Fifth Monday of Easter

The Apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their garments when they heard this and rushed out into the crowd, shouting, "Men, why are you doing this? We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways; yet, in bestowing his goodness, he did not leave himself without witness, for he gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filled you with nourishment and gladness for your hearts."

Sometimes our good works can cause others to try to give glory to us, rather than to God. They may mean well, but our response should be one of humility. We should remind those who would honor us that everything good we’ve accomplished is the result of God’s Goodness. We have to resist the temptation to pride and remember we are but lowly servants of the Lord. We are witnesses, proclaiming the Good News and through we might play a part in God’s Plan... it is His Will that has brought about the good fruits we bear. We do not own them, but rather have been given our gifts and graces to glorify God as best we can, nourish the souls of others, and bring gladness into the hearts of those whom we meet each day.

How can we remain humble in the face of the praise of others? What can we do to remind others that all our good works come first and foremost from God? How can we do God’s Will is such a way to magnify Him and not ourselves?

O Lord, help us to proclaim your Good News with humble hearts.

Amen.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit it grew in numbers.

When we are faithful to our calling, we are at peace... even if we are suffering, persecuted, mocked, and facing difficulties. This is because when we are doing God’s Will, we know everything will turn out right in the end. We might have to overcome obstacles and struggle through trials, but God’s Grace sees us through to the other side. When we are building up the Church through our thoughts, words, and works, we are filled with the knowledge that we will be consoled... if not in this life, then in the next. Last but not least, when we walk in the fear of the Lord, we understand our every action should be done for God’s greater glory and to reflect His Goodness. If we have such an attitude, then we will strive to be holy because we do not want to disappoint our Heavenly Father.

Are we at peace with ourselves and our relationship with God? How can we build up the Church? Are we properly fearful of disappointing God?

O Lord, grow our faith.

Amen.

Fourth Saturday of Easter

It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.

God gives us many chances to follow His Divine Will, but if we reject it, then He will find another way. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses and plans accordingly. He won’t force us to do what is right, but He wants us to be good and faithful servants. Sometimes we fail in this regard, but it isn’t the end. God finds a way to spread the Good News and continues to offer us new opportunities to show Him we are truly His children. He gives us every chance to be a light of holiness in the world, leading people to Him. Hopefully, we, like the Gentiles, will accept that calling and become instruments of salvation to the ends of the world.

In what ways have we failed to do God’s Will? How can we become more faithful to the proclamation of the Gospels? What can we do to prepare ourselves to be lights to the world and instruments of salvation?

O Lord, command us.

Amen.

Fourth Friday of Easter

But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses before the people. We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our fathers he has brought to fulfillment for us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.

Just like the first disciples, we are also called to be witnesses before the people, proclaiming the Good News to everyone we meet. Jesus died for us so that we might live in accordance with the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He wants us to be his eyes, ears, lips, hands, and feet... bearing God into the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors. And if we are faithful to God and put our trust in His Divine Plan, then we shall be like Christ and worthy of being called the sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.

How are we witnessing to the Way, the Truth, and the Life? What can we do to be better preachers of the Good News? Do we thank God for treating us as His children?

O Lord, make us good and faithful witnesses to the truth.

Amen.

Fourth Thursday of Easter

So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said, "Fellow children of Israel and you others who are God-fearing, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out, and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert. When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance at the end of about four hundred and fifty years.

There is a Promised Land waiting for us at the end of this life. We need only follow God to where He wants us to be. There may be times when we feel like we are wandering in a wilderness. There may be enemies that stand in our way. However, one day we will leave the desert behind, overcome our enemies, and enter into our inheritance. When that day comes we have hopefully done all we can to prepare for our entrance into the Kingdom of God.

Are we preparing ourselves for the Promised Land? How can we keep our bearings in the desert of the world? What enemies and obstacles must we overcome to reach the Kingdom of Heaven?

O Lord, exalt us and lead us to the land of our inheritance.

Amen.

Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen.

Our opponent is the Devil. These are words we probably don’t always take as seriously as we should. It can be easy to lose sight of who is against us as we deal with worldly and spiritual difficulties. We can be so caught up in putting out each momentary fire that we fail to see the Devil through the haze of smoke around us. However, it is important to not forgot who the antagonist is in our lives. He is cunning, persistent, and always on the lookout for an opening into our minds and hearts. He doesn’t pull any punches. He tricks us with sweet, but false words of encouragement towards sinful acts. Thankfully, we are not alone in these temptations. We have God, the angels, the saints, the Church, family, friends, and even at times strangers, who help us resist the evil we are tempted by. God’s grace is always around us. We only have to reach out for it, hold on, and let it restore, confirm, and strengthen us.

Do we recognize the Devil as our opponent? Do we take the threat of the Devil seriously in our lives? How can we be more aware of God’s grace around us?

O Lord, although we might suffer a little in this world, never let us forget that one day you will call us to your dominion forever.

Amen.

Fourth Tuesday of Easter

When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

Many of Jesus’ first disciples hadn’t expected the Gentiles to accept the Good News and become Christians. This wasn’t necessarily part of the plan they’d envisioned. However, even in death Jesus was reminding them God’s Plan isn’t limited to an earthly kingdom, nor is it limited to one ethnicity. Rather, His Divine Mercy is for all of His children, no matter their upbringing. His Forgiveness can’t be contained to one people and so it goes forth and spreads like a wildfire to all the nations. Sometimes our own ideas about our faith are limiting, but we need to remember God’s Divine Plan is bigger than just us. It touches everything in Creation and though we might not understand it, our own difficulties and sufferings might be leading to a greater, unseen good we will only understand when God reveals Himself to us on the Day of Judgment.

What in our lives hasn’t gone to plan? How can we learn to let go and let God lead us to where we need to be? How can we live up to the name of Christian?

O Lord, help us to see the grace of God in our lives and follow where you lead us.

Amen.

Fourth Monday of Easter

"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them as it had upon us at the beginning, and I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, 'John baptized with water but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'  If then God gave them the same gift he gave to us when we came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God?" When they heard this, they stopped objecting and glorified God, saying, "God has then granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles too."

We are all baptized with the Holy Spirit and through that baptism, we are given my gifts. We are given the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. We are given the virtues of faith, hope, love, prudence, temperance, justice, and courage. We are given the love, mercy, and grace of God to see us through every moment of our lives. When we realize the treasures God has given us, we should have only one response... asking God what we are being called to do and then doing it to the best of our abilities. Even if we don’t understand why God is leading us in one direction or another, we have to trust in Him and let him lead us to where we need to be as Christians. We have to stop objecting, glorify God, and accept His Divine Will.

Do we give thanks for God for all the gifts He has given us through baptism? How can we lead Spirit-filled lives, embodying the Good News in all we think, say, and do? How can we be an aid to God’s Divine Plan and not a hindrance to it?

O Lord, fill us with your Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

We are all children of God. We are all loved by our Heavenly Father from the moment we were conceived by Him through all of eternity. And as children of God, we are called to be His first and foremost. Everything in and of the world needs to come second. Jesus taught us how to be good and faithful servants by loving God with all our hearts, minds, and strengths and others as He loves them. The world doesn’t understand us because we are willing to walk in the sacrificial footsteps of Christ, giving up all we have in order to do God’s Will. We might not be asked to sacrifice everything, but we must be willing to do so. If we have this attitude, then we shall be like Christ, full of the Spirit, and we shall see God as He is when we are called to heaven to be with Him, forever.

Are we acting like children of God or children of the world? How can we know, love, and serve God with our whole being? What are we willing to sacrifice in order to be good and faithful servants to Him?

O Lord, thank you for adopting us as your children.

Amen.

Third Saturday of Easter

When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, "Tabitha, rise up." She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord.

If we lead a good and faithful life, then we shall be raised from the dead when Jesus comes again. We shall have a share in his saving grace and share in his resurrection. Like Tabitha, our lives should be full of good deeds and almsgiving. Like Peter we should pray and trust in God’s Goodness. We don’t have to do great things to be good Christians. We only have to do the right things with love and put our faith and hope in the Lord. If we do this, then we shall be alive in the Holy Spirit and everything we do shall lead others closer to the Lord.

How can we make our lives full of good deeds and almsgiving? Do we take time out of our days to kneel and pray for God’ intercession in our lives and the lives of those around us? What can we do to make Jesus known to those whom we meet each day?

O Lord, raise us up from our sins and help us to be full of good deeds, almsgiving, and prayers.

Amen.

Third Friday of Easter

"Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."  Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized, and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength. He stayed some days with the disciples in Damascus, and he began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Distractions, indifference, and sin can leave us blinded to what is right. However, if we seek God’s Forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation and accept His Mercy, then our spiritual sight will be restored and we will once again know that is good. Our consciences will be cleansed and we shall see clearly what God wants us to do. And what is that? To accept His gifts, talents, and strengths and proclaim Jesus in our lives. We might not do this from the pulpit or a soapbox, but we should constantly be spreading the Good News through our thoughts, words, and works. If we do everything, great and small, with faith, hope, and love, then we shall be effective witnesses to the Way, the Truth, and the Life that will set people free.

Where are our spiritual blind spots? How can we remove the scales of distraction, indifference, and sin from our eyes? How can we spread the Gospel message to others, like Paul?

O Lord, grant us your sight and the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Third Thursday of Easter

"I beg you, about whom is the prophet saying this? About himself, or about someone else?"  Then Philip opened his mouth and, beginning with this Scripture passage, he proclaimed Jesus to him. As they traveled along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Look, there is water.  What is to prevent my being baptized?"  Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water, and he baptized him.  When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but continued on his way rejoicing.

During our lives, we will have many opportunities to spread the word and works of God. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will come across those in need of help and be given the chance to make a difference in their lives. And just like Philip, if we put our trust in God, we will lead someone closer to our Heavenly Father. We shall become living reflections of Christ, bearing his light into the world and guiding others to holiness and salvation. We might not go out and baptize others with water like Philip or be whisked away by the Holy Spirit, but our thoughts, words, and works will manifest God’s Grace and lead to good fruits and rejoicing.

Are we open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Are we willing to be a bearer of God’s Grace and Mercy, even to strangers? How can we manifest God’s Grace for all whom we meet each day?

O Lord, we wish to proclaim Jesus in all that we think, say, and do.

Amen.

Third Wednesday of Easter

Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble. So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.

Humility is a virtue we all need to cultivate as Christians. It is the recognition of our own faults and frailties and a powerful inoculation against the sin of pride. It is the ability to consider ourselves lowly and because of this to be willing to become a servant to God's Divine Will. It is not to berate ourselves and lose hope, but rather it is a virtue that spawns hope by helping us place our trust in God and not ourselves. It is not to be falsely humble and pretend we are completely worthless, but rather to recognize the worth we have comes from the graces and gifts God has given us and we should be good and faithful stewards of all God has given us. If we are truly humble, then God will favor us as He favored His Holy Mother Mary, Most Humble.

How can we learn to cloth ourselves with humility in our dealings with God and others? What can we do to humbly place our total trust in God's Will? What can we do to guard against false humility?

O Lord, we humble ourselves under your mighty hand.

Amen.

Third Tuesday of Easter

The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them"; and when he said this, he fell asleep. Now Saul was consenting to his execution.

The forgiving words of Stephen stand in stark contrast to the callousness of Saul. Can we imagine pardoning the people who are stoning us? Can we imagine standing by and watching someone being stoned to death? And yet, here are two people doing just that... one the first martyr of our faith and the other the eventual Apostle to the Gentiles. Truly God did not hold the death of Stephen against Saul... instead He used this experience to led Saul to Damascus and to his conversion experience. This gives us hope that we, though sinners, will also be given a chance to make amends for our past transgressions. If God can forgive Saul and transform him into Paul the Apostle, then He can save us, too, and lead us to a better and more faithful life.

Are we willing to lay down our life for our faith? How can we be more like Stephen and forgive those who trespass against us? What can we do to make amends for our past sins?

O Lord, do not hold our sins against us.

Amen.

Third Monday of Easter

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyreneans, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.

When we allow the Holy Spirit to think, speak, and act through us, we can become powerful vessels of grace. We might not work great wonders and signs, but we can bear great fruits that increase the faith, hope, and love of others. We can withstand all the pressures of the world as long as we let go and let God lead us to where we need to be and to what we need to do. We will have the courage and fortitude to do what is right even as others tempt us, mock us, or resist us. We, like Stephen, will have the conviction of our faith and nothing... not even the threat of suffering and death will stop us from what God is calling us to do.

What can we do to allow the Holy Spirit into our lives more deeply? What is God calling us to think, speak, and do? How can we grow in the wisdom of God?

O Lord, fill us with your grace and power.

Amen.

Third Sunday of Easter

He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments. Those who say, "I know him," but do not keep his commandments are liars, and the truth is not in them. But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.

It isn’t always easy to keep God’s commandments. The world constantly bombards us with temptations, distractions, and all many of earthly goods that can lead us astray. We have to be constantly on guard against all that would lead us away from God and to ruin. Thankfully, God has given us many graces from the Church to the sacraments to our fellow believers. All of these things can give us the support we need to withstand the assaults of the Devil and his minions. And if we are weakened and do fall, we thankfully have the sacrament of reconciliation to flee to... and seek forgiveness for our sins. Then, we can start anew and strive to keep God’s commandments more faithfully so we might be perfected in, through, by, and with Jesus.

Are we keeping God’s commandments? How can we strengthen our resolve to remain firmly committed to our faith? What can we do to ensure the truth is with and in us?

O Lord, perfect us in you.

Amen.

Second Friday of Easter

“For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.

If our endeavors are of human origin, they will destroy themselves. Nothing worldly lasts forever. However, if our actions come from God, then they will succeed. They will magnify the Lord and bear good fruits. Even if we suffer greatly to do God’s Will, our blood, sweat, and tears will be worth it to see God’s Divine Plan put into action. This is why we should always seek to do God’s Will in all things. It is through Him, with Him, and in Him that we are fulfilled in this life. It is through Him, with, Him, and in Him that we find our joy. And so, we proclaim the Good News to all whom will listen because the Good News has saved us and we want it to save others and bring glory to God.

Do we place our every thought, word, and work into the hands of God? Are we willing to suffer greatly in order to do God’s Will in all things? How can we teach and proclaim Jesus Christ through our daily lives?

O Lord, we rejoice in doing your Divine Will.

Amen.

Second Thursday of Easter

But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, "We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him."

We must obey God rather than men... these words are ones the Apostles lived by and they are ones we should live by, too. God should come first and foremost in our lives. His commandments should be kept, His teachings followed, and His inspirations put into practice. Everything else should come second to what God wants from us. We are also called to be witnesses to these things and proclaim the good news to all who will listen. If we do these things, then we, like Christ, will be exulted.

Does God come first in our lives? Do we keep His commandments, follow his teachings, and enact His inspirations? Are we being the best witnesses to the faith we can be?

O Lord, help us to give witness to you in all things.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr

The high priest rose up and all his companions, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and, filled with jealousy, laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, "Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life." When they heard this, they went to the temple early in the morning and taught.

God might not free us from a physical prison, but each and every time we go to confession He frees us from the bonds of our sins and tells us to go and spread the Good News. Our faith is not only one of forgiveness, but also responsibility, too. We seek forgiveness and do penance so we might be more faithful, hopeful, and loving. Our entire lives should proclaim the Divine Word and teach others about what it means to be Christian. Our family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers should all be able to tell we are Christians by our loving words and works.

How do we respond to the freedom God has given us? What can we do to bear the Gospels into the world around us? What are our lives teaching others about the Christian faith?

O Lord, give us the grace to proclaim you always and everywhere.

Amen.

Second Tuesday of Easter

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

The early Christian community was a model of unity and charity. They shared their goods with each other and helped each other out to the best of their abilities. They bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord by proclaiming the Good News and helping the needy among them. They were more than willing to give up worldly goods in order to feed, clothe, and shelter the least of God’s children. We can learn a lot from this early community of believers and should imitate them as best we can. We might not have church houses anymore, but we can certainly make each of our homes into spiritual churches that nourish body, mind, and spirit.

How can we cultivate a spirit of detachment from our worldly things so that we can share them when needed? How can we bear witness to the resurrection as the early disciples did? What can we do to make our houses into domestic churches?

O Lord, make us one in heart and mind with you and all your holy ones.

Amen.

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. Then I said, 'As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.'"

Sometimes we can see our sacrifices and offerings to God as the end, but they really are only a means to the ultimate end of building up our relationship with God. We do this best when we prepare our bodies to be pure and chaste for Him. When we prepare our minds to be wise and prudent for Him. When we prepare our hearts to be hopeful and wise. When we do God’s Will and allow Him to lead us along His Way to the Truth and the Life He is calling us to live. When we prepare ourselves to become a delight to the Lord in our every thought, word, and work.

Are our bodies prepared for the Lord as they should be? Are we doing God’s Will? How can we become a delight to God?

O Lord, prepare us to be a delight to you, now and forever.

Amen.

Second Saturday of Easter

"It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

We each have a role to play in God’s Divine Plan. Some of us are called to proclaim the Good News through our thoughts. Others through our words. And still more through our actions. Each of these ways is important and can lead others to God. Our thoughts can inspire others to live good and holy lives or do something good for others. Our words can give voice to the truth and set people freed. Our actions can bring charity and mercy into the lives of those around us. And each of us is given the gifts and talents we need to succeed in our callings. All we have to do is trust that God will provide and devote ourselves to what He wants of us.

Are we neglecting God in any way? What can we do to make more room for Him in our lives? How can we devote ourselves to what He wants of us?

O Lord, give us the graces we need to devote ourselves to you completely.

Amen.

Divine Mercy Sunday

For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith. Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and blood.

If we love God, then we will do everything we can to keep His commandments. This means knowing, loving, and serving Him with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths and loving our neighbors as God loves them. These are not burdensome commandments. In truth, if everyone lived according to these commandments we would find our lives a lot less burdensome. It is by living these commandments faithfully that we can conquer the world, resisting its temptations, distractions, and indifferences. Equally important to remember is that following these commandments isn’t a bloodless affair. There will be times when doing the right and holy thing will require a sacrifice from us and even leave us wounded in some way. But just like Christ, we must be willing to pay the cost of living out faith.

What do we do to ensure we are living out God’s Commandments? How can we resist those temptations, distractions, and indifferences that lead us away from our faith? Are we willing to come through the grace of water and the sacrifice of blood just as Jesus did?

O Lord, we love you and want only to keep your commandments.

Amen.

Saturday within the Octave of Easter

Observing the boldness of Peter and John and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men, the leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed, and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus. Then when they saw the man who had been cured standing there with them, they could say nothing in reply.

It is amazing to think that in less than three days, Peter has gone from denying and fleeing from the trial of Christ to proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. So, too, John has gone from fleeing from the guards in the garden to standing before the people who put Jesus to death. The Sanhedrin might perceive Peter and John as uneducated and perhaps even weak, but they get caught up in their own superiority and fail to see the truth before them. These men have been changed. Their hearts have been deeply converted and this in combination with the gifts of the Holy Spirit gives them a power the elders and scribes can’t anticipate. They think that just like Jesus, this upstart faith will die, but they don’t understand what the Resurrection means to the disciples of Christ. It means hope and hope can’t be told to be quiet. No. Hope shouts the truth that sets us all free. That Jesus is arisen.

How has the Resurrection of Jesus changed our lives? How can we proclaim the Good News like Peter and John? How can we make ourselves into embodiments of hope for all whom we meet?

O Lord, make us bold in proclaiming your holy word.

Amen.

Friday within the Octave of Easter

Leaders of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. He is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.

Our every thought, word, and work should be done in the name of Jesus. No matter what we are doing, the spirit of Christ should be within us and guiding our decisions. We might be at home, at school, at work, at play, or anywhere in-between, but no matter where we are our faith, hope, and love in Jesus ought to guide us. Our good deeds ought to have the good of others and the glory of God as their aim. They should be done in the name of Jesus Christ. We shouldn't shy away from proclaiming the Good News in our actions both great and small. Jesus ought to be the cornerstone of our lives, the foundation of our faith, the saving shelter of our souls. There is no other name by which we are saved and so his name above all names ought to be ever on our lips.

Do we honor Jesus by thinking, speaking, and acting in his name? How can we bring Jesus into every facet of our lives? What do we need to do to make Jesus the cornerstone of our lives and keep him there forever?

O Lord, it is in your name that we find salvation.

Amen.

Thursday within the Octave of Easter

Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away, and that the Lord may grant you times of refreshment and send you the Christ already appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the times of universal restoration of which God spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.

Repentance is key to our faith. God knows we are not perfect and so He sent His Son to die for us so our sins might be washed away. Jesus broke his Body and poured out his Blood to feed our faith and cleanse our offenses. All we have to do is come to God with humble and contrite hearts and accept the saving grace He offers us through the sacraments. If we do so, then He will refresh our souls and lead us to eternal life with Him. Of course, true repentance isn’t always easy. Sometimes it requires us to give up something we enjoy. Other times it requires us to amend our lives and strive to be better people. However, the sacrifice God asks of us is a mere drop in the bucket when compared to the ocean of Divine Mercy He has prepared for us.

What sins do we need to repent for? How can we cultivate humble and contrite hearts? Are we willing to accept God’s grace and all that it will require from us?

O Lord, convert our hearts and wipe away our sins.

Amen.

Wednesday within the Octave of Easter

Peter said, "I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk." Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong. He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with amazement and astonishment at what had happened to him.

Sometimes we ask for one thing and get another. This isn’t always a bad thing because we don’t always know what is best for us. We don’t always recognize the opportunities that present themselves to us. However, God will offer us the best thing. It is up to us to leap up, take it, and praise God for His Goodness. Other times, people ask us for things. In a similar way, we should consider what the person really needs and not just what they are asking for. Perhaps we see someone begging, but instead of giving them a few dollars... maybe we can keep them in our prayers and ask for God’s Help for them, too. Or see if we can’t help them in some other way. It takes a lot more effort, but it might lead to a greater good. Yes, there is risk involved, but our faith is built upon a risk-taker... Jesus, who didn’t shrink from going among sinners and doing God’s Will because that was where He was most needed.

What are we asking God for? Will we respond with thanks even if our prayers aren’t answered how we wish? In what ways can we bring the Good News to others as Peter did?

O Lord, grant us what we truly need and not just what we ask for.

Amen.

Tuesday within the Octave of Easter

Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call." He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."

God is calling each of us to become good and faithful servants to Him through our baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He desires humble and contrite hearts, willing to confess our sins, do penance, and sin no more. He wants to forgive us and to pour out His Divine Mercy upon us. He wants us to be confident in Him as our Heavenly Father. He wants us to live our lives in accordance with the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Jesus Christ. He wants us to make use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to become a holy people guided by our consciences and righteousness. He wants us to accept and renew our baptismal promises and become heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven. Most of all He wants to save us so we might feast with Him forever and ever.

Are we faithfully living out our baptismal promises? Are we living in accordance with the Father’s commandments, the Son’s teachings, and the Holy Spirit’s inspirations? How can we make better use of all the graces God has give us through our baptism?

O Lord, we repent of our sins and seek only to live out our baptismal promises more perfectly.

Amen.

Monday within the Octave of Easter

You who are children of Israel, hear these words. Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know. This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him. But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.

Sometimes we are disciples of Christ, but other times we are lawless men, who crucify Christ. We are the latter when we give into temptation and sin or turn our backs in indifference on those in need. Thankfully, we know even Jesus’ closest companions, the Apostles, fled from him during his Passion and Death and only returned to him after the Resurrection. We know that just because we say we believe it doesn’t make us immune to our failings, faults, and weaknesses. Even knowing all of Jesus’ mighty deeds, wonders, and signs... all his words, teachings, and prayers... we still fail, but God knows us and this is why he sent His Beloved Son to die for us. He wanted us to see how much He loved us and give us an example of how we can rise again from our sins and do God’s Will. If Jesus’ disciples could recover from turning their backs on Jesus, so too we can recover from our sins and become good and faithful servants to the Lord and all His children.

How can we become more like the disciples after Jesus’ Resurrection? How can we put aside our lawless and sinful ways? Do we seek out God’s forgiveness for our sins?

O Lord, help us to follow the laws you have written on our hearts.

Amen.

Easter Sunday

Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough? Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, inasmuch as you are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Easter is the perfect time of year to reevaluate our priorities and renew our spiritual lives. It is a time for cleansing ourselves of our sins, indifference, and distractions and starting over with a clean slate. Over the course of each year, we can find ourselves falling into bad habits and today is a good day to put an end to them and begin a new life of good habits. Easter is a day of resurrection, of breaking free from the chains of sin and death and choosing to seek out the risen Lord. It is a time to cast off our worldly worries and weaknesses and put on the white garment of God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace. It is a day to rid ourselves of malice and wickedness and celebrate the Way, Truth, and Life of the Risen Lord with sincerity.

Are we living our lives in accordance with the Father’s commandments, Jesus’ teachings, and the Holy Spirit’s inspirations? What sins, weaknesses, and imperfections do we need to clear out of our hearts and minds? How can we renew ourselves in faith, hope, and love?

O Lord, we celebrate your Resurrection with the bread of sincerity and truth.

Amen.