May 1
Thursday

6th Week of Easter
Joseph the Worker

First Reading: Gen 1:26-2:3

God said, "Let us make man in our image, to our likeness. Let them rule over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, over the cattle, over the wild animals, and over all creeping things that crawl along the ground." So God created man in his image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it, rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the sky, over every living creature that moves on the ground."
God said, "I have given you every seed-bearing plant which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree that bears fruit with seed. It will be for your food. To every wild animal, to every bird of the sky, to everything that creeps along the ground, to everything that has the breath of life, I give every green plant for food." So it was.
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. There was evening and there was morning: the sixth day. That was the way the sky and earth were created and all their vast array. By the seventh day the work God had done was completed, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had done. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on that day he rested from all the work he had done in his creation.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 90:2, 3-4, 12-13, 14 and 16
Lord, give success to the work of our hands.

Gospel Reading: Mt 13:54-58

Jesus went to his hometown and taught the people in their synagogue. They were amazed and said, "Where did he get this wisdom and these special powers? Isn't he the carpenter's son? Isn't Mary his mother and aren't James, Joseph, Simon and Judas his brothers? Aren't all his sisters living here? How did he get all this?" And so they took offense at him.
Jesus said to them, "The only place where prophets are not welcome is their hometown and in their own family." And he did not perform many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Commentary
The Church gives us this feast of St. Joseph the Worker as a reminder to us of the dignity of human labor. God Himself labored for six days to create the world, resting on the seventh. If work is befitting our God, then certainly it befits each of us.
Depending upon our attitude, the work that we do can be a burden or it can be a means by which we give God glory and honor. Unless the work is sinful, no person lacks the opportunity to render to God a great gift through his or her job performance. May St. Joseph who was no stranger to hard work, intercede for all who labor.

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May 2
Friday

6th Week of Easter
Athanasius

First Reading: Acts 18:9-18

One night, in a vision, the Lord said to Paul, "Do not be afraid, but continue speaking and do not be silent, for many people in this city are mine. I am with you, so no one will harm you." So Paul stayed a year and a half in that place, teaching the word of God among them.
When Gallio was governor of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the court. And they accused him, "This man tries to persuade us to worship God in ways that are against the Law."
Paul was about to speak in his own defense when Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of a misdeed or vicious crime, I would have to consider your complaint. But since this is a quarrel about teachings and divine names that are proper to your own law, see to it yourselves: I refuse to judge such matters." And he sent them out of the court.
Then the people seized Sosthenes, a leading man of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal; but Gallio paid no attention to it.
Paul stayed on with the disciples in Corinth for many days; he then left them and sailed off with Priscilla and Aquila for Syria. And as he was no longer under a vow he had taken, he shaved his head before sailing from Cenchreae.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
God is king of all the earth.

Gospel Reading: Jn 16:20-23

Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. A woman in childbirth is in distress because her time is at hand. But after the child is born, she no longer remembers her suffering because of such great joy: a human being is born into the world.
"You feel sorrowful now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice. And no one will take your joy from you. When that day comes you will not ask me anything. Truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my Name, he will give you."

Commentary
Why do we have to endure hardships in this life? Why are followers of the Lord made to suffer so greatly?
Jesus offers great insight into these piercing questions by citing the necessary sufferings of a mother in labor. Though the suffering might be intense, it soon gives way to joy of great measure. So it will be with those who believe and remain steadfast in the faith. St. Paul would put it this way: "I consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing to the glory to be revealed."

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May 3
Saturday

Philip and James

First Reading: 1 Cor 15:1-8

Let me remind you, brothers and sisters, of the Good News that I preached to you and which you received and on which you stand firm. By that Gospel you are saved, provided that you hold to it as I preached it. Otherwise, you will have believed in vain.
In the first place, I have passed on to you what I myself received: that Christ died for our sins, as Scripture says; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve. Afterwards he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters together; most of them are still alive, although some have already gone to rest. Then he appeared to James and after that to all the apostles. And last of all, he appeared to the most despicable of them, this is to me.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 19:2-3, 4-5
Their message goes out through all the earth.

Gospel Reading: Jn 14:6-14

Jesus said to Thomas, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me. If you know me, you will know the Father also; indeed you know him and you have seen him."
Philip asked him, "Lord, show us the Father and that is enough." Jesus said to him, "What! I have been with you so long and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever sees me sees the Father; how can you say: 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
"All that I say to you, I do not say of myself. The Father who dwells in me is doing his own work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; at least believe it on the evidence of these works that I do.
"Truly, I say to you, the one who believes in me will do the same works that I do; and he will even do greater than these, for I am going to the Father. Everything you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. And everything you ask in calling upon my Name, I will do."

Commentary
The fact that this Scripture is given to us several times in the Easter Season points to its importance. When the apostles struggled to understand the identity of Jesus and the implications of His message, Jesus invited them to place their absolute trust in Him. Only one who is perfect is deserving of absolute trust, and the Lord is absolutely reliable.
Making an act of faith in Jesus is not always easy. May the Holy Spirit help us to remember the Lord's invitation to trust in him, and may we be confident that those who trust in the Lord are never disappointed.

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May 4
Sunday

Ascension Sunday

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

In the first part of my work, Theophilus, I wrote of all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he ascended to heaven.
But first he had instructed through the Holy Spirit the apostles he had chosen. After his passion, he presented himself to them, giving many signs that he was alive; over a period of forty days he appeared to them and taught them concerning the kingdom of God. Once when he had been eating with them, he told them, "Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the fulfillment of the Father's promise about which I have spoken to you: John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit within a few days."
When they had come together, they asked him, "Is it now that you will restore the Kingdom of Israel?" And he answered, "It is not for you to know the time and the steps that the Father has fixed 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, even to the ends of the earth."
After Jesus said this, he was taken up before their eyes and a cloud hid him from their sight. While they were still looking up to heaven where he went, suddenly, two men dressed in white stood beside them and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven, will return in the same way as you have seen him go there."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord

Second Reading: Eph 1:17-23

Brothers and sisters, may the God of Christ Jesus our Lord, the Father of Glory, reveal himself to you and give you a spirit of wisdom, that you may know him.
May he enlighten your inner vision, that you may appreciate the things we hope for, since we were called by God.
May you know how great is the inheritance, the glory, God sets apart for his saints; may you understand with what extraordinary power he acts in favor of us who believe.
He revealed his almighty power in Christ when he raised him from the dead and had him sit at his right hand in heaven, far above all rule, power, authority, dominion, or any other supernatural force that could be named, not only in this world but in the world to come as well.
Thus has God put all things under the feet of Christ and set him above all things, as head of the Church which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Gospel Reading: Mt 28:16-20

As for the Eleven disciples, they went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Jesus, they bowed before him, although some doubted.
Then Jesus approached them and said, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples from all nations. Baptize them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to fulfill all that I have commanded you. I am with you always until the end of this world."

Commentary
How seemingly strange that the Lord would make a solemn promise to remain with His Church forever, only to then ascend into the heavens. Yet the Lord knew that the Holy Spirit would soon come and make it possible for Him to keep that promise in a magnanimous way.
The Lord does not leave us orphaned, but remains with us most especially in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. He keeps His promise and allows us to find Him exactly where He said He could be found, in the breaking of the bread that is His Body, and in the sharing of the chalice that is His Blood.

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May 5
Monday

7th Week of Easter

First Reading: Acts 19:1-8

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples whom he asked, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?" They answered, "We have not even heard that anyone may receive the Holy Spirit." Paul then asked, "What kind of baptism have you received?" And they answered, "The baptism of John."
Paul then explained, "John's baptism was for conversion, but he himself said they should believe in the one who was to come, and that one is Jesus." Upon hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Paul laid his hands on them and the Holy Spirit came down upon them; and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy. There were about twelve of them in all.
Paul went into the synagogue and for three months he preached and discussed there boldly, trying to convince them about the Kingdom of God.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

Gospel Reading: Jn 16:29-33

The disciples said to Jesus, "Now you are speaking plainly and not in veiled language! Now we see that you know all things, even before we question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God."
Jesus answered them, "You say that you believe! The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.
"I have told you all this, so that in me you may have peace. You will have trouble in the world; but, courage! I have overcome the world."

Commentary
Jesus knew the difficulties that His followers would face in living out the faith. Disciples of Jesus are not exempt from suffering. In fact, they are targets of persecution.
Yet suffering for the sake of the Gospel is a privilege, and when we unite our sufferings with His we participate in His work of redemption. We pray not that our sufferings will diminish, but that we will have the strength we need to carry the cross.
Without the cross there can be no resurrection, without suffering there can be no glory.

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May 6
Tuesday

7th Week of Easter

First Reading: Acts 20:17-27

From Miletus Paul sent word to Ephesus, summoning the elders of the Church. When they came to him, he addressed them, "You know how I lived among you from the first day I set foot in the province of Asia, how I served the Lord in humility through the sorrows and trials that the Jews caused me. You know that I never held back from doing anything that could be useful for you; I spoke publicly and in your homes and I urged Jews and non-Jews alike to turn to God and believe in our Lord Jesus.
"But now I am going to Jerusalem, chained by the Spirit, without knowing what will happen to me there. Yet in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that imprisonment and troubles await me. Indeed I put no value on my life, if only I can finish my race and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the Lord Jesus, to announce the good news of God's grace.
"I now feel sure that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom of God will ever see me again. Therefore I declare to you this day that my conscience is clear with regard to all of you. For I have spared no effort in fully declaring to you God's will."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 68:10-11, 20-21
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

Gospel Reading: Jn 17:1-11a

Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; give glory to your Son, that the Son may give glory to you. You have given him power over all mortals, and you want him to bring eternal life to all you have entrusted to him. For this is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and the One you sent, Jesus Christ.
"I have glorified you on earth and finished the work that you gave me to do. Now, Father, give me in your presence the same Glory I had with you before the world began.
"I have made your name known to those you gave me from the world. They were yours and you gave them to me, and they kept your word. And now they know that all you have given me comes indeed from you. I have given them the teaching I received from you, and they received it and know in truth that I came from you; and they believe that you have sent me.
"I pray for them; I do not pray for the world but for those who belong to you and whom you have given to me-indeed all I have is yours and all you have is mine-and now they are my glory. I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world whereas I am going to you. Holy Father, keep them in your Name (that you have given me,) so that they may be one, just as we are."

Commentary
During His last night on earth, amidst the agony in the garden, our Lord prayed for us. He prayed that we might always remain steadfast in our faith, and that we might never give in to the temptation to follow any other road than the one that leads to heaven.
Jesus desires that all men and women be saved, that all be drawn into the fullness of life. May we pray for those who do not yet believe in Him, that they will be enlightened by the truth of the Gospel and come to know the Lord Jesus, who alone is the path of eternal life.

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May 7
Wednesday

7th Week of Easter

First Reading: Acts 20:28-38

"Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock the Holy Spirit has placed into your care. Shepherd the Church of the Lord that he has won at the price of his own blood. I know that after I leave, ruthless wolves will come among you and not spare the flock. And from among you, some will arise corrupting the truth and inducing the disciples to follow them.
"Be on the watch, therefore, remembering that for three years, night and day, I did not cease to warn everyone even with tears. Now I commend you to God and to his grace-filled word, which is able to make you grow and gain the inheritance that you shall share with all the saints.
"I have not looked for anyone's silver, gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have provided for both my needs and the needs of those who were with me. In every way I have shown you that by so working hard one must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, 'Happiness lies more in giving than in receiving.'"
After this discourse, Paul knelt down with them and prayed. Then they all began to weep and threw their arms around him and kissed him. They were deeply distressed because he had said that they would never see him again. And they went with him even to the ship.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

Gospel Reading: Jn 17:11b-19

Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed, "I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world whereas I am going to you. Holy Father, keep them in your Name (that you have given me,) so that they may be one, just as we are.
"When I was with them, I kept them safe in your Name, and not one was lost except the one who was already lost, and in this the Scripture was fulfilled. But now I am coming to you and I leave these my words in the world that my joy may be complete in them.
"I have given them your word and the world has hated them because they are not of the world; just as I am not of the world. I do not ask you to remove them from the world but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world; consecrate them in the truth-your word is truth.
"I have sent them into the world as you sent me into the world, and for their sake, I go to the sacrifice by which I am consecrated, so that they too may be consecrated in truth."

Commentary
St. Augustine said so aptly that we are called to be in the world but not of the world. We have here no lasting city, for we are but sojourners, strangers in a strange land. Is it any wonder that we feel at times that we do not belong, that our cares are beyond the limitations of this world, and that we are destined for things greater that what the world can offer?
May we store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, so that we might one day enjoy the fruits of doing the Lord's work here on earth.

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May 8
Thursday

7th Week of Easter

First Reading: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11

The next day the commander wanted to know for certain the charges the Jews were making against Paul. So he released him from prison and called together the High Priest and the whole Council; and they brought Paul down and made him stand before them.
Paul knew that part of the Council were Sadducees and others Pharisees; so he spoke out in the Council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, son of a Pharisee. It is for the hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial here."
At these words, an argument broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees and the whole assembly was divided. For the Sadducees claim that there is neither resurrection, nor angels nor spirits, while the Pharisees acknowledge all these things.
Then the shouting grew louder, and some teachers of the Law of the Pharisee party protested, "We find nothing wrong with this man. Maybe a spirit or an angel has spoken to him."
With this the argument became so violent that the commander feared that Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He therefore ordered the soldiers to go down and rescue him from their midst and take him back to the fortress.
That night the Lord stood by Paul and said, "Courage! As you have borne witness to me here in Jerusalem, so must you do in Rome."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

Gospel Reading: Jn 17:20-26

Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed, "I pray not only for these but also for those who through their word will believe in me. May they all be one as you Father are in me and I am in you. May they be one in us; so the world may believe that you have sent me.
"I have given them the Glory you have given me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. Thus they shall reach perfection in unity and the world shall know that you have sent me and that I have loved them just as you loved me.
"Father, since you have given them to me, I want them to be with me where I am and see the Glory you gave me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
"Righteous Father, the world has not known you but I have known you, and these have known that you have sent me. As I revealed your Name to them, so will I continue to reveal it, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I also may be in them."

Commentary
We profess in the Nicene Creed that the Church is one. We know that the Church does enjoy a certain "one-ness," a unity of belief, and still we pray and work that we will become even more united.
Jesus prays that divisions between us will cease, and that the human race will enjoy the same unity that He experiences with His Father. We must be on guard against attitudes and behaviors that undermine the unity for which the Lord prays, and we must count it a privilege to be able to work to create bridges of understanding between those who would otherwise be separated.

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May 9
Friday

7th Week of Easter

First Reading: Acts 25:13b-21

As they were to stay there several days, Festus told the king about Paul's case and said to him.
"We have here a man whom Felix left as a prisoner. When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews accused him and asked me to sentence him. I told them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over a man without giving him an opportunity to defend himself in front of his accusers. So they came and I took my seat without delay on the tribunal and sent for the man.
"When the accusers had the floor, they did not accuse him of any of the crimes that I was led to think he had committed; instead they quarreled with him about religion and about a certain Jesus who has died but whom Paul asserted to be alive. I did not know what to do about this case, so I asked Paul if he wanted to go to Jerusalem to be tried there. But Paul appealed to be judged by the emperor. So I ordered that he be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab
The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

Gospel Reading: Jn 21:15-19

After Jesus and his disciples had finished breakfast, he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." And Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
A second time Jesus said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" And Peter answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Look after my sheep." And a third time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was saddened because Jesus asked him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you."
Jesus then said, "Feed my sheep. Truly, I say to you, when you were young you put on your belt and walked where you liked. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will put a belt around you and lead you where you do not wish to go."
Jesus said this to make known the kind of death by which Peter was to glorify God. And he added, "Follow me."

Commentary
Three times did St. Peter deny our Lord, and three times does Jesus give Peter the opportunity to express his love. The scene is marked by a tension that gradually gives way to Peter's expression of devotion and the Lord's entrusting him with the care of the Church.
To each of us, Jesus issues the very invitation that He extended to St. Peter: To follow Him wherever He might lead, to follow Him into the greatest adventure we could ever know.
May our response be as wholehearted as was St. Peter's.

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May 10
Saturday

7th Week of Easter
Bl. Damien Joseph de Veuster of Moloka'i

First Reading: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

Upon our arrival in Rome, the captain turned the prisoners over to the military governor but permitted Paul to lodge in a private house with the soldier who guarded him.
After three days, Paul called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them: "Brothers, though I have not done anything against our people or against the traditions of our fathers, I ?was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. They examined me and wanted to set me free, for they saw nothing in my case that deserved death. But the Jews objected, so I was forced to appeal to Caesar without the least intention of bringing any case against my own people. Therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I bear these chains."
Paul stayed for two whole years in a house he himself rented, where he received without any hindrance all those who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught the truth about Jesus Christ, the Lord, quite openly and without any hindrance.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 11:4, 5, 7
The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

Gospel Reading: Jn 21:20-25

Peter looked back and saw that the disciple Jesus loved was following as well, the one who had reclined close to Jesus at the supper and had asked him, "Lord, who is to betray you?" On seeing him Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain until I come, does that concern you? Follow me."
Because of this the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus had not said to Peter, "He will not die," but "suppose I want him to remain until I come."
It is this disciple who testifies about the things he has recorded here and we know that his testimony is true. But Jesus did many other things; if all were written down, the world itself would not hold the books recording them.

Commentary
Our faith in the Lord Jesus is based upon the eyewitness testimony of many people, including St. John, the beloved apostle and the writer of today's Gospel. Still, there are many more testimonies of the power of the Lord to do great and wonderful things in the lives of ordinary people like you and me. In fact, your relationship with the Lord is an important volume for the library of which St. John speaks, the collection of accounts of the Lord's mighty deeds.
By God's grace, may your life serve as an inspiration for others. May your faith in Jesus Christ be an open book from which others can read.

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May 11
Sunday

Pentecost Sunday

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

When the day of Pentecost came, the apostles were all together in one place. And suddenly out of the sky came a sound like a strong rushing wind and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. There appeared tongues as if of fire which parted and came to rest upon each one of them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.
Staying in Jerusalem were religious Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered, all excited because each heard them speaking in his own language. Full of amazement and wonder, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that we hear them in our own native language? Here are Parthians, Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and foreigners who accept Jewish beliefs, Cretians and Arabians; and all of us hear them proclaiming in our own language what God, the Savior, does.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:3-7, 12-13

I tell you that nobody inspired by the Spirit of God may say, "A curse on Jesus," as no one can say, "Jesus is the Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
There is diversity of gifts, but the Spirit is the same. There is diversity of ministries, but the Lord is the same. There is diversity of works, but the same God works in all.
The Spirit reveals his presence in each one with a gift that is also a service.
As the body is one, having many members, and all the members, while being many, from one body, so it is with Christ.
All of us, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, have been baptized in one Spirit to form one body and all of us have been given to drink from the one Spirit.

Gospel Reading: Jn 20:19-23

On the evening of that day, the first day after the Sabbath, the doors were locked where the disciples were, because of their fear of the Jews, but Jesus came and stood in their midst. He said to them, "Peace be with you"; then he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples kept looking at the Lord and were full of joy.
Again Jesus said to them, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." After saying this he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit; for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained."

Commentary
This day the Church sings out the ancient prayer, "Come, Holy Spirit!" We pray that we might experience today the vitality, enthusiasm and courage of the early Church, and that our efforts to evangelize this troubled world of ours will meet with the same success as those who felt the strong, rushing wind of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit is no less present today than when the apostles and the Blessed Mother gathered in the upper room. May we open ourselves to the gifts of the Holy Spirit by praying with great fervor, "Come, Holy Spirit!"

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May 12
Monday

6th Week in Ordinary Time
Nereus and Achilleus / Pancras

First Reading: Jas 1:1-11

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, sends greetings to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations.
Consider yourselves fortunate, my brothers and sisters, when you meet with every kind of trial, for you know that the testing of your faith makes you steadfast. Let your steadfastness become perfect with deeds, that you yourselves may be perfect and blameless, without any defect.
If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God who gives to all easily and unconditionally. But ask with faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave driven and tossed on the sea by the wind. Such a person should not expect anything from the Lord, since the doubter has two minds and his conduct will always be insecure.
Let the believer who is poor boast in being uplifted, and let the rich one boast in being humbled, because he will pass away like the flower of the field. The sun rises and its heat dries the grass; the flower withers and its beauty vanishes. So, too, will the rich person fade away even in the midst of his pursuits.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76
Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.

Gospel Reading: Mk 8:11-13

The Pharisees came and started to argue with Jesus. Hoping to embarrass him, they asked for some heavenly sign. Then his spirit was moved. He gave a deep sigh and said, "Why do the people of this present time ask for a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this people." Then he left them, got into the boat again and went to the other side of the lake.

Commentary
When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert, He was given the opportunity to perform miracles in exchange for food, riches and power. Jesus refused then, just as He refuses to perform a miracle for the Pharisees. The miracles of Jesus are always done for a person's physical or spiritual well-being, and to inspire faith. He never performs a miracle (or sign) when it is simply in His own interest.
Jesus' response to the Pharisees anticipates His triumph over sin and death in the resurrection, the one, great sign that makes it possible for all men and women to believe in Jesus' divinity.

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May 13
Tuesday

6th Week in Ordinary Time
Our Lady of Fatima

First Reading: Jas 1:12-18

Happy are those who patiently endure trials, because afterwards they will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, "This temptation comes from God." God is never tempted and he can never tempt anyone. Instead, each of us is lured and enticed by our own evil desire. Once this desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when fully grown, gives birth to death.
Do not be deceived, my beloved. Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of Light, in whom there is no change or shadow of a change. By his own will he gave us life through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of offering to him among his creatures.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 94:12-13a, 14-15, 18-19
Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.

Gospel Reading: Mk 8:14-21

The disciples had forgotten to bring more bread and had only one loaf with them in the boat. Then Jesus warned them, "Keep your eyes open and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod." And they said to one another, "He saw that we have no bread."
Aware of this, Jesus asked them, "Why are you talking about the loaves you are short of? Do you not see or understand? Are your minds closed? Have you eyes that don't see and ears that don't hear? And do you not remember when I broke the five loaves among five thousand? How many baskets full of leftovers did you collect?" They answered, "Twelve." "And having seven loaves for the four thousand, how many wicker baskets of leftovers did you collect?" They answered, "Seven." Then Jesus said to them, "Do you still not understand?"

Commentary
A small amount of yeast has powerful effect upon the dough, just as one person yield a powerful influence upon a large group. The negative, disparaging attitude of the Pharisee and the corrupt practices of Herod would exert a corrosive influence upon the people of Israel.
On the contrary, a nation and indeed the human race would be saved by the wisdom and compassion of Jesus, along with His willingness to lay down His life for the flock. Through our baptism, we are configured to Jesus Christ and are become light to the world, salt of the earth, and yeast for this troubled world of ours.

May 14
Wednesday

6th Week in Ordinary Time
Matthias

First Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

It was during this time that Peter stood up in the midst of the community-about one hundred and twenty in all-and he said:
"Brothers, it was necessary that the Scriptures referring to Judas be fulfilled. The Holy Spirit had spoken through David about the one who would lead the crowd coming to arrest Jesus. He was one of our number and had been called to share our common ministry.
"In the book of Psalms it is written: Let his house become deserted and may no one live in it. But it is also written: May another take his office. Therefore we must choose someone from among those who were with us during all the time that the Lord Jesus moved about with us, beginning with John's baptism until the day when Jesus was taken away from us. One of these has to become, with us, a witness to his resurrection."
Then they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, also known as Justus, and Matthias. They prayed: "You know, Lord, what is in the hearts of all. Show us, therefore, which of the two you have chosen to replace Judas in this apostolic ministry which he deserted to go to the place he deserved."
Then they drew lots between the two and the choice fell on Matthias who was added to the eleven apostles.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.

Gospel Reading: Jn 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples, "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love. You will remain in my love if you keep my commandments, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.
"I have told you all this, that my own joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this, to give one's life for one's friends; and you are my friends if you do what I command you.
"I shall not call you servants any more, because servants do not know what their master is about. Instead I have called you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father.
"You did not choose me; it was I who chose you and sent you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. And everything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.
"This is my command, that you love one another."

Commentary
The Lord sets an incredibly high standard for His disciples in commanding us to love one another as He has loved us. His love is unconditional, ours can only be limited. His love would forgive those who persecuted Him, ours seem to struggle at getting over petty grudges. His love would take Him to the cross, ours hesitates and falters at even the hint of a small sacrifice.
How else but by drawing near to Jesus through Word and Sacrament can we ever hope to fulfill the new commandment to love others as He first loved us?

May 15
Thursday

6th Week in Ordinary Time
Isidore the Farmer

First Reading: Jas 2:1-9

My brothers and sisters, if you truly believe in our glorified Lord, Jesus Christ, you will not discriminate between persons. Suppose a person enters the synagogue where you are assembled, dressed magnificently and wearing a gold ring; at the same time, a poor person enters dressed in rags. If you focus your attention on the well-dressed and say, "Come and sit in the best seat," while to the poor one you say, "Stay standing or else sit down at my feet," have you not, in fact, made a distinction between the two? Have you not judged, using a double standard?
Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters, did God not choose the poor of this world to receive the riches of faith and to inherit the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him? Yet you despise them! Is it not the rich who are against you and drag you to court? Do they not insult the holy name of Christ by which you are called?
If you keep the Law of the Kingdom, according to Scripture: Love your neighbor as yourself, you do well; but if you make distinctions between persons, you break the law and are condemned by the same law.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Gospel Reading: Mk 8:27-33

Jesus set out with his disciples for the villages around Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" And they told him, "Some say you are John the Baptist; others say you are Elijah or one of the prophets."
Then Jesus asked them, "But you, who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah." And he ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
Jesus then began to teach them that the Son of Man had to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. He would be killed and after three days rise again. Jesus said all this quite openly, so that Peter took him aside and began to protest strongly. But Jesus turning around, and looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter saying, "Get behind me Satan! You are thinking, not as God does, but as people do."

Commentary
Jesus' identity as the Messiah is inextricable from His role as the Suffering Servant spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, the one who will suffer greatly, like a lamb being led to the slaughter. Only by giving everything that He had to give would Jesus fulfill the mission for which He was sent by His Heavenly Father.
This critical connection between Jesus' identity and mission is difficult for us to fathom, let alone follow. To do so, we must think as God does, putting on the mind of Christ and allowing ourselves to be led not by our base desires, but by conformity to the will of the Lord.

May 16
Friday

6th Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Jas 2:14-24, 26

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, to profess faith without showing works? Such faith has no power to save you. If a brother or sister is in need of clothes or food and one of you says, "May things go well for you; be warm and satisfied," without attending to their material needs, what good is that? So it is for faith without deeds: it is totally dead.
Say to whoever challenges you, "You have faith and I have good deeds; show me your faith apart from actions and I, for my part, will show you my faith in the way I act." Do you believe there is one God? Well enough, but do not forget that the demons also believe and tremble with fear!
You foolish one, do you have to be convinced that faith without deeds is useless? Think of our father Abraham. Was he not justified by the act of offering his son Isaac on the altar? So you see, his faith was active along with his deeds and became perfect by what he did. The word of Scripture was thus fulfilled, Abraham believed in God so he was considered a righteous person and he was called the friend of God.
So you see, a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
So, just as the body is dead without its spirit, so faith without deeds is also dead.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Blessed the man who greatly delights in the Lord's commands.

Gospel Reading: Mk 8:34-9:1

Jesus called the people and his disciples and said, "If you want to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me. For if you choose to save your life, you will lose it; and if you lose your life for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel, you will save it.
"What good is it to gain the whole world but destroy yourself? There is nothing you can give to recover your life. I tell you: If anyone is ashamed of me and of my words among this adulterous and sinful people, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the Glory of his Father with the holy angels."
And he went on to say, "Truly I tell you, there are some here who will not die before they see the kingdom of God coming with power."

Commentary
Following Jesus will take us inevitably to the cross, yet through our acceptance of the cross we will find the glory of the resurrection. In serving Him do we find our freedom, and in giving up all things for the sake of the Kingdom do we find the greatest treasures our hearts could ever imagine.
The image of the cross dominates our experience of following Jesus, from the cross at church to the cross worn around the neck. May we never forget all that Jesus asks of us, nor may we forget all that He promises.

May 17
Saturday

6th Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Jas 3:1-10

My brothers and sisters, don't all be teachers! You know that, as teachers, we will be judged most strictly; in fact, we make mistakes, like everybody else. A person who commits no offense in speech is perfect and capable of ruling the whole self. We put a bit into the horse's mouth to master it and, with this, we control its whole body. The same is true of ships: however big they are and driven by strong winds, they are guided by a tiny rudder. In the same way, the tongue is a tiny part of the body but it is capable of great things.
A small flame is enough to set a huge forest on fire. The tongue is a similar flame; it is in itself a whole world of evil. It infects the whole being and sets fire to our world with the very fire of hell. Wild animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures of every kind are and have been ruled by the human species. Nobody, however, can control the tongue; it is an untiring whip, full of deadly poison. We use it to bless God, our Father, and also to curse those made in God's likeness. From the same mouth come both blessing and curse.
Brothers and sisters, this should not be the case.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 12:2-3, 4-5, 7-8
You will protect us, Lord.

Gospel Reading: Mk 9:2-13

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain. There his appearance was changed before their eyes. Even his clothes shone, becoming as white as no bleach of this world could make them. Elijah and Moses appeared to them; the two were talking with Jesus.
Then Peter spoke and said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." For he did not know what to say; they were overcome with awe. But a cloud formed, covering them in a shadow, and from the cloud came this word, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him." And suddenly, as they looked around, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus with them.
As they came down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man be risen from the dead. So they kept this to themselves, although they discussed with one another what 'to rise from the dead' could mean.
Finally they asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the Law say that Elijah must come first?" Jesus answered them, "Of course, Elijah will come first so that everything may be as it should be... But, why do the Scriptures say that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be despised? I tell you that Elijah has already come and they have treated him as they pleased, as the Scriptures say of him."

Commentary
All that Jesus says about the necessity to suffer first and then enter into glory is verified for the apostles upon the high mountain where He is transfigured. Jesus gives His closest followers a glimpse of His divinity so as to prepare them for the scandal of the cross.
Peter, James and John would not be able to understand the full significance of the transfiguration until after the resurrection, nor are we able to make sense of Jesus' life and our own calling until we see them in the light of His victory over sin and death. The cross of Jesus is our only hope.

May 18
Sunday

Trinity Sunday

First Reading: Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9

Moses rose early in the morning and went up Mount Sinai as Yahweh had commanded, taking in his hands the two slabs of stone.
And Yahweh came down in a cloud and stood there with him, and Moses called on the name of Yahweh.
Then Yahweh passed in front of him and cried out, "Yahweh, Yahweh is a God full of pity and mercy, slow to anger and abounding in truth and loving-kindness."
Moses hastened to bow down to the ground and worshiped. He then said, "If you really look kindly on me, my Lord, please come and walk in our midst and even though we are a stiff-necked people, pardon our wickedness and our sin and make us yours."

Responsorial Psalm:
Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55
Glory and praise for ever.

Second Reading: 2 Cor 13:11-13

Brothers and sisters, be happy, strive to be perfect, have courage, be of one mind and live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
The grace of Christ Jesus the Lord, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Gospel Reading: Jn 3:16-18

Jesus said to Nicodemus, "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but may have eternal life. God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world; instead, through him the world is to be saved. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned. He who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God."

Commentary
Everything that we have and all that we are is a pure gift from God. Our life, our opportunities, our families, and above all our Catholic faith are all precious gifts that flow from the infinite wellspring of the love of God. Proof positive of God's love is His sending into the world His only begotten Son, the greatest gift He could ever give us, the gift given so that we might have life and have it to the full.
The bestowal of a gift invites a response: acceptance of the gift and a sincere response of thanksgiving. May we be certain to do both each and every day of our lives.

May 19
Monday

7th Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Jas 3:13-18

If you consider yourself wise and learned, show it by your good life and let your actions, in all humility, be an example for others. But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and ambition, do not try to show off; that would be covering up the truth; this kind of wisdom does not come from above but from the world and it is earthly and devilish. Wherever there is jealousy and ambition, you will also find discord and all that is evil. Instead, the wisdom that comes from above is pure and peace-loving. Persons with this wisdom show understanding and listen to advice; they are full of compassion and good works; they are impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow peace reap a harvest of justice.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15
The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart!

Gospel Reading: Mk 9:14-29

When Jesus came down the mountain with Peter, James and John to the place where they had left the disciples, they saw many people around and some teachers of the Law arguing with them. When the people saw Jesus, they were astonished and ran to greet him.
He asked, "What are you arguing about with them?" A man answered him from the crowd, "Master, I brought my son to you for he has a dumb spirit. Whenever the spirit seizes him, it throws him down and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth and becomes stiff all over. I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they could not."
Jesus replied, "You faithless people. How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him.
As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it shook and convulsed the boy who fell on the ground and began rolling about, foaming at the mouth. Then Jesus asked the father, "How long has this been happening to him?" He replied, "From childhood. And it has often thrown him into the fire and into the water to destroy him. If you can do anything, have pity on us and help us."
Jesus said to him, "Why do you say: 'If you can?' All things are possible for one who believes." Immediately the father of the boy cried out, "I do believe, but help the little faith I have."
Jesus saw that the crowd was increasing rapidly, so he ordered the evil spirit, "Dumb and deaf spirit, I command you: Leave the boy and never enter him again." The evil spirit shook and convulsed the boy and with a terrible shriek came out. The boy lay like a corpse and people said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him and the boy stood up.
After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive out the spirit?" And he answered, "Only prayer can drive out this kind, nothing else."

Commentary
Like the small amount of yeast in the dough, a little bit of faith can have a powerful effect. The prayer of the man in the Gospel could easily be our own: "I do believe, but help the little faith I have."
We pray thus whenever we are conscious of our inability to save ourselves. We are as powerless to achieve our own salvation as the man was to do anything to help his son. Yet Jesus is just as present to us as He was to that dear man. Our own cries for help will not go ignored, for the Lord never leaves disappointed those who place their trust in Him.

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May 20
Tuesday

7th Week in Ordinary Time
Bernardine of Siena

First Reading: Jas 4:1-10

What causes these fights and quarrels among you? Is it not your cravings that make war within your own selves? When you long for something you cannot have, you kill for it and when you do not get what you desire, you squabble and fight. The fact is, you do not have what you want because you do not pray for it. You pray for something and you do not get it because you pray with the wrong motive of indulging your pleasures. You adulterers! Don't you know that making friends with the world makes you enemies of God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be the world's friend becomes God's enemy.
Can you not see the point of the saying in Scripture: "The longing of the spirit he sent to dwell in us is a jealous longing?" But God has something better to give, and Scripture also says, God opposes the proud but he gives his favor to the humble. Give in, then, to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw close to God and he will come close to you. Clean your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you doubters. Recognize your distress, be miserable and weep. Turn your laughter into tears and your joy into sadness. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will raise you up.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 55:7-8, 9-10a, 10b-11a, 23
Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

Gospel Reading: Mk 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples made their way through Galilee; but Jesus did not want people to know where he was because he was teaching his disciples. And he told them, "The Son of Man will be delivered into human hands. They will kill him, but three days after he has been killed, he will rise." The disciples, however, did not understand these words and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.
They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, Jesus asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?" But they did not answer because they had been arguing about who was the greatest.
Then he sat down, called the Twelve and said to them, "If someone wants to be first, let him be last of all and servant of all." Then he took a little child, placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it he said to them, "Whoever welcomes a child such as this in my name, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not me but the One who sent me."

Commentary
The human mind has a remarkable ability for missing the point. After Jesus' teaching of His impending suffering and death, His apostles can think of nothing but themselves. Still, Jesus proposes a remedy for their seemingly hopeless self-centeredness. By giving them the example of welcoming a child, Jesus teaches that it is by extending ourselves in acts of kindness, mercy and hospitality that we will find true meaning and purpose in life.
Living as Jesus lived is always the good life. If it is greatness that we seek in life, then we will find it only through consistency in looking after the needs of others.

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May 21
Wednesday

7th Week in Ordinary Time
Christopher Magallanes

First Reading: Jas 4:13-17

Listen now, you who speak like this, "Today or tomorrow we will go off to this city and spend a year there; we will do business and make money." You have no idea what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? No more than a mist which appears for a moment and then disappears. Instead of this, you should say, "God willing, we will live and do this or that." But no! You boast of your plans: this brazen pride is wicked. Anyone who knows what is good and does not do it, sins.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11
Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Gospel Reading: Mk 9:38-40

John said to Jesus, "Master, we saw someone who drove out demons by calling upon your name, and we tried to forbid him because he does not belong to our group." Jesus answered, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in my name can soon after speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us."

Commentary
The Holy Name of Jesus is the name that is more powerful than any other name. The one driving out demons in the name of Jesus could not have been doing so in opposition to the Lord's mission, and Jesus is quick to tell the apostles just that. By their fruits does one recognize those who are close to the Lord.
The Lord often works in unconventional ways. Good things can happen in the name of Jesus, even in the least expected places. We must thank God that He is bigger than our imagination.

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May 22
Thursday

7th Week in Ordinary Time
Rita of Cascia

First Reading: Jas 5:1-6

So, now for what concerns the rich! Cry and weep for the misfortunes that are coming upon you. Your riches are rotting and your clothes eaten up by the moths. Your silver and gold have rusted and their rust grows into a witness against you. It will consume your flesh like fire, for having piled up riches in these the last days.
You deceived the workers who harvested your fields but now their wages cry out to the heavens. The reapers' complaints have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You lived in luxury and pleasure in this world thus fattening yourselves for the day of slaughter. You have easily condemned and killed the innocent since they offered no resistance.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 49:14-15ab, 15cd-16, 17-18, 19-20
Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Gospel Reading: Mk 9:41-50

Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone gives you a drink of water because you belong to Christ and bear his name, truly, I say to you, he will not go without reward.
"If anyone should cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble and sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a great millstone around his neck.
"If your hand makes you fall into sin, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life without a hand than with two hands to go to hell, to the fire that never goes out. And if your foot makes you fall into sin, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life without a foot than with both feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye makes you fall into sin, tear it out! It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than, keeping both eyes, to be thrown into hell where the worms that eat them never die, and the fire never goes out. The fire itself will preserve them.
"Salt is a good thing; but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another."

Commentary
Sodium chloride (salt) is a chemical compound that will retain its flavor for an indefinite time. Left on its own, salt remains salty for thousands of years.
But when salt gets mixed with sand or other impurities it is no longer useful to us. It has lost is flavor by dilution.
Guarding oneself against harmful outside influences is a Christian duty. A dedicated follower of Jesus can have a powerful impact upon this troubled world of ours, but only if that disciple is holy. Getting mixed up in worldly concerns and sinful activities is a sure way of making the salt go flat.

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May 23
Friday

7th Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Jas 5:9-12

Beloved, do not fight among yourselves and you will not be judged. See, the judge is already at the door. Take for yourselves, as an example of patience, the suffering of the prophets who spoke in the Lord's name. See how those who were patient are called blessed. You have heard of the patience of Job and know how the Lord dealt with him in the end. For the Lord is merciful and shows compassion.
Above all, my beloved, do not swear either by heaven or by earth, or make a habit of swearing. Let your yes be yes and your no be no, lest you become liable for judgment.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12
The Lord is kind and merciful.

Gospel Reading: Mk 10:1-12

Jesus left Capernaum and went to the province of Judea, beyond the Jordan River. Once more crowds gathered around him and once more he taught them, as he always did. Some (Pharisees came and) put him to the test with this question, "Is it right for a husband to divorce his wife?" He replied, "What law did Moses give you?" They answered, "Moses allowed us to write a certificate of dismissal in order to divorce."
Then Jesus said to them, "Moses wrote this law for you, because you are stubborn. But in the beginning of creation God made them male and female, and because of this, man has to leave father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one body. So they are no longer two but one body. Therefore let no one separate what God has joined."
When they were indoors at home, the disciples again asked him about this and he told them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against his wife, and the woman who divorces her husband and marries another also commits adultery."

Commentary
Roman and Mosaic law allowed a man to divorce his wife for any reason, or for no reason at all. A wife was seen in many instances as a man's property, and was subject to being cast aside when no longer wanted.
Jesus condemns this affront to the dignity of women. He does so clearly and distinctly. The teachings of the Church sustain Jesus teaching in this matter. While cases of abuse might lead to legitimate separation of the spouses, the civil act of divorce cannot rend asunder the covenant entered into before God.
This fundamental teaching safeguards family life, the building block of Church and civilization.

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May 24
Saturday

7th Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Jas 5:13-20

Are any among you discouraged? They should pray. Are any of you happy? They should sing songs to God. If anyone is sick, let him call on the elders of the Church. They shall pray for him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer said in faith will save the sick person; the Lord will raise him up and if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
There will be healing if you confess your sins to one another and pray for each other. The prayer of the upright man has great power, provided he perseveres. Elijah was a human being like ourselves and when he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, no rain fell for three and a half years. Then he prayed again: the sky yielded rain and the earth produced its fruit.
Brothers, if any one of you strays far away from the truth and another person brings him back to it, be sure of this: he who brings back a sinner from the wrong way will save his soul from death and win forgiveness for many sins.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 141:1-2, 3, 8
Let my prayer come like incense before you.

Gospel Reading: Mk 10:13-16

People were bringing their little children to him to have him touch them, and the disciples rebuked them for this.
When Jesus noticed it, he was very angry and said, "Let the children come to me and don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Then he took the children in his arms and laying his hands on them, blessed them.

Commentary
Children are utterly dependent upon the care and love of others. A child who does not experience love is often incapable of showing love as an adult.
To be childlike is not the same as acting childish. Being childlike means placing absolute trust in God to provide for our needs, be they physical, emotional or spiritual. Thinking that we are self-sufficient is the first step to spiritual ruin, for the one who can do everything on his own has no need for God. Prayer is an act of childlike trust in God to provide for all things, and is a sure remedy for self-centeredness.

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May 25
Sunday

Body and Blood of Christ

First Reading: Dt 8:2-3,14b-16a

Moses said to the people, "Remember how Yahweh, your God, brought you through the desert for forty years. He humbled you, to test you and know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. He made you experience want, he made you experience hunger, but he gave you manna to eat which neither you nor your fathers had known, to show you that man lives not on bread alone, but that all that proceeds from the mouth of God is life for man.
"Then do not let your heart become proud and do not forget Yahweh, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, the house of slavery. It is he who has led you across this great and terrible desert, full of fiery serpents and scorpions, an arid land where there is no water. But for you he made water gush forth from the hardest rock. And he fed you in the desert with manna which your fathers did not know."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

Second Reading: 1 Cor 10:16-17

Brothers and sisters, the cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a communion with the blood of Christ? And the bread that we break, is it not a communion with the body of Christ? The bread is one, and so we, though many, form one body, sharing the one bread.

Gospel Reading: Jn 6:51-58

Jesus said to the crowds, "I am the living bread which has come from heaven; whoever eats of this bread will live forever. The bread I shall give is my flesh and I will give it for the life of the world."
The Jews were arguing among themselves, "How can this man give us flesh to eat?" So Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood live with eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day.
"My flesh is really food and my blood is drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood, live in me and I in them. Just as the Father, who is life, sent me and I have life from the Father, so whoever eats me will have life from me. This is the bread which came from heaven; unlike that of your ancestors, who ate and later died. Those who eat this bread will live forever."

Commentary
The Lord gives us bread from heaven, containing within it all sweetness and delight. He is the living bread, the One who satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart, the one who sustains us on our pilgrimage to heaven.
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the focus of today's solemn feast. We express our belief in the Lord through our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Furthermore, we honor our Lord by living lives that reflect the great gift that we receive in the Holy Eucharist, the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord. What greater gift can the Lord give us than His Body and Blood?

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May 26
Monday

8th Week in Ordinary Time
Philip Neri

First Reading: 1 P 1:3-9

Let us praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for his great mercy. In raising Jesus Christ from the dead he has given us new life and a living hope. The inheritance that does not corrupt nor goes bad nor passes away was reserved to you in heavens, since God's power shall keep you faithful until salvation is revealed in the last days.
There is cause for joy, then, even though you may, for a time, have to suffer many trials. Thus will your faith be tested, like gold in a furnace. Gold, however, passes away but faith, worth so much more, will bring you in the end praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ appears.
You have not yet seen him and yet you love him; even without seeing him, you believe in him and experience a heavenly joy beyond all words, for you are reaching the goal of your faith: the salvation of your souls.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 and 10c
The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

Gospel Reading: Mk 10:17-27

Just as Jesus was setting out on his journey again, a man ran up, knelt before him and asked, "Good Master, what must I do to have eternal life?"
Jesus answered, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat, honor your father and mother." The man replied, "I have obeyed all these commandments since my childhood."
Then Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him and he said, "For you, one thing is lacking. Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me." On hearing these words, his face fell and he went away sorrowful for he was a man of great wealth.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were shocked at these words, but Jesus insisted, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
They were more astonished than ever and wondered, "Who, then, can be saved?" Jesus looked steadily at them and said, "For humans it is impossible, but not for God; all things are possible with God."

Commentary
How ironic that the possessions and riches that were the cause of such joy for the rich young man are now the source of his sorrow. The reason? They keep him from the adventure of a lifetime. They keep him from following the Lord.
Jesus identifies the knot that is tied around that young man's heart, and he wants us to be aware of anything that might be keeping us from following him wholeheartedly. Money and material possessions are important in our lives, yet we must guard against them becoming too important. Simplicity of life is the path that leads to holiness.

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May 27
Tuesday

8th Week in Ordinary Time
Augustine of Canterbury

First Reading: 1 P 1:10-16

This was the salvation for which the prophets so eagerly looked when, in days past, they foretold the favor of God with regard to you. But they could only investigate when the Spirit of Christ present within them pointed out the time and the circumstances of this-the sufferings of Christ and the glories which would follow.
It was revealed to them that they were working not for themselves but for you. Thus, in these days, after the Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven, the Gospel's preachers have taught you these mysteries which even the angels long to see.
So, then, let your spirit be ready. Be alert, with confident trust in the grace you will receive when Jesus Christ appears. Like obedient children, do not return to your former life given over to ignorance and passions. Imitate the one who called you. As he is holy so you, too, be holy in all your conduct, since Scripture says: Be holy for I am holy.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
The Lord has made known his salvation.

Gospel Reading: Mk 10:28-31

Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, "We have given up everything to follow you." Jesus answered, "Truly, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or lands for my sake and for the Gospel, who will not receive his reward. I say to you: even in the midst of persecution he will receive a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands in the present time and in the world to come eternal life. Do pay attention: Many who now are first will be last, and the last, first."

Commentary
Those who trust in the Lord are never disappointed. The life of a disciple is never without challenges, and the daily taking up of the cross is expected of one who follows the Lord. What a great consolation to hear from Jesus that our daily sacrifices are not in vain, and that we do not have to wait until we get to heaven in order to experience the blessings that come from following Him.
There is consolation knowing that our lives have a purpose, even if known to God alone. Especially in our most difficult moments, the Lord gives to those who follow Him the peace that this world cannot give.

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May 28
Wednesday

8th Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 P 1:18-25

Remember that you were freed from the useless way of life of your ancestors, not with gold and silver but with the precious blood of the Lamb without spot or blemish. God, who has known Christ before the world began, revealed him to you in the last days. Through him, you have faith in God who raised him from the dead and glorified him in order that you might put all your faith and hope in God.
In obeying the truth, you have gained interior purification from which comes sincere mutual love. Love one another, then, with all your heart, since you are born again, not from mortal beings, but with enduring life, through the Word of God who lives and?remains forever. It is written: All flesh is grass and its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flower falls, but the Word of the Lord endures forever. This Word is the Gospel which has been brought to you.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

Gospel Reading: Mk 10:32-45

Jesus and his disciples were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead. The Twelve were anxious and those who followed were afraid. Once more Jesus took the Twelve aside to tell them what was to happen to him, "You see we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be given over to the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. They will condemn him to death and hand him over to the foreigners who will make fun of him, spit on him, scourge him and finally kill him; but three days later he will rise."
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, "Master, we want you to grant us what we are going to ask of you." And he said, "What do you want me to do for you?" They answered, "Grant us to sit one at your right and one at your left when you come in your glory."
But Jesus said to them, "You don't know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized in the way I am baptized?" They answered, "We can." And Jesus told them, "The cup that I drink you will drink, and you will be baptized in the way I am baptized. But to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to grant. It has been prepared for others."
On hearing this, the other ten were angry with James and John; Jesus then called them to him and said, "As you know, the so-called rulers of the nations act as tyrants and their great ones oppress them. But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you shall make himself slave of all. Think of the Son of Man who has not come to be served but to serve and to give his life to redeem many."

Commentary
Greatness in life comes from greatness of heart. One finds meaning and purpose in life not through self-centeredness but by living for others. Giving of ourselves means being vulnerable to the hurts that are inevitable, for the one who shares generously is rarely shown the full appreciation from others that is deserved.
Our Lord invites us to share the same cup of suffering from which He drank, knowing that we, like Him, will pray that the cup of suffering be taken away. May we open ourselves up for greatness of living by praying with Jesus, "Not my will Father, but Thy will be done."

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May 29
Thursday

8th Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 P 2:2-5, 9-12

Like newborn children, seek eagerly for the pure milk of the Word that will help you grow and reach salvation. Did you not taste the goodness of the Lord? He is the living stone rejected by people but chosen by God and precious to him; set yourselves close to him so that you, too, become living stones built into a spiritual temple, a holy community of priests offering spiritual sacrifices that please God through Jesus Christ.
You are a chosen race, a community of priest-kings, a consecrated nation, a people God has made his own to proclaim his wonders. For he called you from your darkness to his own wonderful light. At one stage you were no people, but now you are God's people, you had not received his mercy, but now you have been given mercy.
Beloved, while you are strangers and exiles, I urge you not to indulge in selfish passions that wage war on the soul. Live a blameless life among the pagans; so when they accuse you falsely of any wrong, they may see your good works and give glory to God on the day he comes to them.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 100:2, 3, 4, 5
Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.

Gospel Reading: Mk 10:46-52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth passing by, he began to call out, "Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on me!" Many people scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man saying, "Take heart. Get up, he is calling you." He immediately threw aside his cloak, jumped up and went to Jesus.
Then Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said, "Master, let me see again!" And Jesus said to him, "Go your way, your faith has made you well." And immediately he could see, and he followed Jesus along the road.

Commentary
Jesus is addressed by the title "Son of David." Indeed, Jesus is in the line of King David, and shows through His miracles His Kingship over all things seen and unseen. Just as King David was a man of great power and influence, so is the Lord Jesus revealed in His encounter with Bartimaeus as the one who is capable and desirous of giving us through faith the ability to see things as they really are.
Faith in the Lord Jesus gives us the ability to penetrate the mystery of God's incredible love for us. Faith gives us the eyes to see.

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May 30
Friday

Sacred Heart of Jesus

First Reading: Dt 7:6-11

You are a people consecrated to Yahweh, your God. Yahweh has chosen you from among all the peoples on the face of the earth, that you may be his own people. Yahweh has bound himself to you and has chosen you, not because you are the most numerous among all the peoples (on the contrary, you are the least). Rather, he has chosen you because of his love for you and to fulfill the oath he made to your fathers. Therefore, with a firm hand Yahweh brought you out from slavery in Egypt, from the power of Pharaoh.
So know that Yahweh, your God, is the true and faithful God. He keeps his covenant, and his love reaches to the thousandth generation for those who love him and fulfill his commandments, but he punishes in their own persons those who hate him and he repays them without delay.
So keep the commandments, the norms and the laws that today I command you to practice.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 10
The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

Second Reading: 1 Jn 4:7-16

My dear friends, let us love one another for love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Those who do not love have not known God, for God is love. How did the love of God appear among us? God sent his only Son into this world that we might have life through him. This is love: not that we loved God but that he first loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Dear friends, if such has been the love of God, we, too, must love one another.
No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love comes to its perfection in us.
How may we know that we live in God and he in us? Because God has given us his Spirit.
We ourselves have seen and declare that the Father sent his Son to save the world. Those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in them and they in God.
We have known the love of God and have believed in it. God is love. The one who lives in love, lives in God and God in him.

Gospel Reading: Mt 11:25-30

On one occasion Jesus said, "Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I praise you, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to simple people. Yes, Father, this is what pleased you.
"Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
"Come to me, all you who work hard and who carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is good and my burden is light."

Commentary
The Lord allows His Sacred Heart to be opened by a lance so that we might enter fully into the life He has prepared for us. His death on the cross allows us entrance into heaven; His glorious resurrection allows us to experience life to the full.
Jesus invites us to come to Him, to enter into new life by encountering His Sacred Heart in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, and to live always with the consciousness that because we are members of His Body, His Blood flows through our veins. May our celebration of this great feast allow us to radiate to others the love that comes from His Sacred Heart.

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May 31
Saturday

Immaculate Heart of Mary
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First Reading: Zep 3:14-18a

Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; rejoice, O people of Israel! Sing joyfully with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem!
Yahweh has lifted your sentence and has driven your enemies away. Yahweh, the King of Israel is with you; do not fear any misfortune.
On that day they will say to Jerusalem: Do not be afraid nor let your hands tremble, for Yahweh your God is within you, Yahweh, saving warrior. He will jump for joy on seeing you, for he has revived his love. For you he will cry out with joy, as you do in the days of the Feast.
I will drive away the evil I warned you about, and you will no longer be shamed.

Responsorial Psalm:
Jdt 13:18, 19
You are the highest honor of our race.

Gospel Reading: Lk 1:39-56

Mary then set out for a town in the Hills of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit, and giving a loud cry, said, "You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that the Lord's word would come true!"
And Mary said:
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit exults in God my savior!
He has looked upon his servant in her lowliness,
and people forever will call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me,
Holy is his Name!
From age to age his mercy extends
to those who live in his presence.
He has acted with power and done wonders,
and scattered the proud with their plans.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones
and lifted up those who are downtrodden.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He held out his hand to Israel, his servant,
for he remembered his mercy,
even as he promised our fathers,
Abraham and his descendants forever."
Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months
and then returned home.

Commentary
What makes us jump for joy? What makes us happy? Something from outside or from within? Happiness happens, it comes and goes. Joy on the other hand is a state of the heart not coming from external factors but what we already have inside.
Mary and Elizabeth are joyful because they were aware that God was within them just as He promised. It is God who jumps for joy on seeing us as Zephaniah prophesied. God's presence in both women made the baby and their beings jump for joy.

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