:17-21, Psalm 96:1-3, 10, John 15:9-11

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent


My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me. Jn 10:27
Acts 15:17-21, Psalm 96:1-3, 10, John 15:9-11


Acts 15:17-21

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

I thank You for the Church and for the hierarchy. I thank You for our Holy Father, the Pope. I thank You for the magisterium. We see how from the first You intended the Church to function when Paul and Barnabas came to Jerusalem to consult with Peter and the Apostles. We see after much discussion how they came to a consensus about an important matter concerning members of the Church.

We have Your assurance that Your Holy Spirit will always be her Protector and Guide and that You will remain with her until the end of time. We also have Your assurance that the gates of hell shall not prevail against her. 

Thank You, Beloved, for this assurance especially in these days when the Church is going through turbulent times.


Psalm 96:1-3, 10

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

We are invited daily to testify to the marvels that You have done for us and continue to do for us. You bless us from moment to moment. Often, we take You blessings for granted and we are unaware of the many miracles that occur constantly. Your eye is upon us and You watch over us. You protect us and keep us safe from all that could harm us.

Your breath keeps us alive and Your loving hand upholds the world. We thank You, Beloved, that even when things don't go the way we would like it to, You are always in control and able to draw good from every situation.

Thank You, Lord. 

John 15:9-11

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Thank You for the Gospel of today and Your loving assurance to Your people that You love us with the Father's love. Thank You for the grace of the Sacraments that enable us to strive to keep the Commandments of Love that You have given us.

Thank You for the joy of our salvation and for the knowledge that our joy is complete in You alone.

Jesus said to his disciples:
"As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father's commandments
and remain in his love.

"I have told you this so that
my joy might be in you and
your joy might be complete."

Acts 15:1-6, Psalm 122:1-5, John 15:1-8

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter


Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord;
whoever remains in me will bear much fruit. Jn 15:4A, 5B
Acts 15:1-6, Psalm 122:1-5, John 15:1-8


Acts 15:1-6

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

From the earliest times of the Church, we see how they did not act independently on matters concerning the faith and morals of its members. Whenever a difficult situation came up they brought the concern to Peter and the Apostles and after listening carefully they discussed the matter and Peter gave his final decision on the matter.

The hierarchy of the Church serves her well to keep her members united under the magisterium. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, her teaching is inerrant on matters of faith and morals and we can trust her implicitly.

There will always be those who will want to hold on to some meaningless cultural practice which will be detrimental if allowed to continue. Circumcision had its place in the Old Testament but not in the New. Now it is Baptism that makes us a new creation and children of the Father. Bathed in the waters of Baptism we receive new life. The Old gives way and finds its fulfilment in the New. 

Psalm 122:1-5

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

I thank and praise You that I belong to the New Jerusalem, the City set high on a hill where all the faithful ascend to worship our God in spirit and in truth.

It is here that we are fed on the Eucharist and we are strengthened in our journey from this life to the next. We are all members of Your Body, Beloved, we are One in You and because we are one in You we are also one in the Father and the Holy Spirit.  Thank You for holding nothing back but giving us all just as Your Father asked You. Thank You for opening the gates of heaven and showing us how we may enter into eternal life.


John 15:1-8

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

When we see the scandal and the corruption at the highest levels in the Church the faith of many is shaken. Many walk away because they are unable to comprehend how such evil was possible to flourish for so long. 

We have Your Word today assuring us that You are the true vine and Your Father will prune away all the dead branches. You are constantly pruning Your Church. Those who do not bear fruit will be cut off. Those who walk away from the Truth choose not to remain on the vine. They separate themselves and will wither and die. Those who choose to remain will be slowly but surely pruned so that they will receive Your Life and bear more fruit for the glory of God and for the Kingdom.

The Church is alive and God is constantly at work in her through the power of the Holy Spirit. She is Your Bride and You, her Bridegroom, will ensure that in the end, You will present her to the Father without wrinkle or stain.

Acts 14:19-28, Psalm 145:10-14AB, 21, John 14:27-31A

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

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

Acts 14:19-28, Psalm 145:10-14AB, 21, John 14:27-31A


Acts 14:19-28

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

There will always be those in the world who will work on the side of Evil. But You have assured the Church that those who work to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth, although they will face difficulties, hardship, persecution, and even perhaps death, You will be with them and You will strengthen them. So it is with Paul. He suffered greatly for the sake of the Gospel but he remained faithful to the end.

What a great consolation it would have been for Paul and his companions as well as to the early Church when he reported to them all the wonderful things that God had done for them and through them. 

Grant O Lord, that I too remain faithful in doing the little things that You have entrusted to me. And may I too give You glory always.


Psalm 145:10-14AB, 21

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

May all I say and do give You glory. May I never fail to give You thanks and to praise You for all the many blessings You constantly shower over me and those I love. May I never cease to give You glory for every answered prayer even if the answer is not as I would have wished.

May I remain faithful to the end and may I give faithful witness to Your love to the end. Amen.


John 14:27-31A

My Love, Beloved of my souls,

You made known to Your disciples everything that would happen and what they could expect and yet they did not understand. They failed You over and over again because they did not recall that You had already told them what would happen and why it was necessary for You to suffer.

How often Beloved, I too am like the disciples. I am swayed by the ruler of the world even though I know the end of the story. I know what is expected of me and what is required of me as Your follower and I still forget and do things my way.

Grant me the grace to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit always so He may inspire me to do what I ought always. Amen.

Acts 13:13-25, Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27, John 13:16-20

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter


Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness,
the firstborn of the dead, you have loved us and freed us from our sins by your Blood. Rev 1:5AB

Acts 13:13-25, Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27, 
John 13:16-20

Acts 13:13-25

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

How clearly and succinctly Paul explains to the people that You are the One that the world was waiting for especially the Jews. Everything ever prophesied about the Messiah was fulfilled in You. You are the Answer to every promise made by God and yet many refused to believe.

Without faith, it is impossible to believe no matter how convincing the words are. Great signs and wonders by the Apostles in Your mighty Name moved many to believe the teachings of the Apostles but there were also many who went away untouched and unmoved. This is why we know that it is all grace. And those who do believe must know that it is the work of the Holy Spirit and faith is a glorious gift from God. May we never take it for granted. We are privileged not only to believe but to eat the Flesh and drink the Blood of our God and receive, just as You promised, life for our soul.


Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

May I never take for granted all Your goodness and kindness to me who are least deserving of all Your bounty. How good and kind You are Beloved. You know how weak I am. How I shrink at the first sign of trouble. How easily I am distressed and how sadly my spirit droops when I am called to suffer. You never try me beyond my ability to endure.

Grant me this grace my Beloved, to sing Your praises and tell of Your goodness to all who come to me asking for help and for prayers. I know You are faithful. I have experienced Your faithfulness and loving kindness all my days. May my mouth be filled with Your praise and my heart and spirit never cease to be filled with thanksgiving and gratitude for all You have done for me and mine.

Thank You, my Lord and my God. 

John 13:16-20

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

You know how bitter and angry we get when someone we know and love turns against us. But You show us a better way. From the first, You knew that Judas who was numbered among Your closest friends would betray You. You could no easily have chosen another. But He was loved by You, He was included in the close circle of the Twelve. He was given the same opportunities as the rest to know You, love You, and to become a great Saint. 

Not everyone who encounters You believes. That is the tragedy of so many. Without faith and without grace it is impossible to know You and love You.

Pour this grace upon the world my Lord so all of can come to know and believe and all may come to the knowledge of truth and be saved.

Acts 12:24----13:5A, Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8, John 12:44-50

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life. Jn 8:12

Acts 12:24----13:5A, Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8, 
John 12:44-50

Acts 12:24----13:5A

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

The Word of God an only spread and grow when we are familiar with it. When it is food and drink in our lives. If we are ignorant of the Word how can we be used for Your glory?

The Apostles preached and taught with conviction, with passion, with vision, and with great physical and spiritual signs and wonders, so many came to believe in the Truth and were saved.

The early Church was docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. They did nothing without fasting and prayer to discern His will in their mission and ministry of preaching the Gospel. They were faithful and committed to the work that was entrusted to them despite hardship and persecution. 

Grant us the same zeal through the power of Your Holy Spirit so we too may be faithful and zealous in spreading Your Word always by the example of our lives.


Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

You are a God of great mercy and compassion. You created us and You know how sin has weakened us and how prone we fall for the wiles of the Enemy.

Have pity on me, Beloved, let Your Face shine on me all the days of my life. Hold me up by the power of Your mighty hand so I may do all things in Your strength for I have none of my own.

You are my joy, my peace, my comfort. Stay with me Lord and grant me all the grace I need to live a life that is always pleasing to You. May my life be one of endless praise and thanksgiving to You in grateful recognition of all that You are and do for me. Thank You.


John 12:44-50

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

You came because the Father sent You. You said and did all that the Father asked You to and You did it faithfully. To do the will of the Father was everything to You and You did nothing on Your own.

You were given the words of Life in order that we may hear, believe, and live. We believe in You, Beloved, we believe that the Father sent You. We believe that You have the words of Eternal Life and if we receive You the Gift of the Spirit and of Eternal Life is ours.

Thank You, Father, for sending us Your Son not to condemn it but to save it. Thank You for so glorious a Savior and Redeemer. Thank You, Beloved, for the awesome Gift of the Holy Spirit and for the Life we receive through Him.

Keep me faithful to the end. Amen.