Greetings on this the Memorial Saint Damien de Veuster of Moloka’i
Readings: Acts 11:19-26; PS 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7; Jn 10:22-30
Notes: (readings are from the Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter because I don’t have a lectionary at home).
Optipnal Memorial: Saint Damien de Veuster of Moloka’i
Franciscan Reflection
When Joseph de Veuster was born in Tremelo, Belgium, in 1840, few people in Europe had any firsthand knowledge of leprosy, Hansen’s disease. By the time he died at the age of 49, people all over the world knew about this disease because of him. They knew that human compassion could soften the ravages of this disease.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-damien-de-veuster-of-molokai
Read the opposition and response to the work here. The first link is the original and most compelling of all the abstractions below it.
Full Text Open Letter: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/281/281-h/281-h.htm
A plain, uncouth peasant steps into the battle, under the eyes of God, and succours the afflicted, and consoles the dying, and is himself afflicted in his turn, and dies upon the field of honour—the battle cannot be retrieved as your unhappy irritation has suggested. It is a lost battle, and lost for ever. One thing remained to you in your defeat—some rags of common honour; and these you have made haste to cast away.
Abstractions (shorter but less precise)
https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/opinion/columns/2022/03/the-father-damien-letter/
and
First reading
It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
Responsorial Psalm
All you nations, praise the Lord.
Alleluia Verse
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
Gospel Portion
“How long are you going to keep us in suspense?
If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 