Thursday, May 31, 2018

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.

Our faith isn't always easy to follow. Our Heavenly Father asks a lot of us. He asks us to love Him with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths. He asks us to be sincere in our love of others, even those who persecute us. He asks us to endure afflictions and face our trials and tribulations with hope and prayer. He asks us to be sympathetic to others and treat them with dignity. He asks us to be humble in our own estimation. All of these requests can be difficult to fulfill each and every day, but if we do our best and do penance when we fail, then we shall one day find ourselves before God and He will say, "Well, done, my good and faithful servants."

What ways of our faith do we find most difficult to follow? How can we allow God into these areas of weakness so He can help us overcome them? In what ways can we become more fervent in the Holy Spirit like Mary?

O Lord, we wish only to do what you ask of us like Mary did.

Amen.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Eighth Wednesday of Ordinary Time

Realize that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious Blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished Lamb. He was known before the foundation of the world but revealed in the final time for you, who through him believe in God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Everyone in the world has been ransomed from death and sin by Jesus. However, not everyone accepts their release from our worldly prison. Some refuse to be unbound and instead cling to the chains of their sins and remain in darkness. They prefer their slavery to sin and its momentary pleasures to the freedom of virtue and its eternal joy. The choice between these two is obvious when looked at objectively, and yet everyone falls and fails. We are not perfect like our Heavenly Father is. We are not all loving like Jesus is. We are not sanctified like the Holy Spirit. We are imperfect, selfish, and sinful. However, God does offer us the graces we need to overcome all these failings by accepting the Body and Blood of Jesus into ourselves and uniting with the perfect, loving, and holy Trinity. Whether we take God’s outstretched hand is up to us. Hopefully, we do and choose to be ransomed from sin and death once and for all.

Do we appreciate the ransom Jesus paid for our forgiveness? Are we accepting of the help God is offering us? How can we resist our imperfections and choose to follow the perfect God?

O Lord, we are imperfect, but with you we can be freed to be better people.

Amen.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Eighth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.

As Christians, we are all called to holiness. This means being willing to make sacrifices. It means turning our backs on the ways of the world and choosing the Way of Christ. It means deafening ourselves to the falsehoods of the world and listening to the Truth Jesus proclaimed in the Good News. It means dying to our selfish selves and living our lives for the glory of God and the good of others. All our hopes and dreams should find their source, center, and summit in God. All our bodies, minds, and hearts must be transfigured and become more Christ-like. We must make ourselves into true children of God, putting aside our sinful desires and conducting ourselves with faith, hope, and love.

Are our hopes set completely on Jesus Christ? How can we become more obedient to God, our Heavenly Father? What can we do to allow the Holy Spirit to be holy through us?

O Lord, help us to be holy as you are holy.

Amen.

Monday, May 28, 2018

Eighth Monday of Ordinary Time

In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.

Our faith in the promises of Christ should see us through every trial and difficulty. Knowing that God loves and forgives us should grant us an inner strength to strive to do God’s Will no matter the cost. Our belief in Jesus will not shield us from suffering, but it can provide us with an inner peace that gives us the strength to suffer what we must in order to be good and faithful servants to God and His children. Our goal in life should not be to live without suffering, but rather to live for the praise, glory, and honor of God, which sometimes means being tested with fire so we might be purified and made worthy of salvation.

Have we put our trust in God? Are we willing to do His Will no matter the cost? In what ways can we prove ourselves as good and faithful servants?

O Lord, may our faith always be genuine.

Amen.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, "Abba, Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

The Holy Trinity is the source, center, and summit of our faith. The Father is our loving God, the Creator of all things, and the Source of all that is good. Jesus is our Merciful Lord, the Prophet of the Good News, and Source of our salvation. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, the Fountain of our inspirations, and the Source of our holiness. Each person of the Holy Trinity is at the center of what it means to be Christians and we should strive to live in accordance with their commandments, teachings, and guidance. So, too, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the summit of our faith, hope, and love. When we face the judgment, we shall have to answer to the Holy Trinity for what we have done and failed to do... for how we glorified them or how we denied them. Hopefully, we shall allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit of God. Then, and only then, will we be worthy of our adoption as the children of God and heirs to the kingdom

Do we give glory to God, our Heavenly Father? Do we heed the words of Jesus and follow his Way, Truth, and Life? Do we allow the Holy Spirit to bear witness to the Good News through our every thought, word, and work?

O Lord, led us by your spirit so we might become worthy sons and daughters.

Amen.

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Seventh Saturday of Ordinary Time

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing a song of praise. Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the Church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.

Prayer and praise are central actions in our faith. We pray when we are in need or suffering. We praise when we are in good spirits and enjoying the life God has given us. If we are sick, we pray. If we are healthy, we praise. If we sin, we pray for forgiveness. After our confession, we praise God for His Goodness and Mercy. If we are going through difficulties, we pray to overcome them and when we do… we praise the Lord for His Amazing Grace.

Do we take time out of each day to pray? Do we do the same for praise? How can we cultivate ourselves so we are faithful prayers and joyful praisers?

O Lord, we pray for your help and praise you for your aid.

Amen.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Seventh Friday in Ordinary Time

Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Perseverance is a virtue every Christian needs. We all will face hardship in our lives. Sometimes from pursuing our goals and other times when following our faith. If we let our failures and difficulties dishearten or dismayed us, then we can lose sight of what is important in our lives... namely doing God's Will to the best of our abilities. Our times of trial are when we must imitate the perseverance of Job and Jesus and Mary. They all suffered greatly in the pursuit of their goals and the living of their faith. However, God is compassionate and merciful and if we trust in Him, then we will be able to overcome every obstacle in the way of living out our greater calling.

How can we cultivate the virtue of perseverance in our lives? Are we accepting of God's compassion and mercy? Do we trust in God enough to pursue our goals and faith without reservation?

O Lord, give us greater perseverance in living our lives and following our faith.

Amen.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Seventh Thursday in Ordinary Time

Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance.

Being rich in and of itself isn’t going to condemn anyone. It is rather what we do with the riches we have that will determine our fate. And riches here don’t just apply to our wealth, but also our talents and time as well. If we waste what God has given to us in any of these areas, we will have to explain ourselves to Him at the Day of Judgment. If we misuse or abuse our time, talents, and treasures, then we shall be called to account for it. Any wages we withhold from God or His children will be known and we will pay for it... in acts of penance in this life, Purgatory, or Hell.

Are we withholding our time, talents, and treasures from God or His children? How can we put our lives to better use? What can we do to help those in need and be free with what we have?

O Lord, make us into more generous people.

Amen.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Seventh Wednesday of Ordinary Time

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make a profit"–you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. Instead you should say, "If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that."

There are no guarantees in this life beyond what the Lord wills. This is why we should focus on doing our best at this very moment. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring because we don’t know God’s Divine Plan. Our plans are not always aligned with God’s Will and if this is the case, then they will come to nothing in the end. Our future business and profit does not hold a candle to the here and now. Nor is it completely up to us how things turn out. God plays a role in every aspect of our lives: the past, present, and future. We should make sure we keep this in mind as we go through each day, letting go and letting God.

Are we too concerned for the future that we forget to live in the now? Are we willing to let go of our own plans and let God work through us in the present? What is God’s Will calling us to do?

O Lord, if you will it, we shall live to do your will.

Amen.

Seventh Tuesday of Ordinary Time

You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. Adulterers! Do you not know that to be a lover of the world means enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a lover of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Our passions are not necessarily evil, but they can lead us to evil if they are bound to worldly things. Instead, our passions should be based upon knowing, loving, and serving God and His children. However, if we don’t ask for what is good for us or ask for the wrong things, we can be led astray. We can confuse a worldly want for a need and misalign our lives with things that can led to temptation, sin, and vice. If we love worldly things more than God, then we turn our backs on the one who loves us most and make ourselves into His enemies. Thankfully, we can avoid this fate by asking for spiritual goods to fulfill our spiritual passions. As long as we choose to be a lover of God, then we shall receive the grace we need to overcome all the obstacles the world puts in our way.

Are our passions leading us astray or toward God? How can we place our spiritual passions above our worldly ones? How can we become more faithful lovers of God at all times and in all ways?

O Lord, we ask for you to make us faithful lovers of you above all.

Amen.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

When they entered the city they went to the upper room where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

After the ascension of Jesus to Heaven, the apostles return to the upper room and pray with Mary. In a similar way, we are also called to pray with our Heavenly Mother each and every day. We are asked to make a special place for God in our lives where we can spend time with Him and allow Him to enter into us so He can express Himself through our thoughts, words, and works. We cannot do that if we don’t make time to pray and make space for God in our hearts by cleansing them of earthly desires and worldly things.

Have we prepared a place in our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit? Are we ridding ourselves of those worldly things that keep us from welcoming God into our hearts? Is prayer a central aspect of our daily lives?

O Lord, we pray that you come and dwell within us.

Amen.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Pentecost Sunday

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

Each of us has different gifts, talents, and resources, but we are all called to use them for the same Lord. We are asked to put our thoughts, words, and works to good use and for the glory of God. None of us will perform our God-given tasks in the same way, but all of us will do them with, and through, and in the Holy Spirit. He will protect us, guide us, and inspire us in everything we do for Him and His children. We were all conceived by God for some purpose and for the benefit of others. We simply have to choose right over wrong and do God’s Will to the best of our abilities. We might not always succeed in our tasks, but we should strive to manifest the Holy Spirit every moment of our lives. If we do this, then God will give us the grace to succeed and produce good fruits for Him and all His people.

What gifts, talents, and resources has God given us? How can we put them to good and faithful use? How can we manifest the Spirit in our daily lives in every task, great and small?

O Lord, give us the grace to manifest you in all our thoughts, words, and works.

Amen.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Seventh Saturday of Easter

"This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains." He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul proclaimed the Good News to the ends of the world by announcing it in the heart of the pagan empire of Rome. In a similar way, we, too are called to give witness to the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ. We are called to bring God’s Word into the world. At the end of every Mass, we are sent forth to bear the message of the Gospels to those around us. We are asked to be missionaries to our families, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. This isn’t an easy mission, but it is one we must perform if we wish to be a part of the Heavenly Kingdom.

In what ways are we bearing the Good News to others? How can we become better witnesses to the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Are we willing to allow God to send us forth into the world to proclaim His Divine Word?

O Lord, help us to proclaim the Kingdom of God and teach others about you.

Amen.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Seventh Friday of Easter

His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected. Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive. Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these charges. And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.

The world doesn't quite know what to do with Christians. Some worldly people ignore us, others persecute us... and a still others see our good works and wonder if our lives reveal there is something better than the world. We cause confusion, discord, and all manner of problems for those who are part of the world. But that's what Jesus did, too. He was and still is a sign of contradiction. He died so that hearts of others might be known. He died so that we all might have a chance to live in accordance with the commandments to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths... and to love our neighbors as He loves them. Our faith isn't of the world, but it does send us forth into the world to be lights to the earth and bring people closer to God and to the promise of life everlasting.

Are we being good and faithful examples of what it means to be Christians? How can we bear the light of Jesus into the world with even more fidelity? What can we do to help others to follow the Way, to hear the Truth, and the live the Life of Christ?

O Lord, help us to bear the Good News into the world with all our strength.

Amen.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Seventh Thursday of Easter

"My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead." When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the group became divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, while the Pharisees acknowledge all three.

We all hope in the resurrection of the dead, it is one of our core beliefs. After all, if we do not believe in the resurrection, then our faith is dead. Our faith in the resurrection is a founding principle of our Christian traditions and the source of our hope in an everlasting life. We believe if we are good as our Heavenly Father is good, if we are merciful as Jesus is merciful, and if we are holy as the Holy Spirit is holy, then we shall one day join them in Heaven for all eternity. Not just as spirits, but in our resurrected and perfected bodies. This is the promise Jesus made to us through his life, death, and resurrection and if we follow in his footsteps, then we too will join him in Paradise.

What role has the belief in the resurrection played in our lives? How can we make it more meaningful to us? What are we doing to prepare ourselves for it?

O Lord, you are our hope in the resurrection of the dead.

Amen.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Seventh Wednesday of Easter

I have never wanted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You know well that these very hands have served my needs and my companions. In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

As Christians, we believe it is more blessed to give than to receive. We do not seek worldly goods or success, but rather seek to honor and glorify God through our good works and to help our neighbors as best we can. In this way, we make ourselves more and more like Christ, who put God the Father first, others second, and himself last of all. We make our lives into living sacrifices handed over to God to do with as He sees fit and poured out for the blessing of others.

Are we givers or takers in this life? How can we become more charitable people? What can we think, say, and do to help the weak?

O Lord, we want to give an example of your Way, Truth, and Life to others.

Amen.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Seventh Tuesday of Easter

You know how I lived among you the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia. I served the Lord with all humility and with the tears and trials that came to me because of the plots of the Jews, and I did not at all shrink from telling you what was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public or in your homes. I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus. But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem.

Doing God’s Will requires a great deal of sacrifice. We have to be willing to go where He leads, to do what He asks, and bear the burdens that are ours to carry. We have to humble ourselves and be willing to suffer tears and trials in order to bring the Good News to others. We have to be brave enough to speak the Truth, even when it is unpopular and might cause us to be mocked or persecuted. We have to put God and others before our selfish interests, constantly working for God’s greater glory and the benefit of all His children. We have to bear witness to our faith to all whom we meet each day. Last but not least, we have to listen to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit and seek to do God’s Will in all things... even if they take us away from all we have ever known and lead us to greater hardships. And why? Because we know in our hearts it is the right thing to do and will lead to a greater good for all.

Are we willing to sacrifice what is necessary in order to do God’s Will? Are we willing to humble ourselves and allow God to lead us to where we need to be and what we need to do? How can we become better witnesses to the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Jesus Christ?

O Lord, we choose to serve you with humility and hope.

Amen.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

Then they prayed, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place." Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.

Before they made their decision about whom should replace Judas as an Apostle, the followers of Christ prayed. They asked for guidance from God to show them which person to choose.  In a similar way, we are all called to make the same prayer when faced with a decision. We are asked to bring God into the equation and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we are less likely to choose our own path and more likely to choose God’s way. This isn’t always easy, but it is necessary if we want to be good and faithful servants. Servants who listen to their Lord and allow Him to work through, in, and with them all the days of their lives.

Do we pray to God before we make our decisions? Do we ask for His guidance and inspiration? How can we make Him more present in all our thoughts, words, and works?

O Lord, you know our hearts, show us which way we are being called to follow.

Amen.

Sunday, May 13, 2018

The Ascension of the Lord

When they had gathered together they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He answered them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.

Things in our lives don’t always go as we imagined them and sometimes that is a good thing. The disciples of Christ were so concerned about restoring the kingdom of Israel, they were blinding themselves to other possibilities. We do this, too. And it is by the grace of God that our eyes are opened through the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. His guidance can show us a new way we haven’t considered before, one which will give us a greater power for good and make us more effective witnesses of our faith. The restoration of God’s Kingdom on earth isn’t something we can control or predict. All we can do is to prepare for God’s coming, doing everything we can to be ready for the day when Jesus will return and usher in a new age of everlasting life with him.

What isn’t going as planned in our lives? Have we thanked God for these obstacles and asked Him to show us the way to a better life? How can we become better witnesses to the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Jesus Christ?

O Lord, we look forward to your return.

Amen.

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Sixth Saturday of Easter

A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent speaker, arrived in Ephesus. He was an authority on the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way of God more accurately.

We should always be seeking to build up the understanding of others in whatever way we can. We can offer our thoughts, words, and works to help cultivate their faith. Sometimes those around us need a little bit of clarification about the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ and we must do our best to explain them more fully. When we see another growing in the faith, we should do everything in our power to encourage, empower, and engage them as Jesus did with his disciples. In this way, we build up the kingdom of God through supporting those who are digging deeper into the foundations of what it means to be Christians.

How can we nurture and cultivate the faith of others? What can we do to teach the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Jesus Christ? Who are the people in our lives we can help grow in the faith?

O Lord, give us the grace to help others to follow your Way.

Amen.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Sixth Friday of Easter

One night while Paul was in Corinth, the Lord said to him in a vision, "Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city." He settled there for a year and a half and taught the word of God among them.

We all have fears and doubts. We wonder if what we are doing is the right thing. We wonder if the path we are taking will lead us to a better life. We wonder if our virtues and faith can overcome our vices and indifference. However, as long as we seek to do God's Will and go on following the Way, speaking the Truth, and living the Life, then we have nothing to fear. Nothing can truly harm us. Yes, the world can bruise us, mock us, and cast us aside, but God will be there through it all granting us His peace and protection. Our minds, our spirits, and our souls will remain untouched by the trials of the world and we shall know the tranquility that comes from knowing, loving, and serving God.

What fears, doubts, and sins do we have to overcome in order to be at peace? How can we trust in God's Love, Mercy, and Grace enough to speak the Good News? In what ways can we put God the Father, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit over our weaknesses and insecurities and let Him protect us from harm?

O Lord, help us to go on speaking the Good News and doing good works no matter the difficulties.

Amen.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Sixth Thursday of Easter

When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began to occupy himself totally with preaching the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. When they opposed him and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your heads! I am clear of responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

There is only so much we can do to spread the Word of God. We cannot force people to believe. Sometimes they are not ready to hear and forcing our faith on others could push them away from God. Instead, we should simply know, love, and serve God and others to the best of our abilities and trust that the graces from doing so will help bring others closer to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. If we have done our best and failed, then we will have done God's Will and do not have to worry about letting God or others down. Our attempts will not go in vain... although we might not see the fruits until after our death.

What can we do to spread the Word of God? Are we willing to trust God and let Him work in the hearts of others through us... even if we feel like failures? Are we willing to suffer the opposition of others in order to bring the Good News to those who need it?

O Lord, help us to occupy our days with preaching the word.

Amen.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Sixth Wednesday of Easter

For 'In him we live and move and have our being,' as even some of your poets have said, 'For we too are his offspring.' Since therefore we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the divinity is like an image fashioned from gold, silver, or stone by human art and imagination. God has overlooked the times of ignorance, but now he demands that all people everywhere repent because he has established a day on which he will 'judge the world with justice' through a man he has appointed, and he has provided confirmation for all by raising him from the dead.

It is in God that we live and move and have our being. He is the source, the center, and the summit of our existence and we should make Him the firm foundation of our faith. We should make Him the solid shelter of our hopes and dreams. We should make him the bell tower of our hearts and minds... resounding with love, mercy, and grace… calling all of God's children to a better life in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. For we are the sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, made so through His Beloved Son and the gift of His Holy Spirit. And if we want to be true to our spiritual adoption, then we must repent of our sins and allow God to manifest Himself through our every thought, word, and work.

Have we made loving God and His children the beginning, middle, and end of our lives? Have we entrusted our faith, hope, and love to Him and His guidance? Are we repentant for our sins and making amends for our faults and failings?

O Lord, in you we live, move, and have our being.

Amen.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Sixth Tuesday of Easter

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved." So they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. He took them in at that hour of the night and bathed their wounds; then he and all his family were baptized at once. He brought them up into his house and provided a meal and with his household rejoiced at having come to faith in God.

The question posed by the jailer is one that we all should seek an answer to in our lives. What must we do to be saved? Yes, believe in the Lord Jesus, but what does that mean? We can see for the jailer it means letting the prisoners free, bringing those in need to his house, and bathing their wounds. Yes, faith inspires him to do this, but he also had to choose to act on his faith. Sometimes we can have very noble and good ideas, but if we never act on them then how much good did those thoughts do us? This is why we believe faith and works go hand in hand with each other. You can't have one without the other and so we should strive to live our faith to the best of our abilities.

Do we ask God what we must do to be saved? Are we putting our faith into our works? How can we live out our beliefs more perfectly?

O Lord, help us to know what we must do to be saved.

Amen.

Monday, May 7, 2018

Sixth Monday of Easter

One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us.

Listening and paying attention to God naturally leads into acting like a Christian. Once we hear the Word of God and truly appreciate its meaning, we cannot help but put its commandments and precepts into action. Lydia does this through her hospitality. We do this through our works of charity and mercy. The love and goodness we show others reflects the teachings of Christ and live out our baptismal promises. We say to God, “Come and stay in the home of our souls.” And He comes and makes us into His Dwelling Place.

Are we listening and paying attention to the Lord? How can we put His commandments and teachings into practice? Have we done everything we can to make our hearts into dwelling places for Him?

O Lord, come and stay with us.

Amen.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

God loves us. This is a truth that should be at the foundation of our lives. No matter the difficulties or obstacles we face as long as we remember God so loved us He died for us through Jesus Christ... then we have nothing to fear. No trial or tribulation can compare to the sufferings of our Lord and Savior. If he can die for us, who have sinned against him, then we can die to ourselves and do God’s Will above our own. And isn’t true love the desire to give of ourselves for the good of others? And so, if we know, love, and serve God and His children as they deserve, then we shall find peace in this world and everlasting life in the next.

What can we do to remind ourselves that God loves us? How can we share His Love with others? How can we give thanks for His Love all the days of our lives?

O Lord, open our hearts so they might be filled with your love.

Amen.

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Fifth Saturday of Easter

During the night Paul had a vision. A Macedonian stood before him and implored him with these words, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, we sought passage to Macedonia at once, concluding that God had called us to proclaim the Good News to them.

There are times in our lives when we are called to change course. We are asked by God to leave behind everything we know and go where He is leading. This can be difficult to do for many reasons, but if we trust in God’s Providence, then we shall be rewarded for it. We might face obstacles and sufferings, but they shall be overcome with persistence, patience, and grace. So next time we think God is calling us to do something for Him, let us respond, “Yes!” Let us seek passage to that place and proclaim the Good News where God wants us to.

Are we open to changing the course of our lives in order to do what is right and good? How can we make our hearts and minds ready to listen to God’s calling? To whom are we called to proclaim the Good News?

O Lord, we are ready to go where you will.

Amen.

Friday, May 4, 2018

Fifth Friday of Easter

It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right.

Notice that in this letter, the Apostles give credit for their decision to the Holy Spirit. It is God, Himself, who has lead them to this revelation through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we believe God plays an important role in the life of the Church and guides it to make the right decisions in matters of faith and morals. This doesn’t mean it is perfect, far from it, but it does mean the collective wisdom of the teachings of the Church will lead us to do what is right and good. It might not always fit with popular philosophy or worldly pursuits, but is what we are called to do. The world might tell us to choose our own path, but God is whispering to us, “Choose mine and you will live forever.”

Do we let the Holy Spirit lead us in our decisions? How can we make Him a bigger part of our decision-making process? Do we keep ourselves free of those things that might lead us away from God?

O Lord, help us choose the right thing to do in our lives.

Amen.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles

I am reminding you, brothers and sisters, of the Gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

We preach the Good News in many ways. Through our thoughtful prayers, through our righteous words, and through our charitable and merciful works. We preach the same Gospel the first Christians preached... we are modern day apostles, great and small. If we hold fast to our faith in God, hope in His Plan, and love of Him and His children, then our belief will not be in vain. Jesus died for us, once and for all, and this is a message we are called to give witness to throughout our lives in whatever way we can with the gifts God has given us.

In what ways are we preaching the Good News? Are our lives a witness to the Way, the Truth, and the Life Jesus has handed onto us? How can we use our gifts and talents to spread the Word of God to all we meet?

O Lord, help us to preach what we have received from you and your Holy Church.

Amen.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Church, as well as by the Apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law." The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.

The particulars of our faith haven't always been set in stone. Many generations of Christians contemplated, discussed, and debated every detail. No one man or woman could have interpreted, comprehended, or proclaimed the completeness of our faith. Instead, the collective wisdom of the Church of believers, guided by the Holy Spirit, let the Wisdom of God think, speak, and work through them to form our faith from our decision to accept the Gentiles to our belief in Jesus as both God and man. None of these were easy decisions, but we believe they were inspired by God and as such they have become part of our traditions and doctrines. We would do well to remember that our faith has 2,000 years worth of thought behind it and we shouldn't be some presumptuous to believe we know better than all the great minds who came before us. Sometimes our faith requires us to believe first and then seek to understand.

Do we put our faith in the teachings and traditions of the Church above our own beliefs? How can we humble ourselves so we can seek understanding of our Church's doctrines? Are we willing to trust that the Holy Spirit is at work in our Church and that in the end everything shall lead to a greater good and a deeper understanding of our faith?

O Lord, we trust in you and your Church on earth.

Amen.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Fifth Tuesday of Easter

They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, "It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God." They appointed presbyters for them in each Church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith.

The words Barnabas and Paul spoke to the early Christians have just as much validity today. We, like our predecessors, have to persevere in faith. We have to be willing and able to undergo many hardships for the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Just as Jesus underwent a Passion for us, so, too, we must undergo one for him. We must be willing to make our lives into living sacrifices for the glory of God and the good of others. This is no easy task, but it is one that we all must perform if we want to be disciples of Christ. Thankfully, with prayer, fasting, and a firm trust in God's Divine Plan, we can become good and faithful servants and worthy successors the Apostles.

Are we persevering in our faith in the face of the temptations, distractions, and indifference of the world? Are we willing to undergo hardships for our faith? How can we make our lives into living sacrifices for God's Glory and the good of all?

O Lord, we commend ourselves to you and seek only to do your will.

Amen.