7th Week of Easter, Monday, 03-06-19

Acts 19:1-8 / John 16:29-33

Jesus speaks plainly: “You will have trouble, but take courage.”

Jesus probably noticed the fear on the faces of his disciples when he told them that both they and he would have to suffer.

But this did not alarm him. Jesus knew that fear is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a good thing, if rightly accepted.

Pope with the Buddhist Delegation from Thailand

Jun '19 - Daily Reflections from PUNE CSC Scholastics

Visitation of the BVM, Friday, 31-05-19

Zephaniah 3:14-18 or Romans 12:9-16 / Luke 1:39-56

Mary sings of God’s goodness: “The Lord has exalted my lowliness.”

Amado Nervo was a Mexican mystic and poet who died in 1919. One of his poems captures the spirit of Mary’s song in today’s reading. He wrote:

“I’m only a spark, Make me a fire.

I’m only a string, Make me a lyre.

Feast of the Visitation of BVM - Liturgy

Introduction

Luke presents Mary as the Ark of the Covenant coming to Jerusalem to show that God is present among his people to bring them joy. This is why the child leaps (that is, dances for joy) in Elizabeth's womb. With Christ, God comes to live not in a temple of stone but in the hearts of people. Through Christ living in Mary God's victory over evil has begun. A person in whom Christ lives - a Christ-bearer, a Christopher - brings Christ to others, and with Christ, joy and love. 

6th Week of Easter, Thursday, 30-05-19

Acts 18:1-8 / John 16:16-20

Jesus speaks about his leaving: “In a little while and you will no longer see me” (Jn 16/16)

Someone said hindsight is always 20/20. But hindsight is what you don’t have at the time.

Easter 6th Week Thursday - Liturgical Prayers:

Introduction: Many people are lamenting because they do not feel the presence of God, particularly in moments of deep sorrow. At the occasion of the death of a beloved person one hears often: "Where is God now? He has deserted us!" It was a thought many Jews expressed during the "Shoah" (holocaust, literally "destruction,"). Yet some tenaciously held on to God, saying that it was God who suffered there at the hands of people.