Easter Sunday: Resurrection - Year A

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READING I
Acts 10:34a, 37-43

During the Easter season, the first reading is from the Acts of the Apostles in place of an Old Testament reading.

READING II
Colossians 3:1-4

This brief excerpt reminds the Christians living in Colossae that because they have been raised up with Christ, they need to put off their old ways.

GOSPEL
John 20:1-9

In Johns' Gospel, Mary Magdalene finds Jesus' tomb empty. She was one of the few disciples who remained faithful to Jesus at the time of his crucifixion. She was with him from the days of his early ministry in Galilee right up to his death and burial. Her first reaction is not that Jesus has risen, but that his body has been removed from the tomb. When Peter comes, he notices how carefully the burial wrappings are arranged (not likely if Jesus' body had been quickly removed), but the empty tomb does not suggest to him that Jesus had risen from the dead. According to John's Gospel, the "other disciple" immediately sees and believes. John is the only person recorded as believing in the Resurrection solely on the evidence of the empty tomb. While all four Gospels tell of the empty tomb, that in itself is not clear evidence of Jesus' Resurrection. It is the appearances of the risen Christ to various disciples that eventually convinces people that Jesus indeed has risen. What "evidence" mo

Jesus' Resurrection assures our own resurrection. Meditate on what that means to you. What feelings does it invoke? What responsibilities come to mind?

Easter celebrates the new life promised to us because of Jesus' life, death, and Resurrection. Think of all the signs of new life we see around us at Easter. Even colored eggs and chocolate bunnies remind us of the new life we have because of Jesus! How will you give thanks to Jesus for the gift of himself?

March 23 - St. Turibius of Mogrovejo
Born in Spain in 1538, Turibius grew up to become a university professor and a judge. He was a good Christian lay person. Surprisingly he was appointed archbishop and sent to Peru. There was a need for an archbishop there. Turibius was ordained a priest. He built churches, hospitals, and schools in Peru. He learned many languages. St. Turibius is the patron of bishops in Latin America.

March 24 - St. Catherine of Sweden
St. Catherine is the daughter of St. Bridget. After Catherine's husband died, Catherine worked with her mother in Rome, spending time in meditation and working with the poor. She later became superior of the Order of the Holy Savior in Sweden.

March 25 - St. Dismas
Dismas is remembered as the Good Thief crucified with Christ on Calvary in the first century.

March 25 - St. Alfwold of Sherborne
St. Alfwold was a monk who was named a bishop of Sherborne in 1045. He led an austere life in the midst of wealth.

March 26 - St. Margaret of Clitherow
Margaret lived in England during the sixteenth century. She and her husband John had two children. She later became a Catholic during the Reformation. It was a time when Catholics were not allowed to practice their faith. She provided hiding places for Catholic priests during that time. St. Margaret was caught, arrested, imprisoned, and put to death in 1586.

March 27 - St. John the Egyptian
St. John the Egyptian was a carpenter and hermit of the early Church, who died in 394. It is said that he was known for his holiness and also for his ability to foretell the future, which brought Emperor Theodosius I to him for consultation.

March 27 - St. John of Damascus
In the Greek Church, St. John is remembered on December 4. In the Latin Church he is remembered this day.

March 28 - St. Tutilo
A Benedictine monk, Tutilo was a popular teacher at the abbey school in Switzerland. Many of his paintings, sculptures, and metal works are displayed in European galleries and monasteries. He was also an accomplished musician. St. Tutilo died in the year 915.

March 29 - St. Berthold
St. Berthold was a hermit in Palestine. He is credited with laying the foundations for the order of Carmelite Friars begun in the early 13th century.

Beatification
In 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified four people who had spent their lives caring for the poor and exploited. They are Laslzo Batthyany-Strattman of Hungary, Sr. Juana Maria Condesa Lluch of Spain, Sr. Maria Caridad Brader of Switzerland, and Fr. Pierre Bonhomme of France. The process of beatification is the last step before canonization to sainthood.

2nd Sunday of Easter - Year A

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READING I
Acts 2:42-47

Luke describes for us how the early Christian community begins to grow after Jesus' Resurrection. Many are baptized into the faith. Together they participate in the teachings of the Apostles, communal life, breaking bread and praying together. The sharing of all property was an ideal that may not have been widely practiced. It does emphasize that by sharing with others what we do not need allows everyone to have something.

READING II
1 Peter 1:3-9

Thanks are given to God for the new life secured for us through Christ's Resurrection and again through our own baptism into his life. We have been promised an inheritance even greater than land; we can look forward to eternal life! The picture is not all rosy, however, as suffering and trials will be a part of our earthly existence. The last lines prepare us for the dilemma Thomas experiences in the Gospel reading. We are encouraged to believe even though we have not seen God.

GOSPEL
John 20:19-31

As known followers of Jesus, the disciples are hiding from the Temple leaders. They are waiting for the situation to calm down, and they are also waiting for the promised Spirit of God. In this Gospel, Jesus appears twice to the group. The first time, Thomas is absent. He is skeptical when the others tell him what they have seen. For Thomas, seeing is believing. Jesus returns and repeats Thomas' words of doubt back to him. He is asked to touch Jesus' wounds. Instead, in faith Thomas responds, "My Lord and my God." What a mature faith response Thomas offers after such an earlier immature reaction! Perhaps we can see ourselves in both views of Thomas. For a related activity see From Doubt to Faith.

Thomas wanted evidence before believing. We of the twenty-first century are credited with believing without seeing. Are we always strong in our faith - or do we, too, have doubts? Pray to be strong in faith.

Some things in life don't always go as planned. Are you sometimes disappointed? Do you sometimes get sick? We look forward to the time when we will be with God in heaven. Then there will be no disappointment or sickness. We will be joyful!

March 30 - St. Leonard Murialdo
After ordination in 1851, St. Leonard Murialdo founded the Society of St. Joseph of Turin. This organization still supports young apprentices. He also founded a center for delinquent boys. He is a model for Christian social workers as he advocated an eight-hour day in 1885.

March 31 - St. Balbina
St. Balbina was a religious sister during the persecutions led by Roman Emperor Hadrian. She was martyred in Rome in 130.

April 1 - St. Hugh of Grenoble
St. Hugh of Grenoble was named a saint two years after his death in 1132. He resisted the power of the rich men of his diocese who did not like his concern for the poor. Hugh was a bishop for 52 years, from the age of 27.

April 2 - Bl. Pedro Calungsod
Bl. Pedro Calungsod was born in the Philippines in 1655. As a teenager he became a missionary catechist in the Marianas. He was martyred at the age of 17. He is the patron of young people. Pope John Paul II beatified him in March 2000.

April 2 - St. Francis of Paola
Himself a hermit, St. Francis established a group of hermits in 1436 who became known as the Franciscan Order of Minim Friars. He was torn between the desire to lead a life of prayer and the call he felt to service.

April 3 - St. Luigi Scrosoppi
Luigi felt a call to the priesthood as a teenager. As a priest, he helped direct an orphanage in Udine, Italy. In 1856, he became provost of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, a community devoted to charity and learning. Luigi Scrosoppi was canonized June 10, 2001 by Pope John Paul II.

April 4 - St. Benedict the Black
Benedict was born the son of African slaves in Sicily in 1526. As a young man he joined the Franciscans. With them he lived a simple life of prayer, with humility and cheerfulness. St. Benedict was not a Moor, but has been called "il Moro," Italian for black.

April 5 - St. Maria Hoss
Today is the feast of St. Maria Hoss, born in 1682 in Bavaria. Maria Crescentia Hoss became a Franciscan nun at the age of 21. She served as novice-mistress and later superior of her house from 1741 to 1744. St. Maria Hoss was canonized in 2001.

April 5 - St. Vincent Ferrer
Vincent Ferrer served as a Dominican friar in Spain during the fourteenth century. He was a counselor to the king and to Pope Benedict XIII. He converted many through his preaching. He became a doctor of theology and taught as a missionary in several European countries.

Sr. Thea Bowman
Bertha Bowman was born in Mississippi. She joined the Catholic Church as a child and later became a nun. She took the name Sister "Thea" which means "of God." As a black religious sister she faced many obstacles. She used the gift of a beautiful singing voice as part of her teaching and many talks she gave all over the country. Sister Thea became seriously ill with cancer, but continued singing as long as she was able. She died on this day in 1990. See Unity in Community and Using Her Voice for God -- Thea Bowman for related activities.

4th Sunday of Easter - Year A

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READING I
Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Peter again preaches to the Jews. He tells them that the Jesus who was crucified in their community was the Christ, the Messiah. They are mortified that they could have had any part in this, and seek Peter's guidance in how best to repent. Peter urges them to be baptized and to become true followers of Jesus Christ. His words are effective and many people are baptized that day.

READING II
1 Peter 2:20b-25

While this message was originally shared with people in slavery, it applies to everyone. There are many who suffer for their belief in Jesus. The message continues that Jesus also suffered unjustly. Jesus trusted in the Father and all listeners are encouraged to also put their trust in God. The reference to the shepherd connects this reading to today's Gospel.

GOSPEL
John 10:1-10

A sheepfold is a low enclosed area accessible through only one gate. A number of shepherds may keep their sheep in the same sheepfold. Thus the necessity of being able to recognize a particular shepherd's voice is crucial. John points out further that sheep will only follow a familiar voice, not that of a stranger. Jesus tells this story to the Pharisees, but they do not get the message. Thus, he tries to clarify if for them. He identifies himself as the gate. He identifies those who came before him as thieves and robbers, or false prophets. Thieves and robbers, sinners, avoid the gate and try to gain access in another way. Jesus is saying that the only way to gain entry, salvation, is through him. How closely do we follow the true word of Jesus?

Peter reminds us that we are healed through the wounds of Jesus. When we suffer injustice we know we will survive because Jesus has lived as an example for us. How might reflection on this reality strengthen you when you next face an injustice?

You know better than to follow a stranger; you know to go only with people you trust. Jesus is not a stranger, but he is someone whom you can get to know better. How can you learn something new about Jesus this week?

April 13 - St. Martin I
Today is the memorial of St. Martin I, an Italian pope who died in exile in 655, the last pope to be honored as a martyr. He was banished to the Crimea by the emperor of Constantinople for his refusal to accept the emperor's false doctrines about God.

April 13 - Bl. Margaret of Castello
Margaret was born in 1287 in Italy. She was born blind and had other physical problems. Her family neglected her and when she was fourteen, completely abandoned her. Margaret became a lay Dominican. Her life was one of prayer and good works.

April 14 - St. Tiburtius
There were two saints named Tiburtius who both lived near Rome in the second century and both died for their Christian faith. They had worshipped in secret with other Christians. Little else is known about them except that their names were inscribed on the walls of the catacombs as martyrs.

April 14 - St. Antony of Vilna
St. Antony lived during the fourteenth century. He is said to have been martyred for refusing to eat meat on a day of abstinence.

April 15 - Bl. Damien of Molokai
Damien of Molokai died of leprosy on this day in 1889. He was a doctor and priest. Every day he would begin Mass by addressing the people with leprosy as "my friends." When the day came that he began by saying, "my fellow lepers," they knew that he too had contracted the disease. Fr. Damien established hospitals, clinics, and churches on the Hawaiian Island of Molokai. Pope John Paul II beatified him on June 4, 1995.

April 16 - St. Bernadette of Lourdes
St. Bernadette was a little girl who had visions of Mary. The place became a shrine to the Mother of God at Lourdes, France. Thousands of people have been helped by their faith in God's ability to cure them in the waters of the shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes.

April 17 - St. Stephen Harding
St. Stephen Harding, one of the few saints of the Middle Ages (12th century) to be remembered by first and last name, was an abbot, the leader of a monastery for men. He is one of the three great reformers of the strict Trappist monastic tradition.

April 18 - St. Peter of Saint Joseph Betancur
A member of the Secular Franciscan Order, he opened a hospital for the convalescent poor and a homeless shelter and a school for the poor. St. Pedro de San Jose Betancur is said to have started the Christmas Eve posadas procession in Guatemala. For this, people represent Mary and Joseph seeking a night's lodging from their neighbors. In 2002, he became the first canonized native of Guatemala.

April 19 - St. Alphege
St. Alphege was archbishop of Canterbury in 1012 when a group of Danish "barbarians" captured him and demanded a ransom for his return. He refused, saying, "Silver and gold have I none; what is mine I freely offer, the knowledge of the one true God." Because he refused to cooperate with the ransom demands, he was slain.

Thomas Jefferson
On this day in 1743, Thomas Jefferson was born. He was a young man of 33 when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. He later became the third U.S. President. He died on Independence Day in 1826, a few hours before John Adams.

5th Sunday of Easter - Year A

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READING I
Acts 6:1-7

In early Jewish society, care of widows and orphans was paramount. Now, the early Christian community is growing. It is made up of Jews and Greeks. It sounds as if the widows of the two groups are not being treated equally. At the same time, the Apostles find themselves overwhelmed with administrative tasks in addition to preaching, teaching, and praying. Together they select additional Christians to help with the ministry of service. Today we think of these ministers as deacons even though Luke does not use this term. Today, we witness the value of having deacons to assist in parish community service. They and their families can also benefit from our support.

READING II
1 Peter 2:4-9

Thinking of ourselves as "living stones" helps us better understand the concept of a secure foundation. We have responsibilities to our Church community. The honor and responsibilities are addressed in the final sentence. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God's own.

GOSPEL
John 14:1-12

This discourse among Jesus and his disciples takes place during the Last Supper. The direction the conversation takes must have been frustrating for Jesus. This is his last opportunity to share conversation with them, and once again they are confused. To Thomas, Jesus responds with the clarifying statement, "I am the way and the truth and the life." Jesus will take followers where they need to go. After Philip's request, Jesus sounds exasperated. It sounds as if Jesus had hoped that by now, the disciples would know that he and the Father were one. He spells it out for them one more time. Any teacher has probably had like experiences. It seems that everyone understands and then a question from the group reveals there is still much to learn. Jesus serves as a model here. Yes, he shows disappointment, but then he goes on to clarify the message one more time.

The first reading spoke of the diaconate, which is an ordained ministry. However, all Christians belong to the priesthood of all believers. The responsibilities for ordained ministers and the laity vary, but both involve prayer and sacrifice. What do you see as your responsibility to the Church?

Do you sometimes need things explained to you more than once? The disciples of Jesus often needed things explained over and over. This can be frustrating to you and the person teaching you something new. Be patient with yourself. Do not become discouraged.

April 20 - St. Agnes of Montepulciano
St. Agnes of Montepulciano was famous for her deep spirituality. At age 15, in 1283, she was named abbess of the convent in Procena, Italy. Later, while prioress in Montepulciano, she adopted the Dominican rule, and led that community of sisters to imitate her life of prayer and sacrifice.

April 21 - St. Anselm
Today is the memorial of St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury in England in the 12th century. He was known as a patient and gifted teacher. He refused to let the "business" of running the diocese get in the way of his important role as a teacher of the faith. He has been named a Doctor of the Church.

April 22 - St. Theodore of Sykeon
St. Theodore of Sykeon was a monk of the late sixth century and a famous healer. (Sykeon was a village in Galatia, the area of a Christian community to whom St. Paul addressed his letter to the Galatians.) The story of St. Theodore's life tells a lot about life in Asia Minor.

April 23 - St. George
St. George is the patron saint of England and according to legend, the slayer of dragons. The truth probably has something to do with his having been a soldier in the late third century; he abandoned his military rank to become a Christian and was put to death by Rome (referred to by early Christians as "the seven-headed dragon," because of the seven hills of Rome). St. George is also the patron of soldiers.

April 23 - St. Adalbert
As a bishop of Prague, St. Adalbert tried to reform the clergy. He left to evangelize and serve as a missionary to Hungary during the tenth century. He was called the Apostle of the Prussians. He and other missionaries were martyred by the Prussians in 997.

April 24 - St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Today is the feast of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, a priest and patron of lawyers. He distributed his wealth among the poor of early 17th-century Germany. He was martyred for his faith.

April 25 - St. Mark
Today is the memorial of St. Mark, the Gospel writer. Though Mark's Gospel is second in the New Testament, it was the first one written and is the shortest. Mark probably never met Jesus but learned of him through others. He was a Christian during the first century. His Gospel tells us much about Jesus' suffering.

April 26 - St. Cletus
St. Cletus is named in one of the Eucharistic Prayers (the Roman Canon) because he was the third pope (after Peter and Linus). The Roman Empire put him to death because he was a leader of the Church.

Daniel Chester French
Daniel Chester French sculpted the majestic seated figure of Abraham Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. He was born in New Hampshire on this day in 1850. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1922.

6th Sunday of Easter - Year A

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READING I
Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

At the same time that Roman persecution of Christians is underway in Jerusalem, the new Church is spreading to other areas. In last Sunday's reading, the Apostles selected additional ministers, or deacons, to help them with their ministry. Now, one of them, Philip, reaches out to the Samaritans. He brings the joy of the Church to them, and Peter and John go to Samaria to baptize the people fully into the faith. The Spirit is given to these Samaritans to strengthen them in their new faith.

READING II
1 Peter 3:15-18

The reality of Christian life, including both joy and suffering, is presented in this reading. Interestingly, it points out that if one has to suffer, it is better to experience it for doing good than for evil. Christ, too, suffered. The admonition to keep a clear conscience is an important one. If our conscience is clear it does not matter what others say about us.

GOSPEL
John 14:15-21

John's Gospel reflects on the effect love will have on us. To truly love God is to keep the commandments. The presence of the Holy Spirit within as well as the continuing love of the Father and the Son strengthens such love. This is a beautiful, supportive message!

Jesus promises not to desert us. When has this message been especially meaningful to you?

It is important to do good, no matter what others do or say. Peter's letter encourages us not to be upset if others speak unkindly of us. Do not allow the opinions of others to hurt you.

April 27 - St. Zita
St. Zita was a household servant in 13th century Italy. She got in trouble with her employers for giving away food to poor people. She was a simple and kind woman whom everyone loved. St. Zita is the patron of servants.

April 27 - Bl. Mariana of Jesus
In 1565, Mariana was born in Spain. As a young person she prayed intensely, offered penance, and was devoted to the Eucharist. She became a nun at the age of 23 and was encouraged to write a spiritual biography.

April 28 - St. Peter Chanel
Today is the memorial of St. Peter Chanel, a French missionary to the South Pacific, who managed to convert the son of the chief of the island. The chief had Peter killed, but his death led to the conversion of the entire population of the island around 1843.

April 28 - St. Louis Mary de Montfort
St. Louis Mary founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom, a religious order for women caring for the poor. He was devoted to Mary, wrote books about her and promoted praying the Rosary. In 1715, he brought together missionaries to help spread devotion to Mary.

April 29 - St. Catherine of Siena
St. Catherine of Siena was the youngest of twenty-five children! She is the second woman to be proclaimed a Doctor of the Church. Her letters to Pope Gregory XI reveal her straightforward manner. Later she was a strong supporter and adviser of Pope Urban VI, the "real" pope at the beginning of the Great Schism.

April 30 - Pius V
Today is the feast of St. Pius V, who lived in the 16th century, the era of the Protestant Reformation. He was a Dominican friar and the Cardinal Inquisitor General before being chosen pope by the other cardinals who knew he would help promote the reforms of Catholicism mandated by the Council of Trent.

May 1 - St. Joseph the Worker
This is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker which honors Joseph, a carpenter and the husband of Mary. God chose Joseph to be the foster father of Jesus. In promoting this feast, the Church calls upon everyone to recognize the dignity of work and the rights of workers to have just wages and good working conditions.

May 2 - St. Athanasius
St. Athanasius was bishop of Alexandria for 46 years. He wrote the Life of St. Anthony and several commentaries on Scripture. Athanasius died in 373 and is a Doctor of the Church.

May 3 - SS. Philip and James
Today is the feast of SS. Philip and James, apostles who walked, talked, worked and ate with Jesus and helped to carry on his work after Pentecost. James the Lesser became the first bishop of Jerusalem.

"Apostle" of the Mass Media
Fr. Giacomo Alberione was beatified April 27, 2003. As a young priest, he served as a Catholic newspaper editor. He founded the Society of St. Paul in 1914 and the Daughters of St. Paul in 1915. Fr. Alberione wanted to use the media to spread the good news of Jesus.

Orthodox Easter
The Eastern Orthodox Church bases its celebration of Easter on the Julian Calendar, whereas the Western Church uses the Gregorian Calendar. This year they coincide. Following this system it will be more than twenty years before they occur on the same date again.

Many dioceses in the United States move the celebration of the Ascension from Thursday [as included here] replacing the readings for the 7th Sunday in Easter.

Ascension Sunday - Year A

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READING I
Acts 1:1-11

The first reading is from the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles. During the 40 days following his Resurrection, Jesus visited with his disciples a number of times. He used that time to continue their instruction. Jesus directed them to remain in Jerusalem to await a baptism of the Holy Spirit. When the disciples ask if Jesus is to restore the kingdom of Israel, he answers them, and us, that the future is unknown. We must have complete trust in God who alone knows such things.

READING II
Ephesians 1:17-23

Paul offers petitions for the good of the people of Ephesus. He then offers a perspective of the risen Christ with the Father in heaven. Finally, we can envision Christ as the head of the Church - with us as its body.

GOSPEL
Matthew 28:16-20

As the first reading marked the beginning of Acts, this reading concludes Matthew's Gospel. Soon after Jesus' Resurrection some of the disciples still doubted it had happened. Jesus stands before them with a new sense of authority and commands them to spread the Good News and to baptize people of every nation.

Jesus issued a universal call for all Christians to be part of sharing the Good News. What have you done recently to show that you take this responsibility seriously? How can you improve on that this week, or continue your efforts?

Jesus really lived on earth. He lived here to give us examples of ways to show love for one another. Like Jesus, we show love by treating others with respect. How did you measure up last week? How might you improve this week?

May 4 - St. Gothard
St. Gothard was a bishop of 11th century Hildesheim in Germany. He was known for being very organized and energetic in his work. Bishop Gothard put much care into the cathedral school and into a large home for the poor in a city close to Hildesheim.

Rose Maria Benedetta grew up in a wealthy, pious family. She married and had three children. One child died a few months after her husband. While raising her children, she became a Franciscan tertiary. Later she founded an Institute to work with the poor and sick. She took the name Anna Rosa. She died in 1900 in Italy of influenza. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 2000.

May 7 - St. Agostino Roscelli
He served as a chaplain of an orphanage and of a prison. St. Agostino Roscelli also founded a residential school to train women who were in danger of starvation. In 1876, he founded the Institute of Sisters of the Immaculata to lead this and other residential centers he founded. Pope John Paul II canonized him on June 10, 2001.

May 8 - St. Peter of Tarentaise
St. Peter of Tarentaise was a French bishop of the 12th century who used monastic principles to help heal a diocese that was having problems. Some of his reforms included rebuilding a hospice in the Tarentaise Mountains between Switzerland and Italy and distributing food in early spring to people living on hill farms.

May 9 - St. Pachomius
This is the memorial of St. Pachomius, the fourth century founder of community monasticism. He was the first to provide a written rule of life for his followers. He had converted to Christianity as an adult. St. Pachomius set up nine communities for men and three for women.

May 10 - St. John of Avila
Born into a wealthy family, St. John of Avila became a lawyer and a priest. He later gave most of his fortune to the poor. He became a traveling preacher and a writer of the sixteenth century. He was canonized in 1970.

Space Shuttle Atlantis
In 1989 the space shuttle Atlantis was launched. This shuttle successfully deployed the Magellan, a spacecraft on its way to Venus to map that planet's surface.

National Pet Week
The American Veterinary Association promotes responsible pet ownership during this week. To find out about nationwide activities, go to American Veterinary Association www.avmaaux.org Be extra caring of pets this week. Make it a habit.

For a related activity, see At Pentecost.

Solemnity of Pentecost - Year A

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READING I
Acts 2:1-11

Luke alone presents the coming of the Holy Spirit as a dramatic event taking place on the Jewish feast of Pentecost, fifty days after Passover. Luke probably telescopes into one powerful story what actually took place in several events. The strong wind in this drama suggests a new and significantly divine saving action, perhaps recalling the "mighty wind" of God's Spirit over the waters at creation. The tongues of fire call to mind the fire symbolizing God's presence on Mount Sinai as God initiates a covenant with the Israelites. The parting of the tongues of fire so that a fiery tongue rests above each disciple may suggest that the same Spirit fills each individual believer. Alive with the Holy Spirit, the previously fearful disciples bravely begin to proclaim God's great saving deeds through Jesus. As their message is understood in many languages, the disciples are empowered not only to proclaim the Good News but also to effectively extend Jesus' mission to the whole world.

READING II
1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

Paul is writing to the Church at Corinth, which is experiencing tension, especially about the gift of speaking in tongues. Those who have this gift are claiming that they alone have truly been filled with the Holy Spirit. So Paul formulates several rules of discernment about the use of this gift. Paul emphasizes that the gifts of the Spirit are meant for the common good. He describes the Church as the Body of Christ whose members have need for one another and who drink of the same Spirit that unites them.

GOSPEL
John 20:19-23

In John's account, the Holy Spirit comes to the disciples in an upper room on the evening of the Resurrection. Jesus greets the disciples with the word, Shalom, or Peace. Reminiscent of the Creator breathing life into Adam, Jesus breathes on his disciples, bestowing on them the Holy Spirit. The risen Christ sends them forth to continue his mission of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Do we as individuals recognize our own individual gifts from the Spirit? How does our Church community benefit from these gifts?

At Mass you greet others saying "Peace be with you," or "May the peace of Christ be with you." Do you really think about what you are saying? You are wishing to others that they be at peace. Think about this the next time that you offer someone Christ's peace. Do it with sincerity.

May 11 - St. Francis di Girolamo
St. Francis di Girolamo was a Jesuit priest from Italy who spent most of his life working as a rural missionary in the countryside near Naples. His sermons were short and vigorous, and he touched many hearts.

May 12 - SS. Nereus and Achilleus
Four Christian converts were martyred during the first century for their refusal to deny their Christianity. Nereus and Achilleus were brothers who served in the Roman army. Domitilla was a widow and Pancratius a teenager when they also died for their newly accepted Christianity.

May 13 - Our Lady of Fatima
Between May 13 and October 13, 1917 Our Lady appeared to three children in the village of Fatima. Mary implored the children to encourage others to pray the rosary for peace. Many pilgrims continue to visit Fatima today seeking cures from the waters that sprang up when Our Lady had appeared.

May 13 - St.. Julian of Norwich
Julian was born in Norwich, England in the fourteenth century. She was known as an anchoress. Julian lived alone near a church and spent most of her adult life in prayer and contemplation. People often came to her for spiritual advice. Many of her spiritual writings were published and are still read today.

May 14 - St. Matthias
Today is the feast of St. Matthias. He was chosen to fill the place among the Twelve Apostles left by Judas, after the death of Jesus. Matthias preached the Gospel in Ethiopia, Africa.

May 15 - St. Isidore
St. Isidore was a Spanish farmer of the 12th century, who spent all his life working for the same employer. Isidore and his wife, who is also honored as Santa Maria de la Cabeza, worked hard together and were kind to their neighbors. They teach us about reverence for work.

May 16 - St. Brendan the Voyager
St. Brendan the Voyager was a sixth-century monk from Kerry, Ireland. There is much folklore about Brendan, partly due to a widespread 10th century tale called Brendan's Voyage, which describes his supposed trip to the Canary Islands. We do know that he visited England and western Scotland.

May 17 - St. Paschal Baylon
St. Paschal Baylon was a Spanish lay brother in the Franciscan order during the Protestant Reformation. Lay brothers were servants to the friars. St. Paschal was humble, obedient, and fervent in his duties. He cared for the poor and took food from the monastary garden to feed them. He also had a life-long devotion to the Eucharist.

Fr. Mychal Judge
Fr. Mychal Judge was born this day in 1933. He was a Franciscan priest in New York City. He also served as a chaplain to firefighters. Fr. Judge was fatally injured while ministering to a firefighter during the collapse of the World Trade Center, September 11, 2001. He was identified as the first person killed on that day.

Mother's Day
The second Sunday of May has been observed as Mother's Day since 1907. As Catholics, we model motherhood after Mary, the Mother of Jesus. On this day, we honor our own mothers, Mary, and other women who have cared for us in special ways.