Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 286
Lectionary: 286
In those days, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium
arrived and won over the crowds.
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing that he was dead.
But when the disciples gathered around him,
he got up and entered the city.
On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
After they had proclaimed the good news to that city
and made a considerable number of disciples,
they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.
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.
Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.
After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia.
From there they sailed to Antioch,
where they had been commended to the grace of God
for the work they had now accomplished.
And when they arrived, they called the Church together
and reported what God had done with them
and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Then they spent no little time with the disciples.
arrived and won over the crowds.
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing that he was dead.
But when the disciples gathered around him,
he got up and entered the city.
On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
After they had proclaimed the good news to that city
and made a considerable number of disciples,
they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.
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.
Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.
After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia.
From there they sailed to Antioch,
where they had been commended to the grace of God
for the work they had now accomplished.
And when they arrived, they called the Church together
and reported what God had done with them
and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Then they spent no little time with the disciples.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 145:10-11, 12-13AB, 21
R.(see 12) Your
friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD,
and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD,
and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
AlleluiaSEE LK 24:46, 26
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,
and so enter into his glory.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,
and so enter into his glory.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 14:27-31A
Jesus said to his disciples:
"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.
I will no longer speak much with you,
for the ruler of the world is coming.
He has no power over me,
but the world must know that I love the Father
and that I do just as the Father has commanded me."
For the readings of the Optional Memorial of Saints Christopher Magallanes and Companions, please go here.
"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.
I will no longer speak much with you,
for the ruler of the world is coming.
He has no power over me,
but the world must know that I love the Father
and that I do just as the Father has commanded me."
For the readings of the Optional Memorial of Saints Christopher Magallanes and Companions, please go here.
Meditation:
"My peace I give to you"
Do
you know the peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7)? In
his farewell discourse Jesus grants peace as his gift to his
disciples. What kind of peace does he offer? The peace of Christ is
more than the absence of trouble. It includes everything which makes for our
highest good. The world's approach to peace is avoidance of trouble and a
refusal to face unpleasant things. Jesus offers the peace which conquers our
fears and anxieties. Nothing can take us from the peace and joy of Jesus
Christ. No sorrow or grief, no danger, no suffering can make it less.
The
true nature of peace
How can we attain the peace which the Lord Jesus offers his followers? Through the gift and work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, the Lord Jesus shows us how to yield our passions of anger, fear, and pride to him so we can receive his gift of peace. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and strengthens us with his gifts and supernatural virtues which enable us to live as wise and holy disciples of Christ.
How can we attain the peace which the Lord Jesus offers his followers? Through the gift and work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, the Lord Jesus shows us how to yield our passions of anger, fear, and pride to him so we can receive his gift of peace. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and strengthens us with his gifts and supernatural virtues which enable us to live as wise and holy disciples of Christ.
Caesarius
of Arles (470-542 AD), an early church bishop in Gaul who was noted for his
godly wisdom and preaching of Scripture, linked peace with the character of
Christ and the Christlike virtues which help us to grow as disciples of Jesus
Christ. Caesarius describes some of the key character traits (virtues) which
form us into true people of peace:
"Peace,
indeed, is serenity of mind, tranquility of soul, simplicity of heart, the bond
of love, the fellowship of charity. It removes hatred, settles wars, restrains
wrath, tramples on pride, loves the humble, pacifies the discordant and makes
enemies agree. For it is pleasing to everyone. It does not seek what belongs to
another or consider anything as its own. It teaches people to love because it
does not know how to get angry, or to extol itself or become inflated with
pride. It is meek and humble to everyone, possessing rest and tranquility
within itself. When the peace of Christ is exercised by a Christian, it is
brought to perfection by Christ. If anyone loves it, he will be an heir of God,
while anyone who despises it rebels against Christ.
"When
our Lord Jesus Christ was returning to the Father, he left his peace to his
followers as their inherited good, teaching them and saying, 'My peace I give
to you, my peace I leave with you.' Anyone who has received this peace should
keep it, and one who has destroyed it should look for it, while anyone who has
lost it should seek it. For if anyone is not found with it, he will be
disinherited by the Father and deprived of his inheritance." (Sermon
174.1)
Destiny
with the Father
Jesus speaks to his disciples about his destination - and their destiny as well. He tells them in plain words that he must return to his Father in heaven (John 14:28). If his disciples truly love him for who he is - the only begotten Son of the Father, then they will rejoice that Jesus will ascend to the throne of God and be reunited with his Father in heaven.
Jesus also speaks of his struggle - his passion, suffering and death which he undertook on the cross to redeem us from slavery to sin and death. Jesus called Satan the "ruler of this world" (John 14:30) who seeks to rob people of peace and friendship with God. Jesus defeated the evil one through his death and resurrection and won pardon and peace for all who believe in him.The victory of the cross brought glory to Jesus and to the Father and it is our way to glory with the Father in heaven as well. In the Cross of Christ we find true peace and reconciliation with God our Father. Do you live in the peace of Jesus Christ?
Jesus speaks to his disciples about his destination - and their destiny as well. He tells them in plain words that he must return to his Father in heaven (John 14:28). If his disciples truly love him for who he is - the only begotten Son of the Father, then they will rejoice that Jesus will ascend to the throne of God and be reunited with his Father in heaven.
Jesus also speaks of his struggle - his passion, suffering and death which he undertook on the cross to redeem us from slavery to sin and death. Jesus called Satan the "ruler of this world" (John 14:30) who seeks to rob people of peace and friendship with God. Jesus defeated the evil one through his death and resurrection and won pardon and peace for all who believe in him.The victory of the cross brought glory to Jesus and to the Father and it is our way to glory with the Father in heaven as well. In the Cross of Christ we find true peace and reconciliation with God our Father. Do you live in the peace of Jesus Christ?
"Lord
Jesus, may your peace be always with me. May no troubling thought, trial or
affliction rob me of the peace which passes all understanding. You, alone, O
Lord, are my Peace. May I always reside in that peace by believing in your word
and by doing your will.”
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: The Following of Christ, by
Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Come,
follow Me, says the Lord. Do you love? He has hastened on, He has flown on
ahead. Look and see where. O Christian, don't you know where your Lord has
gone? I ask you: Don't you wish to follow Him there? Through trials, insults,
the cross, and death. Why do you hesitate? Look, the way has been shown
you." (excerpt from Sermon 345,6)
TUESDAY, MAY 21, JOHN 14:27-31a
Easter Weekday
(Acts 14:19-28; Psalm 145)
Easter Weekday
(Acts 14:19-28; Psalm 145)
KEY VERSE: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you" (v.27).
TO KNOW: In anticipation of his passion and death, Jesus entreated his disciples to remain steadfast when they faced persecution and suffering. The enemy, though close at hand, held no power over them. Jesus’ farewell gift to his disciples was "peace" (Hebrew, shalom). When Jesus ascended to his Father, his first gift of the resurrection would be the peace of the Spirit. The peace that he imparted was not to be understood in the worldly sense as a cessation of hostilities. Nor could it be achieved by arbitration and treaties. Jesus' peace is the indwelling Spirit. Jesus says that we should not let fear dominate our lives, for he is with us—and with him is his peace. This peace would sustain his disciples in his absence, even in the midst of distress and fear. In their fearless proclamation of the gospel, the world would know that Jesus’ followers were obedient to the Father's will despite pain and death.
TO LOVE: In what ways do I gift others with the peace of Christ?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, grant your peace to this troubled world.
Optional Memorial of Saint Christopher Magallanes, priest, and
his companions, martyrs
"Viva Christo Rey!” — “Long Live Christ the King!” was the cry of the Christeros, in response to the anti-Catholic government in Mexico in the 1920s. The government was determined to weaken the Catholic faith of its people. Churches, schools and seminaries were closed; foreign clergy were expelled. Under the Cristero movement, members pledged their allegiance to Christ and to the church that he established to spread the Good News—even if Mexico's leaders had made it a crime to receive baptism or celebrate the Mass. Fr. Christopher Magallanes's last words were: "I am innocent and I die innocent. I forgive with all my heart those responsible for my death, and I ask God that the shedding of my blood serve the peace of our divided Mexico". Fr. Christopher and his companions were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later.
Tuesday 21 May 2019
ST CHRISTOPHER MAGALLANES AND COMPANIONS.
Acts 14:19-28. Psalm 144(145):10-13, 21. John 14:27-31.
Your friends tell the glory of your kingship, Lord – Psalm
144(145):10-13, 21.
‘If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the
Father.’
The example of Paul’s faith and hope was that, after having been
stoned so that he was thought to be dead, he was able to travel with Barnabas
the next day to preach in Derbe. And then to travel back to Antioch to put
‘fresh heart into the disciples’ and to encourage them to persevere in the
faith. Paul did not doubt that what Jesus promised would be fulfilled. What an
inspiration of faith and hope! We would do well to pray for the grace of being
ever responsive to God’s call.
Jesus handed down to us his peace. Jesus tells us: ‘Do not let
your hearts be troubled or afraid.’ Paul encourages the disciples: ‘We all have
to experience many hardships before we enter the kingdom of God.’ Let us trust
in God such that we will endure in faith and hope what hardships are to come.
Saint Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions
Saint of the Day for May 21
(d. between 1915 and 1937)
 |
| Photograph of Saint Cristóbal Magallanes Jara | Unknown |
Saint Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions’ Story
Like Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, SJ, Cristóbal and his 24
companion martyrs lived under a very anti-Catholic government in Mexico, one
determined to weaken the Catholic faith of its people. Churches, schools, and
seminaries were closed; foreign clergy were expelled. Cristóbal established a
clandestine seminary at Totatiche, Jalisco. He and the other priests were
forced to minister secretly to Catholics during the presidency of Plutarco
Calles (1924-28).
All of these martyrs, except three, were diocesan priests.
David, Manuel and Salvador were laymen who died with their parish priest, Luis
Batis. They all belonged to the Cristero movement, pledging their allegiance to
Christ and to the Church that he established, to spread the Good News in
society—even if Mexico’s leaders had made it a crime to receive baptism or
celebrate the Mass.
These martyrs did not die as a single group but over 22 years
time in eight Mexican states, with Jalisco and Zacatecas having the largest
number. They were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later.
Reflection
Every martyr realizes how to avoid execution, but refuses to pay
the high price of doing so. A clear conscience was more valuable than a long
life. We may be tempted to compromise our faith while telling ourselves that we
are simply being realistic, dealing with situations as we find them. Is
survival really the ultimate value? Do our concrete, daily choices reflect our
deepest values, the ones that allow us to “tick” the way we do? Anyone can
imagine situations in which being a follower of Jesus is easier than the
present situation. Saints remind us that our daily choices, especially in
adverse circumstances, form the pattern of our lives.
Lectio Divina: John 14:27-31a
Lectio Divina
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Easter Season
1) Opening prayer
Lord our God, almighty Father,
You have absolute power over the world,
and yet You respect the freedom of people,
even of those who persecute Your faithful.
Make us realize that our faith
does not protect us against the evil
which people bring upon one another,
but that You want us to build according to Your plan
a kingdom of justice, love and peace.
Help our faith to stand the test
when our meager efforts fail.
We ask You this through Christ our Lord.
You have absolute power over the world,
and yet You respect the freedom of people,
even of those who persecute Your faithful.
Make us realize that our faith
does not protect us against the evil
which people bring upon one another,
but that You want us to build according to Your plan
a kingdom of justice, love and peace.
Help our faith to stand the test
when our meager efforts fail.
We ask You this through Christ our Lord.
2) Gospel Reading - John 14:27-31a
Jesus said to his disciples: "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. I will no longer
speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over
me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the
Father has commanded me."
3) Reflection
• Here begins the farewell of Jesus, in John 14:27. At the end
of chapter 14 He ends the conversation, saying, “Come now, let us go!” (Jn
14:31). But instead of leaving the room, Jesus continues to speak for three
more chapters: 15, 16, and 17. At the beginning of chapter 18, we see the
following phrase: “After He had said all this, Jesus left with His disciples
and crossed the Kidron valley where there was a garden which He entered with
His disciples.” (Jn 18:1). In Jn 18:1, there is the continuation of Jn 14:31.
The Gospel of John is like a beautiful building constructed slowly, rock on top
of rock, brick upon brick. Here and there, there are signs of rearrangement or
adaptation. In some way, all the texts, all the bricks, form part of a building
and are the Word of God for us.
• John 14:27: The gift of Peace. Jesus communicates His peace to
the disciples. The same peace will be given after the Resurrection (Jn 20:29).
This peace is an expression of the manifestation of the Father, as Jesus had
said before (Jn 14:21). The peace of Jesus is the source of joy that He
communicates to us (Jn 15:11; 16:20,22,24; 17:13). It is a peace which is
different from the peace which the world gives us. It is different from Pax
Romana. At the end of the first century the Pax Romana was maintained by force
and violent repression against the rebellious movements. Pax Romana, as a
policy of the Roman government, guaranteed institutionalized inequality
between the Roman citizens and the slaves. This is not the peace of the Kingdom
of God. The peace which Jesus communicates is what in the Old Testament is
called “shalom.” It is the complete organization of all life around the
values of justice, fraternity and equality.
• John 14:28-29: The reason why Jesus returns to the Father.
Jesus returns to the Father in order to be able to return immediately. He will
say to Mary Magdalene, “Do not cling to me, because I have not yet ascended to
the Father” (Jn 20:17). Going up to the Father, He will return through the Holy
Spirit which He will send (cf. Jn 20; 22). Without the return to the Father, He
will not be able to stay with us through the Spirit.
• John 14:30-31a: That the world may know that I love the
Father. Jesus had ended the last conversation with the disciples. The prince of
this world wanted to impose himself on the destiny of Jesus. Jesus will die. In
reality, the prince of this world, the Tempter, the Devil, has no power over
Jesus. The world will know that Jesus loves the Father. This is the great
witness of Jesus which impels the world to believe in Him. In proclaiming the
Good News, it is not a question of spreading doctrine or imposing Canon Law, or
of uniting all in one organization. It is above all a question of living and
radiating what the human being desires and has deeper in his heart through
intimacy with God: love. Without this, the doctrine, the Law, the celebration,
will only be a wig on a bald head.
• John 14:31b: Come now, let us go. These are the last words of
Jesus and the expression of His decision to be obedient to the Father,
revealing His love. In the Eucharist, at the moment of the consecration, in
some countries, it is said, “On the day before His passion, voluntarily
accepted.” In another place Jesus says, “This is why the Father loves Me:
because I lay down My life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from
Me, but I lay it down of My own free will. I have power to lay it down so
I have power to take it up again, and this is the command that I have received
from My Father.” (Jn 10:17-18)
4) Personal questions
• Jesus says, “I give you My peace.” How do I contribute to the
building of peace in my family and in my community?
• Looking into the mirror of the obedience of Jesus toward the Father, how could I improve my obedience to the Father?
• Jesus told His disciples beforehand so that they would believe. Do I need to “see” beforehand in order to believe, or do I see everything with faith and trust?
• We also have choices to lay down our “life” for others every day – in charity and denial of self in order to serve others in our daily “life”. Do I volunteer my “life” every day, all day, or only sometimes or only when asked?
• Looking into the mirror of the obedience of Jesus toward the Father, how could I improve my obedience to the Father?
• Jesus told His disciples beforehand so that they would believe. Do I need to “see” beforehand in order to believe, or do I see everything with faith and trust?
• We also have choices to lay down our “life” for others every day – in charity and denial of self in order to serve others in our daily “life”. Do I volunteer my “life” every day, all day, or only sometimes or only when asked?
5) Concluding Prayer
All Your creatures shall thank You, Yahweh,
and Your faithful shall bless You.
They shall speak of the glory of Your kingship
and tell of Your might. (Ps 145:10-11)
and Your faithful shall bless You.
They shall speak of the glory of Your kingship
and tell of Your might. (Ps 145:10-11)
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét