Greetings on this the Second Sunday of Easter Sunday of Divine Mercy Readings: Acts 5:12-16; Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; John 20:19-31
Summary
Christ the flower. In his Resurrection the bloom. In the Octave of Easter we receive the fragrance of love: the Divine Mercy.
For we are the aroma of Christ for God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing (2 COR 2:15).
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name (JN 20:30-31).
Reflection
We celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ all week this week. It is now, on Divine Mercy Sunday, that the fragrance of love reaches our senses. We can now have the palpable reception of the Christ in the mercy that is love.
The bloom fragrance is made by the penetration of the Christ. The stirring up, if you will, of the divine fragrance.
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Personal Reflection
On this day, I will rest in the sure and certain hope of God. I will allow the fragrance of love penetrate me. For the body of the Christ has been made open, each wound, portals to love.
The homily below was delivered by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, who presided over the funeral Mass for Pope Francis.Courtesy of America Magazine, link below.
In this majestic Saint Peter’s Square, where Pope Francis celebrated the Eucharist so many times and presided over great gatherings over the past twelve years, we are gathered with sad hearts in prayer around his mortal remains. Yet, we are sustained by the certainty of faith, which assures us that human existence does not end in the tomb, but in the Father’s house, in a life of happiness that will know no end.
On behalf of the College of Cardinals, I cordially thank all of you for your presence. With deep emotion, I extend respectful greetings and heartfelt thanks to the Heads of State, Heads of Government and Official Delegations who have come from many countries to express their affection, veneration and esteem for our late Holy Father.
The outpouring of affection that we have witnessed in recent days following his passing from this earth into eternity tells us how much the profound pontificate of Pope Francis touched minds and hearts.
The final image we have of him, which will remain etched in our memory, is that of last Sunday, Easter Sunday, when Pope Francis, despite his serious health problems, wanted to give us his blessing from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica. He then came down to this Square to greet the large crowd gathered for the Easter Mass while riding in the open-top Popemobile.
With our prayers, we now entrust the soul of our beloved Pontiff to God, that he may grant him eternal happiness in the bright and glorious gaze of his immense love.
We are enlightened and guided by the passage of the Gospel, in which the very voice of Christ resounded, asking the first of the Apostles: “Peter, do you love me more than these?” Peter’s answer was prompt and sincere: “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!” Jesus then entrusted him with the great mission: “Feed my sheep.” This will be the constant task of Peter and his successors, a service of love in the footsteps of Christ, our Master and Lord, who “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45).
Despite his frailty and suffering towards the end, Pope Francis chose to follow this path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life. He followed in the footsteps of his Lord, the Good Shepherd, who loved his sheep to the point of giving his life for them. And he did so with strength and serenity, close to his flock, the Church of God, mindful of the words of Jesus quoted by the Apostle Paul: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
When Cardinal Bergoglio was elected by the Conclave on March 13, 2013 to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, he already had many years of experience in religious life in the Society of Jesus and, above all, was enriched by twenty-one years of pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, first as Auxiliary, then as Coadjutor and, above all, as Archbishop.
The decision to take the name Francis immediately appeared to indicate the pastoral plan and style on which he wanted to base his pontificate, seeking inspiration from the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi.
He maintained his temperament and form of pastoral leadership, and through his resolute personality, immediately made his mark on the governance of the Church. He established direct contact with individuals and peoples, eager to be close to everyone, with a marked attention to those in difficulty, giving himself without measure, especially to the marginalised, the least among us. He was a Pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone. He was also a Pope attentive to the signs of the times and what the Holy Spirit was awakening in the Church.
With his characteristic vocabulary and language, rich in images and metaphors, he always sought to shed light on the problems of our time with the wisdom of the Gospel. He did so by offering a response guided by the light of faith and encouraging us to live as Christians amid the challenges and contradictions in recent years, which he loved to describe as an “epochal change.”
He had great spontaneity and an informal way of addressing everyone, even those far from the Church.
Rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges, Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes of this time of globalisation. He gave of himself by comforting and encouraging us with a message capable of reaching people’s hearts in a direct and immediate way.
His charisma of welcome and listening, combined with a manner of behaviour in keeping with today’s sensitivities, touched hearts and sought to reawaken moral and spiritual sensibilities.
Evangelisation was the guiding principle of his pontificate. With a clear missionary vision, he spread the joy of the Gospel, which was the title of his first Apostolic Exhortation, “Evangelii gaudium.” It is a joy that fills the hearts of all those who entrust themselves to God with confidence and hope.
The guiding thread of his mission was also the conviction that the Church is a home for all, a home with its doors always open. He often used the image of the Church as a “field hospital” after a battle in which many were wounded; a Church determined to take care of the problems of people and the great anxieties that tear the contemporary world apart; a Church capable of bending down to every person, regardless of their beliefs or condition, and healing their wounds.
His gestures and exhortations in favour of refugees and displaced persons are countless. His insistence on working on behalf of the poor was constant.
It is significant that Pope Francis’ first journey was to Lampedusa, an island that symbolises the tragedy of emigration, with thousands of people drowning at sea. In the same vein was his trip to Lesbos, together with the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Archbishop of Athens, as well as the celebration of a Mass on the border between Mexico and the United States during his journey to Mexico.
Of his 47 arduous Apostolic Journeys, the one to Iraq in 2021, defying every risk, will remain particularly memorable. That difficult Apostolic Journey was a balm on the open wounds of the Iraqi people, who had suffered so much from the inhuman actions of ISIS. It was also an important trip for interreligious dialogue, another significant dimension of his pastoral work. With his 2024 Apostolic Journey to four countries in Asia-Oceania, the Pope reached “the most peripheral periphery of the world.”
Pope Francis always placed the Gospel of mercy at the centre, repeatedly emphasising that God never tires of forgiving us. He always forgives, whatever the situation might be of the person who asks for forgiveness and returns to the right path.
He called for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in order to highlight that mercy is “the heart of the Gospel.”
Mercy and the joy of the Gospel are two key words for Pope Francis.
In contrast to what he called “the culture of waste,” he spoke of the culture of encounter and solidarity. The theme of fraternity ran through his entire pontificate with vibrant tones. In his Encyclical Letter “Fratelli tutti,” he wanted to revive a worldwide aspiration to fraternity, because we are all children of the same Father who is in heaven. He often forcefully reminded us that we all belong to the same human family.
In 2019, during his trip to the United Arab Emirates, Pope Francis signed “A Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” recalling the common fatherhood of God.
Addressing men and women throughout the world, in his Encyclical Letter “Laudato si’” he drew attention to our duties and shared responsibility for our common home, stating, “No one is saved alone.”
Faced with the raging wars of recent years, with their inhuman horrors and countless deaths and destruction, Pope Francis incessantly raised his voice imploring peace and calling for reason and honest negotiation to find possible solutions. War, he said, results in the death of people and the destruction of homes, hospitals and schools. War always leaves the world worse than it was before: it is always a painful and tragic defeat for everyone.
“Build bridges, not walls” was an exhortation he repeated many times, and his service of faith as Successor of the Apostle Peter always was linked to the service of humanity in all its dimensions. Spiritually united with all of Christianity, we are here in large numbers to pray for Pope Francis, that God may welcome him into the immensity of his love.
Pope Francis used to conclude his speeches and meetings by saying, “Do not forget to pray for me.”
Dear Pope Francis, we now ask you to pray for us. May you bless the Church, bless Rome, and bless the whole world from heaven as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica in a final embrace with all the people of God, but also embrace humanity that seeks the truth with a sincere heart and holds high the torch of hope.
In the Easter Octave we read from each of the four Gospel accounts
Greetings on this the Saturday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21; Victimae paschali laudes; Mark 16:9-15
Summary
Good news is not always received well. Strange thought isn’t it? Is it because of those who give witness not having credibility or social status? Is it because the story is too magnificent or fanciful? These are subordinate reasons. These are not the core reasons. Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons, was a qualified witness. “The two” were faithful followers of Jesus and reliable during the ministry phase of Jesus’ life.
In our gospel portion today two reasons are given for not believing:
Unbelief – refusing to believe God and His word.
Hardness of heart – unresponsive to God’s grace and love.
He appeared first to Mary Magdalene… they did not believe. He appeared in another form to two of them walking along… but they did not believe them either.
But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
Reflection
King Herod, the Great, introduced Greek drama and actual theater to Jerusalem 30 years before the appearance of the Christ. Fanciful dramas, epic and brutal battles and the retelling of the Greek tragedy. For a devote Jew, these were horrible displays of power. See https://bibleinterp.arizona.edu/articles/2004/08/pat288001
Perhaps that Greek problem framed the unbelief (can’t believe my eyes!)? The hardness of heart is more problematic. These disciples saw with their own eyes and heard with their own ears the words and works of Jesus. They saw the grace and love yet remained unmoved.
It is the first sin, the lack of trust and not seeing the beauty around you. It is this inversion: God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know good and evil.” (Gen 3:5).
We are called to account for our thinking.
He appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised.
We have the sacred Scripture which are the words of the Lord we can trust.
We have the examples of grace and love each and every day of the divine care for us.
Both are present. Both can be denied to our detriment.
Personal Reflection
In our gospel portion today, I am forced to confront my own examples of unbelief and hardness of heart. If such a problem did not exist, I would already be in heaven 🙂 In this sense Jesus redirects our attention to three things.
Sacred Scripture which is a compendium of God’s promises.
The promises kept in signs and wonders, then and now – in your own life.
Tralala is one of the 17 barangays in Olongapo City
Greetings on this the Friday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118:1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25-27a; Victimae paschali laudes; John 21:1-14
Summary
Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish (Jn 21:12-13).
Reflection
Jesus reveals himself in the breaking of the bread (Eucharistic – pneuma – spirit) and in the table service of his hospitality (Leadership- sarks – flesh). This may sound odd to my fellow theologians but it is in fact an inseparable part of the Resurrection. Jesus is resurrected. Jesus feeds us. Communes with us. And he has us share our live story with him. He shares the Eucharist of himself (Thanksgiving) and of the body. This is prayer. This is relation.
The Resurrected Lord
Continues to care for us.
Reveals his Resurrection by this action and presence.
Gives the model to follow.
Prepares the Apostles for mission.
Christians, to the Paschal Victim Offer your thankful praises! A Lamb the sheep redeems; Christ, who only is sinless, Reconciles sinners to the Father. Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal. - Victimae paschali laudes
Here is the A.I. answer to my query: Hospitality of Jesus.
Personal Reflection
In my life I can saw the most enjoyable moments is when I share a meal with others. In my mother’s house I was taught this simple pleasure and the benefits of serving another a meal and enjoying their company, conversation, story telling, and their very personhood. In my own home, it was the same, at least until now, as old age creeps in the welcome mat rolls up (just being candid). In business I especially delighted in serving my employees a good meal and fellowship. In Church, the gatherings after Mass. In ministry, sharing the same ways for the same reasons.
PB Food Bank Kitchen new
The Lord saves me from sin and also sustains me in my person. Both. Amen.
Greetings on this the Thursday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9; Victimae paschali laudes; Luke 24:35-48
Summary
Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have. (LK 24:38-39)”
Corresponds to: During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid (MT 14:25-27).
Reflection
I’m not going to give a reflection on ghosts. There is specific guidance on the topic and that can be found in the catechism. Here’s a short approachable video on the topic:
Rather the statement by Jesus is about the efficacious nature of the divine presence. Simplifying the topic: ghosts frighten, the divine loves.
They had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.
Peace be with you.
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.
They were still incredulous for joy and were amazed.
You are witnesses of these things (you have seen it for yourself).
Personal Reflection
Bread, peace, personal, visual and witnessed to by so many.
In the Easter Octave we are given the real and palpable Resurrection as much as a text can provide. But the words of Jesus urge us to go deeper of our own analysis. This is not a ghostly, transient, frightful, barely perceptible pseudo-reality. No, resurrection is real, touchable, approachable and filled with loving reassurance.
A.I. generated. Usually Jesus is thought to have levitated over the water. But knee deep works too.
He is not a ghost. He is not a myth. He is not merely an ideal.
Greetings on this the Wednesday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; Victimae paschali laudes; Luke 24:13-35
Summary
Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:32).
Reflection
The Lord God accompanies us in such a gentle way.
That very day, filled with disappointment, we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel, Jesus was there.
So gentle:
Jesus himself drew near and walked with them.
He asked them questions: what is bothering you? What sort of things?
He taught them. Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.
He stayed with them. He ate with them.
He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him.
Personal Reflection
When we have disappointment in our community or even our church, remember the Journey to Emmaus. When you are in your deepest depression, look around, Jesus is there accompanying you.
Ss Peter and Paul – a nice way to understand photo from Romanian Orthodox Church
Greetings on this the Tuesday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 2:36-41; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22; Victimae paschali laudes; John 20:11-18
Summary
During the Octave of Easter the Church gives us two parallel courses of thought. The faith as it moves forward through time with the Apostles (Book of Acts) and the Apostles reaction and acceptance of the Resurrection (the Gospel accounts). Since we are in sede vacante, “the seat is vacant”, it is a marvelous expression of the one and same question.
The Church must go forward AND the gospel message has not changed nor lost its primacy
Repent and be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Tell THE story, tell YOUR story: “I have seen the Lord”.
In our first readings since Easter Sunday has been from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and will continue the sequence until Pentecost Sunday. Strategically starting with the Apostles just after Pentecost (Acts 2:14ff) int Easter Octave. We see the forward movement of the faith with this discourse (of the six Discourses of Acts), Apostles healing power, Apostles put before the law and the Signs and Wonders through the Apostles.
Peter’s Speech at Pentecost.
Cure of a Crippled Beggar.
Peter’s Speech.
Before the Sanhedrin.
Before the Sanhedrin – 2.
Signs and Wonders of the Apostles.
In our gospel readings since Easter has been exclusively about the Apostles and their reaction to the Resurrection which will continue until Divine Mercy Sunday.
The Empty Tomb.
The Appearance to Mary and Mary Magdalene.
The Appearance to Mary of Magdala.
The Appearance on the Road to Emmaus.
The Appearance to the Disciples in Jerusalem.
The Appearance to the Seven Disciples.
The Appearance to Mary Magdalene, The Appearance to Two Disciples and The Commissioning of the Eleven (as a set).
Reflection
Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” (Jn 20:17b-18).
Personal Reflection
We are in trying times and without our Pope. Everything changes and yet nothing changes. Repent, be baptized and tell your story of your encounter with the Lord.
Greetings on this the Monday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 2:14, 22-33; Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; Victimae paschali laudes; Matthew 28:8-15
Summary
Weep not for Francis, but for the world that loses him.
The voice of the poor has died.
Let us be His successors.
--
Llora no por Francisco, sino por le mundo que lo pierde.
La voz de los pobres ha muerto.
Seamos sus sucesores.
Fr Frank O’Loughlin on the occasion of the death of Pope Francis
The Two Distinct Responses
The Resurrection of Jesus.
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (MT 28:8-10).
The Report of the Guard.
While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the [leadership] all that had happened. The [leadership] assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’ And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the [people] to the present day (MT 28:11-15).
Reflection
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal (Victimae paschali laudes).
Personal Reflection
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Tumultuous times! Pope Francis was a life-giving gift form the Lord. Now the see planted will yield growth and fruits of the Spirit.
In regards to Pope Francis and his pontificate:
The less we prayed, the more we were confused. The less we fasted, the more enraged we became. The less we had compassion, the more we became dogmatic.
Greetings on this Pentecost Sunday Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13;
Summary
The gift of the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity. Just as each of the gospel accounts start with an introduction to the life of Jesus and his purpose in the Incarnation, so too the Holy Spirit announces his life and purpose to us at Pentecost.
Offering to All People
For each Individual, We hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.
For every Baptised, To each the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.
For the Whole World, Send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
Change in the Person
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them.
In every gift the purpose, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
In every heart, Holy Spirit, whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.
For the Everlasting Benefit
Give them virtue’s sure reward (this life).
Give them your salvation, Lord (next life).
Give them joys that never end (all life).
Reflection
The giving of the Holy Spirit is as a gift from the Father and from the Son (“proceeds”). The person of the Spirit was given in the Peace of Christ (“Peace be with you”). The person of the Spirit was given in the Breath of the Divine (new creation as in Genesis). The mission of the Holy Spirit is the forgiveness of Sins (the power to become forgiveness).
Personal Reflection
And if he has done you any injustice or owes you anything, charge it to me (Phil 1:18).
In my life the Holy Spirit moves me to forgive. I can only completely do that in the peace of Christ and the love of God, the Father. The prayer of Jesus (the Our Father) has one requirement of us, [to] forgive those who trespass against us.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
First Reading
We hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.
Responsorial
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
Second Reading
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.
Sequence
Give them virtue’s sure reward; Give them your salvation, Lord; Give them joys that never end. Amen. Alleluia.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Gospel
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
