Kay's Commentaries on the Daily Scriptures for the Liturgy Provide Three Levels for Readers:

TO KNOW: Explore the context of the text - Who? What? Why? Where? When?

TO LOVE: Make connections between God's Word and your daily life.

TO SERVE: Put God's word into action through service to family, friends, church and community.

Reprinting of Commentaries in any form without permission is prohibited. Send requests for reprinting to Kay: murdyk@netscape.net

THE 50 DAYS OF EASTER

The highlight of the Liturgical Year is the Church's celebration of Easter, which begins with the vigil on Holy Saturday. This "mother of all vigils" begins in total darkness with a service of light. A large fire, signifying the resurrection of Christ who destroys all darkness and sin, is prepared outside and blessed. The Easter candle is lit from the new fire, and then all members of the assembly light their candles from the Easter candle.

During the Easter Vigil the Elect are baptized, confirmed and receive the Eucharist for the first time. Baptized Candidates complete their sacraments of initiation. The assembly renews their baptismal promises. In baptism we die to ourselves by turning away from sin, and rise to new life in Christ. Together we are the Body of the Risen Christ.

Easter is the beginning of a new season of grace and a time of joy and thanksgiving, for Easter is not one day or one solemnity—it is a fifty day celebration, and the fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday together comprise what the General Instruction terms "the great Sunday".

Following an ancient tradition, the Church regards the eight days (an octave) from the Paschal feast to the Second Sunday of Easter as a single unit of celebration. The preface for Easter day is prayed again on the Second Sunday even though it is a week behind us: "We praise you with greater joy than ever on this Easter day." The celebration of the liturgy is full of joy at the close of the octave of this greatest feast! The Easter season of 50 days continues through the Seventh Sunday of Easter (Celebrated as the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord in some dioceses).

MAY IS MARY'S MONTH
The month of May, with its profusion of blooms was adopted by the Church in the eighteenth century as a celebration of the flowering of Mary's maidenly spirituality. With its origins in Isaiah's prophecy of the Virgin birth of the Messiah under the figure of the Blossoming Rod or Root of Jesse, the flower symbolism of Mary was extended by the Church Fathers, and in the liturgy, by applying to her the flower figures of the Biblical books of Canticles, Wisdom, Proverbs and Sirach

In the medieval period, the rose was adopted as the flower symbol of the Virgin Birth, as expressed in Dante's phrase, 'The Rose wherein the Divine Word was made flesh,' and depicted in the rose windows of the great gothic cathedrals, from which came the Christmas carol, 'Lo, How a Rose 'ere Blooming.' Also, with the spread of the Franciscan love of nature, the rose of the fields, waysides and gardens, came to be seen as symbols of Mary.

This month of May
* Honor Mary with a Rosary each day (See Catholic Prayers).
* Read some inspiring literature about Mary.
* Set up a little Shrine to her outside or inside your house.
* Love her!


MATTHEW 28:16-20
ASCENSION OF THE LORD

(*Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:17-23)
KEY VERSE: "And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (v 20).
TO KNOW: Jesus' mission on earth was completed and "in the fullness of time" (Greek: pleroma kairos) he ascended to the Father, filling all the cosmos  ̶  all of creation with his presence. Jesus' mission had been to the "lost sheep of the House of Israel" (Mt 10:6). At his ascension he expanded his mission to encompass the whole world, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that in him, all nations would be blessed (Gn 18:18). Jesus reassured his disciples by promising that his abiding presence and authority would sustain them in their mission as they baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit, the fullness of the Trinity. In the fullness of time, Jesus went before us so that we might grow into the "fullness" of the stature of the children of God. At his birth, Jesus was called "Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us" (Matt 1:23), the name given to him according to the prophet Isaiah (7:14). The Spirit of the Risen Christ will be with the Church to guide and protect it until the end of time.
TO LOVE: Risen Lord, be with our Church in times of joy and times of trial.
TO SERVE: In what ways am I empowered to continue Jesus' work on earth?

* In those places where the Ascension has been transferred to the Seventh Sunday of Easter.

With the Solemnity of the Ascension, the Church begins nine days of prayer in preparation of the celebration of Pentecost. Let us sing each day the ancient hymn of longing for the Spirit known as "Veni, Creator Spiritus" in Latin or "Come, Holy Ghost" in English.

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
And in our hearts take up thy rest;
Come with thy grace and heav'nly aid
To fill the hearts which thou hast made.
To fill the hearts which thou hast made.


JOHN 17:1-11a
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

(*Acts 1:12-14; Psalm 27; 1 Peter 4:13-16)
KEY VERSE: "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you" (v 1).
TO KNOW: Since the sixteenth century, this intimate prayer to the Father has been called Jesus' "high priestly prayer." Jesus spoke as though he was no longer in the world but was present at his Father's side. Jesus had finished the work that had been given to him, that of revealing the one, eternal, merciful, righteous and ever-present God who he called "Father." Through Jesus' words and deeds, and finally through his passion and death, everything he did gave glory to the Father. At the resurrection, the Father would glorify the Son. Jesus interceded for those who would continue his work on earth. He prayed that the Father's sacred name (God's saving power) would protect his followers from evil.
TO LOVE: Our Father in heaven, protect us with your name as we await the coming of your kingdom.
TO SERVE: In what ways have I given glory to God today?

*In those places where the solemnity of the Ascension has been transferred to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, the Mass and readings of the Ascension are used: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20


JOHN 16:29-33
(Acts 19:1-8, Psalm 68)
KEY VERSE: "In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world" (v 33).
TO KNOW: Jesus prepared his followers to face his final "hour" in which he would suffer and die. His disciples naively assumed that they had complete faith in Jesus, but he told them that when the time came, they would scatter like frightened sheep that had lost their shepherd (Zec 13:7). In his agony, Jesus would feel as though even his Father had abandoned him (Mk 15:34). But Jesus and his Father could never be separated; He and the Father were one. Jesus forewarned his disciples that they would all fail him. They should not despair, but have confidence in his forgiveness. Although his disciples would suffer greatly in the world, they must take heart. In Jesus' resurrection, he would be victorious over all evil.
TO LOVE: Risen Lord, help me to have faith in times of adversity.
TO SERVE: Do I need to console someone who feels that they have failed the Lord?

CINCO DE MAYO
The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, the 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, with some recognition in other parts of the Mexico, and especially in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population. It is not, as many people think, Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually September 16. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular along the U.S.-Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that have a high population of people with a Mexican heritage. In these areas the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico.


JOHN 17:1-11a
(Acts 20:17-27; Psalm 68)
KEY VERSE: "I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do" (v 4).
TO KNOW: Jesus was about to complete the work he had been given. His "hour" had come, the moment for him to fulfill his mission on earth through his passion, death and resurrection. Jesus was the high priest who offered himself as a victim for the salvation of the world. He would bring glory to God through his saving death, and God would in turn glorify him. Jesus had come into the world to reveal the true nature and character of God. He prayed that those who believed that he was the one sent by God would share eternal life with him. Jesus asked the Father to protect his followers from all evil. He prayed that the Church would be united in love to demonstrate the oneness that he had with the Father.
TO LOVE: Risen Lord, help me to participate in your work on earth.
TO SERVE: Is there someone who needs my prayers for protection from evil?

NATIONAL TEACHER DAY
National Teacher Day is always celebrated the first Tuesday of the first full week of May. This day focuses on the contributions teachers make to help children succeed in school and in life. An Arkansas teacher, Mrs. Mattye Whyte Woodridge, began corresponding with political and education leaders as early as 1944 about the need for a national day honoring teachers. One of the leaders she wrote to was Eleanor Roosevelt, who persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day in 1953. Teachers are true heroes in our communities, who through their dedication to children, work millions of small miracles every day. This day honors those hard working, patient and understanding people to whom we entrust our children. So let's give them their due. And, if you happen to be a teacher reading this, we personally offer our thanks, for the future of our world is in your hands. 


JOHN 17:11b-19
(Acts 20:28-38; Psalm 68)
KEY VERSE: "Consecrate them in truth. Your word is truth" (v 17).
TO KNOW: Poised between heaven and earth, Jesus interceded to the Father on behalf of his disciples who he called his 'friends.' As a good shepherd, Jesus had protected the flock that the Father had given him (Jn 10:27-29). The only one lost was Judas, the one who gave himself over to the evil one. Jesus 'consecrated' his faithful disciples, that is, he set them apart from the profane world in order to be holy vessels for God's use. Ironically, Jesus said that he did not pray for the world, and yet he came because "God so loved the world" (Jn 3:16). But in John's gospel the 'world" stands for a human society without God. Jesus sends out his disciples into the world, in order to lead people back to God. As the Father sent Jesus into the world to sanctify it, the disciples would be a means of holiness for the entire world through their dedicated proclamation of divine truth.
TO LOVE: Risen Lord, help me to be an instrument of your truth in the world.
TO SERVE: Am I a sign of holiness for others?


JOHN 17:20-26
(Acts 22:30, 23:6-11; Psalm 16)
KEY VERSE: "I gave them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one" (v 22).
TO KNOW: As Jesus prepared to return to his Father, he prayed for all those who would come to believe in him through his disciples. They would continue Jesus' work on earth by making God's name known through their proclamation of the gospel. Jesus prayed for the unity of all believers. He longed for the time when his faithful followers would be united with him in the glory he shared with the Father. The love that existed between the Father and the Son flowed through the Spirit and was expressed in the love that Christians had for one another. The Christian community should be a reflection of the oneness of the Triune God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When the world understood this, they would be attracted to the gospel (Jn 13:35).
TO LOVE: Risen Lord, help me to work for unity in my parish.
TO SERVE: Can people "read" the Gospel that I proclaim by my life?


JOHN 21:15-19
(Acts 25:13b-21; Psalm 103)
KEY VERSE: Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep" (v.17).
TO KNOW: For Peter's three-fold denial, the risen Lord gave him three opportunities to profess his devotion. There are two Greek words used for love in this passage. Agape love is the highest love imaginable, the love that God has for the Son and for all created beings. Phileo love has a different connotation, referring to human affection or friendship. Jesus asked Peter twice, "Do you love me?" (Agapas me?). Peter replied, "I love you" (Philo se). The third time, Jesus asked, "Do you love me like a friend?" (Phileis me?). Jesus wanted Peter to know he accepted him and forgave him in friendship. To each expression of love, Jesus told Peter to feed his flock. Like Jesus the good Shepherd, Peter would lay down his life for the sake of the sheep.
TO LOVE: Risen Lord, help me to love and forgive those who have wronged me.
TO SERVE: In what ways do I feed the Lord's flock?


JOHN 21:20-25
(Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Psalm 11)
KEY VERSE: "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?" (v 23).
TO KNOW: Jesus warned Peter what sort of death awaited him as shepherd of the flock. He then offered Peter another opportunity to follow him (v 19). As they walked along, John, the beloved disciple, followed them. Seeing John, Peter inquired about the apostle's fate. Jesus told Peter that it was not his business to know God's plans for someone else. His only concern should be following Jesus. John the evangelist concluded his Gospel by testifying to the truth he had written. Although the whole world could not contain all that might be said about the Lord, we must be content like Peter with those things God wished to reveal to us. Our business is to follow the Lord with our will in step with his.
TO LOVE: Risen Lord, help me to trust in God's plan for my life.
TO SERVE: How am I being asked to follow Jesus today?

Optional Memorial of Blessed Damien Joseph de Veuster of Moloka'i, priest
T
he "Leper Priest of Moloka'i," named Joseph at his birth, received the name Damien in religious life when he joined the Sacred Hearts Fathers in 1860. In 1864, he was sent to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he was ordained. For the next nine years he worked in missions on the big island of Hawaii. In 1873, he went to the leper colony on Moloka'i, after volunteering for the assignment. Damien cared for lepers of all ages, but was particularly concerned about the children segregated in the colony. Although he contracted leprosy in 1885 he continued to build hospitals, clinics, and churches, and some six hundred coffins. He died on April 15, on Moloka'i. Damien was defended against a slanderous attack by Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote an impassioned defense of him in 1905. Damien was declared venerable in 1977. John Paul II beatified Damien on June 4, 1995. It was during Damien’s years at Moloka'i that a Norwegian doctor, Gerhard Hansen, first identified the bacillus of leprosy. Today, Hansen’s disease, as leprosy is now called, can be slowed and sometimes totally halted, but it still remains a serious illness. The World Health Organization estimates that there are currently 10-12 million cases of Hansen’s disease worldwide.


JOHN 20:19-23
SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST

(Acts 2:1-11, Psalm 104; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13)
KEY VERSE: He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit" (v 22).
TO KNOW: On the fiftieth day after Passover, the Jews celebrated the feast of the "first fruits" of the harvest (Greek, Pentecost, Hebrew, Shavuot), the holiday honoring the giving of the Torah. The Christian feast of Pentecost marked the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples (Acts 2:1-4). In John's Gospel, the resurrection, ascension and the descent of the Spirit occurred on the same Easter Sunday. It is most likely that the disciples were gathered in the upper room where the Last Supper had been held. But they were fearful that the emissaries of the Sanhedrin would come to arrest them too. Upon seeing the risen Lord, the disciples were overjoyed. Just as the breath of God created Adam, the first human being (Gn 2:7), Jesus breathed forth the Spirit creating the new people of God, the Church. Empowered by the Spirit, Jesus' disciples were sent forth to bring peace through the reconciliation of sinners.
TO LOVE: Holy Spirit, help me to bring peace and forgiveness to others.
TO SERVE: How has the Holy Spirit empowered my life?

The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost is called the birthday of the universal Church. Through the Spirit the Church realizes her call to preach the Gospel of Christ to the whole world. The Feast of Pentecost brings the Easter Season to a close.

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Breathe into me, Spirit of God, that I may think what is holy.
Drive me, Spirit of God, that I may do what is holy.
Draw me, Spirit of God, that I may love what is holy.
Strengthen me, Spirit of God, that I may preserve what is holy.
Guide me, Spirit of God, that I may never lose what is holy.
St. Augustine

 


MOTHER'S DAY
During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday" on the 4th Sunday of Lent. In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe as a day dedicated to peace. Mother's Day for peace was celebrated for a number of years, but Howe died without gaining formal recognition for her vision of peace on Mother's Day. In 1907 Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, inspired by her own mother in caring for soldiers and their families during the Civil War, was successful in her campaign for a national day of recognition for all mothers to be celebrated on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. By 1911 Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May. Many countries celebrate Mother's Day at different times throughout the year.

"Arise women of the day! Arise whether our baptism be that of water or of fears! Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience. We women of one country will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure others. From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own. It says: Disarm! Disarm!"
Julia Ward Howe, Author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic
 

SECOND PART OF ORDINARY TIME

The feast of Pentecost officially closes the fifty days of the Easter Season. The Paschal candle, which has been kept in the sanctuary throughout the Easter Season and lighted during the liturgy, is taken from the sanctuary at the end of the Mass of Pentecost, sometimes in procession, and placed in the church's baptistry, where it remains for the rest of the year.

The second part of Ordinary Time begins with the day after Pentecost and runs to the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent. The Masses of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity and the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ replace the first two Sundays of this season of Ordinary Time.

The season of Ordinary Time helps us to meditate on the mighty works of God through the Risen Christ and the sending of the Spirit. It is a time to grow in our faith in response to God's invitation to follow Jesus through his Incarnation and Birth. We have a challenge to make our ordinary days extraordinary!

WITH THIS NEW SEASON I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE MY THREE-FOLD DESIGNATIONS:
TO KNOW, TO LOVE AND TO SERVE TO: READING, REFLECTING AND PRAYING.

READING: Explore the context of the text - What does the author intend to say to me, the reader?

REFLECTING: Meditate on the connections between God's Word and my daily life.

PRAYING: In what ways does God's word invite me to love and serve my family, friends and community?

Please let me know what you think of this format? Thank you, Kay Murdy murdyk@netscape.net

MARK 8:11-13
(James 1:1:1-11; Psalm 119)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation" (v 12).
READING: After miraculously feeding 4,000 people in the Gentile territory, Jesus went on to the district of Dalmanutha (v 10, place unknown). Some Pharisees demanded that Jesus display some mighty work of God as a sign that God's reign had arrived. Yet, at the same time, they refused to accept the miracles that Jesus had accomplished, and missing the significance of these works as a manifestation of God's presence. Similarly, God told Moses in the wilderness that the people refused to believe or heed God's voice "despite all the signs" that were performed in their midst (Nm 14:11,22). Jesus left this faithless place, telling the hypocritical leaders that because of their blind lack of faith, no such sign would be given to them.
REFLECTING: How can I be a sign of God's presence to others?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the signs of your presence in my everyday life.

Optional Memorial of Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs, or Pancras, martyr
Nereus and Achilleus were Roman soldiers who died around 304. They were probably Praetorian guards under Emperor Trajan. We know little else about them. But what we do know comes from two popes who lived in the fourth century, Pope Siricius and Pope Damasus. In 398, Pope Siricius built a church in their honor in Rome. Pope Damasus wrote a brief tribute to the martyrs. He explained that Nereus and Achilleus were converted to the Christian faith. They left behind their weapons forever. They were true followers of Jesus even at the cost of their own lives. Nereus and Achilleus were sent into exile to the island of Terracina. There they were beheaded. In the sixth century, a second church was built in another part of Rome to honor these two martyrs.

St. Pancras, a fourteen-year-old orphan, lived at the same time. He could possibly have been killed on the same day. Pancras was not a native of Rome. He was brought there by his uncle who looked after him. He became a follower of Jesus and was baptized. Although just a boy, he was arrested for being a Christian. Pancras refused to give up his faith. For that, he was sentenced to death. Pancras was beheaded. He became a very popular martyr in the early Church. People admired him for being so young and so brave.


MARK 8:14-21
(James 1:12-18; Psalm 94)
KEY VERSE: "Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod" (v 15).
READING: Leaving the district of Dalmanutha, Jesus and his disciples journeyed by boat to the other side of the lake. On the way, the disciples realized that they had forgotten to bring enough provisions. Jesus used this as an opportunity to warn them about the corrupting influence of Herod and the Pharisees. Since yeast, or leaven, induced fermentation in bread dough, it was an apt symbol of the insidious effect of those who opposed Jesus. The disciples failed to understand him, and Jesus castigated them for being blind and deaf to his words and deeds. Did they not just witness the extraordinary multiplication of loaves? (Mk 6:34-44; 8:1-9). Those in power had missed the meaning of the miracle. Did his disciples miss it too?
REFLECTING: In what ways do I influence others for good or evil?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to understand your words and deeds.

Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima
The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared six times to three shepherd children near the town of Fatima, Portugal between May 13th and October 13th 1917. She told them that she had been sent by God with a message for every man, woman and child. She promised that Heaven would grant peace to all the world if her requests for prayer, reparation and consecration were heard and obeyed. The Blessed Mother repeatedly emphasized the necessity of praying the Rosary daily, of wearing the Brown Scapular of Mount Carmel and of performing acts of reparation and sacrifice. Our Lady requested the solemn public Consecration of Russia to Her Immaculate Heart. She also asked that the Faithful practice a devotion of reparation on the first Saturday of five consecutive months ("the Five First Saturdays"). The heart of Our Lady's Message to the world is contained in what has come to be called the "Secret" which she confided to the three child seers in July 1917. Two of those children, Jacinta and Francisco Martos, died shortly after the apparitions, and on May 13, 2000 the Pope declared them 'Blessed.' At the Mass of Beatification, the third part of the Secret of Fatima was finally revealed to the world on the instruction of Pope John Paul. Many expected the third and final revelation to be momentous, perhaps even unveiling end-time events or the specifics of Jesus Christ’s return. According to Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the text of the Fatima secret foretold the May 1981 assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II by a Turkish gunman at the Vatican. Sodano said the interpretation had been “confirmed” by Sister Lucia de Jesus dos Santos, the eldest of the three. Sister Lucia died after a long illness at the age of 97 on February 13, 2004 at her Carmelite convent in Coimbra, Portugal. John Paul II publicly credited Our Lady of Fatima for saving his life  saying that it was "a motherly hand which guided the bullet’s path,’ enabling the dying Pope to halt ‘at the threshold of death.’” In addition to May 13 being the date of the assassination attempt against the pope, which took place on the 64th anniversary of the first Fatima apparition, it was the day in 1917 which the three children received their first of six professed visions of the Virgin Mary. It now also marks the day in which the remaining secret was revealed.  Send Your Prayer Petitions to: Fatima_Petitions@ip.pt


JOHN 15:9-17
FEAST OF MATTHIAS, APOSTLE

(Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Psalm 113)
KEY VERSE: "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love" (v 9).
READING: Jesus taught his disciples about the intimate unity that existed between himself and his Father. Everything that Jesus said and did was in obedience to his Father's word. This same bond existed between Jesus and his disciples. John used two Greek words to define the meaning of the love that Jesus had for them. In the first instance, the word agape expressed the supernatural love of the Father and the Son. In the second occurrence, the word phileo was used, which refered to human affection and friendship. Jesus' disciples were his friends because he had revealed everything he heard from the Father. Servants did not have privileged information of what the master did. Jesus chose his friends to be the instruments of God's revelation to the world. Their task would be fruitful if they obeyed Jesus' command to love.
REFLECTING: Am I grateful that that Lord chose me to be his friend?
PRAYING: Let us pray that all "who hold and teach the Catholic faith that comes to us from the apostles" [Eucharistic Prayer I], continue in our own time to hand on the faith that we have received, just as the apostles did in their time.

FEAST OF MATTHIAS, APOSTLE
"The [apostles] prayed and said, 'Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.' And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:24-26). 

After the ascension of Jesus, the first thing the apostles did was to find a replacement for Judas
Iscariot. Why was this important? Twelve was a very important number to the Chosen People: twelve was the number of the twelve tribes of Israel. If the new Israel was to come from the disciples of Jesus, a twelfth apostle was needed. Jesus had chosen the original twelve, so how did they know who to choose? Peter had one criterion, that, like Andrew, James, John, and himself, the new apostle must be someone who had been a disciple from the very beginning, from Jesus' baptism by John until his resurrection and ascension. Two men fit this description -- Matthias and Joseph called Barsabbas. They knew that both these men had been with Jesus through his whole ministry. But which one had the heart to become a apostle? Since only the Lord could know what was in the heart of each, they cast lots in order to discover God's will. Matthias was chosen, the twelfth apostle and the group was whole again as they waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Tradition says that Matthias preached the Gospel for more than 30 years in Judea, Cappadocia, Egypt and Ethiopia. He is remembered for preaching the need for mortification of the flesh with regard to all its sensual desires. A martyr, Matthias was stoned to death at Colchis in 80 AD. Some relics are in the church of Triers, and others are in St. Mary Major in Rome.


MARK 8:27-33
(James 2:1-9; Psalm 34)
KEY VERSE: "But who do you say that I am?" (v 29).
READING: Jesus took his disciples to the area of Caesarea Philippi in northern Israel. In that pagan territory, Jesus asked his disciples who they thought him to be. While the people regarded Jesus as just another prophet, Peter professed his belief that Jesus was the Messiah, the One who would bring salvation. This episode marked a turning point in the disciples' understanding of Jesus' role and mission, but they still did not have full comprehension of his purpose in coming. Then Jesus revealed what it meant to be God's anointed one. He would be rejected, suffer and die for the sins of the people. Peter had difficulty accepting a suffering Messiah, and Jesus warned him that he was allowing Satan to cloud his mind and impede God's will. Anyone who wished to follow Jesus must not be a stumbling stone on the way to the cross. They must get behind Jesus, take up the cross, and share in his struggles and sufferings.
REFLECTING: How can I help someone understand who Jesus is?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to bear my sufferings as I follow you.

Optional Memorial of Isidore the Farmer
Isidore was a pious farmer who married to Mary de la Cabeza. When their young son died, they were convinced that it was the will of God that they should not have children. They decided to live together celibately, doing good works the rest of their lives. Accused by fellow workers of shirking his duties by attending Mass each day and taking time out for prayers, Isidore claimed he had no choice but to follow his highest Master, the Lord. One tale said that when his master came to chastise him for skipping work for church, he found angels plowing the fields in place of Isidore. Miracles and cures were reported at his grave, in which his body remains incorrupt.


MARK 8:34  ̶  9:1
(James 2:14-24, 26; Psalm 112)
KEY VERSE: "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up the cross, and follow me" (v 34).
READING: Many people hoped that Jesus was the Messiah. Some believed that God's anointed one would come as a powerful warrior to liberate Israel from foreign oppression and restore the kingdom to its former glory. Jesus helped his followers understand that his was a spiritual, not a political mission. He explained to them what it would mean to be his disciple. Whoever was committed to the establishment of God's reign must follow the way of the cross. They must be willing to sacrifice their own self-seeking and self-centered ambitions. If they lived contrary to Jesus' teachings, they would lose the fullness of life they sought. If they heard and acted on Jesus' words, they would experience life everlasting.
REFLECTING: What is the Lord asking me to sacrifice for the sake of his kingdom?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to open my heart and hands to do your will.


MARK 9:2-13
(James 3:1-10; Psalm 12)
KEY VERSE: "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him" (v 7).
READING: Although Peter declared Jesus to be the Messiah of God, the disciples still did not have full understanding of his mission. Jesus took three of his disciples up a mountain to give them a glimpse of his prophetic teaching and future glory. The mount of the Transfiguration became a unique place of God's revelation, echoing the experience of Moses, the great liberator who received God's Law on Mount Sinai (Ex 19:3,9; 34:27-29). God's revelation was also given to the great prophet Elijah, on Mount Horeb (also "Sinai," 1 Kgs 19:8). The appearance of Moses and Elijah revealed Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and his prophetic announcement of the reign of God. Peter was awestruck and proposed that they set up three tents ("booths" a symbol of the final harvest, Isaiah 25:6). A cloud overshadowed them all, reminiscent of the "shekinah" presence of God that filled the tent in the wilderness (Ex 40:35). The voice of God was heard confirming Christ's divine authority (Dt 18:15). Jesus' words must be heard and obeyed.
REFLECTING:
In what ways can I manifest God's kingdom to others?
PRAYING:
Lord Jesus, help me to share your passion and glory with all whom I meet.

OPTIONAL MEMORIALS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Chapter V of the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, issued by the Holy See in December 2001, describes the Church's traditional dedication of Saturday to the Virgin Mary. "Saturdays stand out among those days dedicated to the Virgin Mary. These are designated as memorials of the Blessed Virgin Mary" (218). The chapter also describes the importance of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in Catholic devotional life, including the Liturgy, and includes reflections on popular devotions to Mary, her feast days, and the Rosary. See the complete document on Vatican web site Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy.
 


ARMED FORCES DAY
(Observed Third Saturday of May USA)
Armed Forces Day honors all branches of the armed forces of the United States. It is celebrated on the third Saturday of May with military exercises on land, at sea, and in the air. Military installations are usually open to the public on Armed Forces Day. President Harry S. Truman proclaimed Armed Forces Day, and it was first celebrated in May 1950. It replaced three separate celebrations for the Air Force, Army, and Navy. James V. Forrestal, the first secretary of defense, helped unite the armed services under the Department of Defense after World War II ended in 1945.


JOHN 3:16-18
SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

(Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9; Psalm: Daniel 3; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13)
KEY VERSE: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son" (v 16).
READING: It is essential for our Christian belief to know that it was love, not condemnation, that motivated God to send the Son to redeem the world from everything evil and destructive. Each person has a choice to respond to the grace God offers, or to turn away from it. By rejecting God's love, condemnation is brought upon oneself. Those who believe in God's Son have the indwelling light of the Spirit to guide them to all truth (Jn 16:13). Our belief in the One God revealed in three divine Persons  ̶  Father, Son, and Spirit  ̶  the creative, the redemptive, and the sanctifying love of God. The Trinity is about relationship. The Son is obedient to the Father; the Father does whatever the Son asks; the Father and the Son send the Spirit; the Son is obedient to the Holy Spirit.  Although the word "Trinity" is not found in Scripture, our concept of the Trinity has scriptural roots in the variety of ways we understand the one God in three persons that the creeds ater defined. Paul concluded his letter to the Corinthians, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you" (2 Cor 13:13).
REFLECTING: Does the Trinitarian love of God manifest itself in me?
PRAYING: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I adore and worship you.

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY
The first Sunday after Pentecost celebrates the great dogma of the Christian faith, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, which was declared a feast of the universal church in 1334. During the first thousand years of Christianity there was no special feast honoring this mystery (mystery, in this connection, means a supernatural fact revealed by God which transcends the power of human reasoning). The word "Trinity," first used by Tertullian (145-220) to describe the nature of God, was only defined by the Church councils in the fourth and fifth centuries. In the fourth century, the Council of Nicaea addressed the doctrine of the Trinity in response to the Arian heresy that taught that Jesus was only a created being like others. Through the Spirit, Jesus is the "only-begotten" son of the Father. In baptism, we are baptized in the name of God, not the "names," for we hold that there is only one God, the Father, his beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit: the Most Holy Trinity (CCC 232).


MARK 9:14-29
(James 3, 13-18; Psalm 19)
KEY VERSE: "All things can be done for the one who believes" (v 23).
READING:  When Moses descended from Mount Sinai, he found that the people had lost faith in God and were practicing idolatry (Ex 32:15-20). When Jesus came down from the mountain of the Transfiguration, he also met with disbelief. Like Moses, Jesus was exasperated with the people's infidelity. A man approached Jesus and asked him if he whether or not he could cure his son, as his disciples had been unable to do so. The boy apparently suffered from epilepsy (in the ancient world, illnesses were attributed to evil spirits). Jesus replied that everything was possible to one who had faith. The man confessed his desire to believe, but he also admitted that in this desperate situation he had doubts whether Jesus was able to do so. Jesus rebuked the power of evil. Although the boy appeared to be dead, Jesus took his hand and raised him up (a resurrection image). The awestruck disciples questioned Jesus as to why they were unable to effect a cure. Jesus answer was that faith in God's power must be accompanied by prayer.
REFLECTING: How can I help someone to to trust when their faith is weak?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to trust you in all situations.


VICTORIA DAY CANADA (Monday, Prior to May 25)
In Canada, the celebration of Victoria Day is the official celebration in Canada of the birthdays of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. Victoria Day was established as a holiday in Canada West (Now Ontario) in 1845, and became a national holiday in 1901. Before Victoria Day became a national Holiday, people had celebrated Empire Day, beginning in the 1890s as Victoria approached her Diamond jubilee in 1897. Victoria, queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India was born on 24 May 1819. She ascended the throne after the death of her uncle George IV in 1837 when she was only 18. She ruled until her death in 1901 when her son Edward the VII became king of England.


MARK 9:30-37
(James 4:1-10; Psalm 55)
KEY VERSE: "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me" (v 37).
READING: As Jesus traveled through Galilee, he taught his disciples a second time about his impending suffering and death (see Mk 8:31). The disciples failed to comprehend his words as their concept of the Messiah was one who would reign with power over Israel's enemies. Consequently, they argued among themselves about what rank and position each of them would have in the coming kingdom. When they arrived in Capernaum, Jesus corrected their distorted view. He lovingly placed a small child in their midst, and in that way he taught them by means of a living parable. The child represented the powerless and needy in the community whom the disciples must be willing to serve. Whoever cared for these lowly ones, were in reality serving Jesus and God who sent him.
REFLECTING: How have I served the "little ones" in my community today?

PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to see you in the poor and suffering.

Optional Memorial of Bernardine of Siena, priest
Bernardine's preaching skills were so great that he filled the piazzas of Italian cities. Thousands of listeners flocked to hear him and to participate in dramatic rituals and exorcisms. A renowned peacemaker in the Franciscan tradition, he tried to calm feuding clans and factions in the turbulent political world of the Renaissance. His preaching visits would often culminate in mass reconciliations as listeners were persuaded to exchange the bacio di pace, or kiss of peace. He contended that the catalyst of civil discord in the urban setting was malicious gossip, which led to insults, and, too often, vendettas by aggressive males. His surprising allies in his peacekeeping mission were the women who comprised the majority of his audience.


MARK 9:38-40
(James 4:13-17; Psalm 49)
KEY VERSE: "There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me" (v 39).
READING: Jesus warned his disciples about problems they would face as they led the Church after his death and resurrection. He admonished them about worldly ambition (v 33-37), and petty intolerance. Seeming not to hear him, his disciples arrogantly suggested that some exorcists, who did not belong to their company, should be prevented from expelling demons in Jesus' name. Jesus challenged their closed-mindedness. No one could do the mighty deeds of God and at the same time speak ill of Jesus. All who did good by the power of Jesus' name were contributing to building up the kingdom. Even the simplest acts of charity would be rewarded.
REFLECTING: Am I judgmental toward those who are not of my faith?

PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be open-minded toward all who do your work.

Optional Memorial of Christopher Magallanes, priest and martyr, and his companions, martyrs
Christopher Magallanes was a parish priest at Totatiche, Mexico. He worked with the indigenous people to form agrarian cooperatives with the town's people and to evangelize the poorest populations that were being neglected. When the anti-Church government closed all seminaries, he started his own seminary at Totatiche, which was quickly suppressed. He formed another, and another, and when they were all closed, the seminarians conducted classes in private homes. Captured by government authorities, he was heard to shout from his jail cell: "I am innocent and I die innocent. I forgive with all my heart those responsible for my death, and I ask God that the shedding of my blood serve the peace of our divided Mexico." Christopher Magallanes was joined in martyrdom by twenty-one diocesan priests and three devout laymen, all members of the Cristeros movement, who rose up in rebellion against the anti-Catholic Mexican government during the 1920s.


MARK 9:41-50
(James 5:1-6; Psalm 49)
KEY VERSE: "Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor?" (v 50).
READING: Jesus warned his disciples to be careful not to give scandal to the lowly, poor and uneducated ones of the community. Using hyperbole (exaggerated speech), Jesus told them to be ruthless in their renunciation of evil. It would be better to enter heaven "crippled" or "maimed" than to be cast whole into the fires of Gehenna (originally a site of child sacrifice to Molech, 2 Kgs.23:10), a garbage dump with perpetually smoldering fires that suggested the punishment of the wicked. Jesus' disciples should have a purifying effect on the community. Just as the impure salt from the Dead Sea easily lost its flavor, they must be careful not to lose their zeal for God even though suffering and persecution would refine them like "fire" (v 49).
REFLECTING: Am I careful that my words and actions do not give scandal?

PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be a good example to everyone in my community.

Memorial of Rita of Cascia, religious
From her early youth, Rita showed interest in a religious life. However, when she was twelve, her parents betrothed her to an ill-tempered, abusive individual. Disappointed but obedient, Rita married him when she was 18, and was the mother of twin sons. She put up with her husband's abuses for eighteen years before he was ambushed and stabbed to death. Her sons swore vengeance on their father's killers, but through Rita's prayers and interventions, they forgave the offenders. Upon the deaths of her sons, Rita again felt the call to religious life, and she was admitted to the Augustine monastery at age 36. Rita lived 40 years in the convent, spending her time in prayer and charity, and working for peace in the region. She was devoted to the Passion, and in response to a prayer to suffer as Christ, she received a chronic head wound that appeared to have been caused by a crown of thorns, and which bled for 15 years.  Rita is well-known as a patron of desperate, seemingly impossible causes and situations. This is because she has been involved in so many stages of life - wife, mother, widow, and nun, she buried her family, helped bring peace to her city, saw her dreams denied and fulfilled - and never lost her faith in God.
 


MARK 10:1-12
(James 5:9-12; Psalm 103)
KEY VERSE: "Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate" (v 9).
READING: At the time of Jesus, Rabbis differed in their opinion as to what constituted sufficient grounds for divorce. The scriptures permitted a man to divorce his wife for immoral behavior (Dt 24:1). A woman had no such rights. When some Pharisees questioned Jesus regarding divorce, he gave them the authentic interpretation of the Law by recalling the basic values underlying the scriptures. God's original intent was that a man and woman become "one body" (Gn 2:21-24), a symbol of God's unity with the people. This relationship should not be sundered without sufficient cause or capricious human will. In the letter to the Ephesians, marriage foreshadowed Christ's oneness with his Church (Eph 5:32).
REFLECTING: Am I committed to my vocation as a sign of my fidelity to Christ?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, bring your compassionate healing to all who suffer separation and divorce.


MARK 10:13-16
(James 5:13-20; Psalm 141)
KEY VERSE: "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (v 14).
READING: Jesus told his disciples that they must serve the simple and lowly ones of the Christian community (Mk 9:36-37). He warned them that grave punishment awaited those that gave scandal to these "little ones" (v 41-50). When some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them, his disciples rebuked the parents for being a nuisance. Jesus was indignant at their insensitive behavior. He told his followers that it was only the childlike who were worthy to enter God's reign. Children were powerless and must depend on their parents to provide for their needs. Jesus’ wanted to encourage his followers to be receptive to the powerlessness rather than seeking power for themselves. They must be like children, humbly depending upon God with trust and love. These were the attributes they needed
if they desired to enter God's reign.
REFLECTING: Who are the hurting children in my life that need my loving embrace?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, bless me as your little child.

OPTIONAL MEMORIALS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Chapter V of the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, issued by the Holy See in December 2001, describes the Church's traditional dedication of Saturday to the Virgin Mary. "Saturdays stand out among those days dedicated to the Virgin Mary. These are designated as memorials of the Blessed Virgin Mary" (218). The chapter also describes the importance of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in Catholic devotional life, including the Liturgy, and includes reflections on popular devotions to Mary, her feast days, and the Rosary. See the complete document on Vatican web site (www.vatican.va) Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy.


JOHN 6:51-58
SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
(Deuteronomy 8:2-3,14b-16a; Psalm 147; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
KEY VERSE: "Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them" (v 56).
READING: In John's account of Jesus' multiplication of the loaves in the wilderness, he moves from the wisdom theme of Jesus' discourse on the Bread of Life, to the Sacramental theme*. The vocabulary changes graphically: "flesh and "blood," and "eat and drink." John spoke clearly of the nourishment of his body and blood given to us in the Eucharist: Jesus flesh was "real food" and his blood was "real drink." The Greek word used for eating (phago) is not merely symbolic; it means "to gnaw," or "to munch." In Jewish thought blood stood for life, and the blood belonged to God. That is why to this day orthodox Jews will not eat meat that is not completely drained of blood (kosher). When Jesus told his followers that they must drink his blood he meant that they must take his very life into their lives. Jesus is the supreme "sacrament" of God, nourishing the faithful with his own body and blood on their spiritual journey. Jesus tells the people that without this sacred food, they cannot have eternal communion with him and his Father. How unfortunate that those who claim a literal interpretation of other passages of scripture, deny the reality of Jesus' real presence in the Eucharist as explained by Christ himself. 
REFLECTING: Do I understand the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist? Could I explain it to others?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, feed me at your table of eternal life.

(* Note: In John's gospel, there is no institution of the Eucharist given at the Last Supper)


MARK 10:17-27
(1 Peter 1:3-9; Psalm 111)
KEY VERSE: "Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven" (v 21).
READING: A rich man approached Jesus and asked him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him that the answer to his question could be found in the Law, which was a reflection of God's righteousness. When the man said that he had kept the Law all of his life, Jesus invited him to take another step on his spiritual journey. By sharing his wealth with the poor, the man would be rewarded with even greater treasures in heaven. But the rich man was unable to part with his possessions, and he walked away saddened. Jesus warned his disciples that wealth could be an obstacle to the kingdom of God. He used the image of a heavily laden camel trying to squeeze through the city gates to show that his followers should not be so weighed down with material goods that they would be unable to pass through heaven's gate.
REFLECTING: What does my parish do to help the poor?
What do I do?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous with the gifts you have given to me.

Memorial of Philip Neri, priest
Philip Neri founded the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity. He began to preach and had many converts. In 1550 he considered retiring to the life of a solitary hermit, but he received further visions that told him his mission was in Rome. Later he considered missionary work in India, but once again, visions convinced him to stay in Rome. He entered the priesthood in 1551. He heard confessions by the hour and could tell penitents their sins before they confessed them. He began working with youth, finding safe places for them to play, becoming involved in their lives. Pope Gregory XIV tried to make him a cardinal, but Philip declined. His popularity was such that he was accused of forming his own sect, but was cleared of this baseless charge. He founded the Congregation of the Oratory, a group of priests dedicated to preaching and teaching, but suffered from accusations of heresy because of the involvement of laymen as preachers. In later years he was beset by several illnesses, each of which was in turn cured through prayer. In 1594, when he was in an agony of pain, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him, and cured him. Philip died in 1595 and was canonized by Gregory XV in 1622.



Memorial Day (USA)
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was established in 1868 to commemorate the dead from the Civil War. The first official observance included a program at the National Cemetery at Arlington and memorial services in various communities. General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic designated May 30, 1868, "as a day for strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, or hamlet churchyard in the land." Memorial Day is celebrated in most states on the last Monday in May. It is a time to remember all U.S. men and women killed or missing in action in all wars.

 

POPE BENEDICT xvi CALLS WORLD SYNOD OF BISHOPS
TO DISCUSS THE BIBLE UNDER THE THEME:
"THE WORD OF GOD IN THE LIFE AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH"
OCTOBER 5-26, 2008

OUR HOPE IS THAT THE SYNOD ASSEMBLY WILL HELP RECOVER THE PASSION FOR THE WORD OF GOD
IN THE CHURCH FOR STUDYING AND PRAYING SCRIPTURE THAT MARKED THE YEARS
FOLLOWING THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL (1962-1965)

Vatican offer rich online source of Bible commentary
Vatican, Dec. 12, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Vatican Congregation for the Clergy has unveiled a powerful new web site, linking Bible texts with commentary from the Church fathers, doctors of the Church, councils, catechisms, and other magisterial documents.

The Biblia Clerus site links each passage of the Bible -- Old and New Testaments -- with commentary taken from a rich variety of sources -- many of them provided in full on the site -- including the works of the apostolic fathers, saints, Popes, and councils. The site also provides links to the Code of Canon Law (and the Code for the Eastern Church), and to the catechisms of the Council of Trent, St. Pius X, and the 1997 edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Although designed for priests, the Biblia Clerus site is available to the general public. The entire contents of the site can be downloaded.


http://www.clerus.org/bibliaclerus/index_eng.html


STUDY THE BIBLE AT HOME
WITH KAY MURDY

Access from Directory at bottom of page

* Gain skills in reading and understanding the Bible
* Grow in appreciation of God's Word
* Apply God's Word to your daily life

GO TO HOME BIBLE STUDY AT BOTTOM OF PAGE AND CHECK OUT
NEW PAGE ON THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW!
(I will be adding new material throughout the year)

 


WHAT EVERY CATHOLIC NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE BIBLE
A Parish Guide to Scripture by Kay Murdy

This is a wonderful introductory tool for the average person. It presents the Bible in its literary, historical and religious context and provides a valuable framework for continued learning. $9.95 -- Order from Resource Pub., Inc. 160 E. Virginia St., #290, San Jose, CA 95112-5848 http://www.rpinet.com
 

 
AUDIO DAILY MASS READINGS NOW ON-LINE

The daily Mass readings are now downloadable from the Web site of the
United States Bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign. Copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/

The program was prepared in association with the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine using audio recordings of the readings from the New American Bible. The program was prepared in association with the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine using audio recordings of the readings from the New American Bible. Archbishop George Niederauer of San Francisco, chairman of the bishops' Committee on Communications, said: “The internet is now a part of our lives, and a medium which can help provide for spiritual enrichment. The new service responds to the many requests for the readings. Several readers, including bishops, clergy, and laity from different ethnic backgrounds, have lent their voices to the project, so listeners will hear at least three different voices on any given day.”
 


The Catholic Calendar Page
This handy little calendar lets you know the readings, vestment colors, liturgical seasons and years and even rosary mysteries for any given day far into the future. Need to know what day of the week the Feast of the Assumption falls on in 2014? Not only will the calendar tell you it's a Friday, it will also give you the gospel reading for the day (Luke 1:39-56). A helpful planning tool for those who need to know Catholic calendar. Copy and paste  into your browser: http://www.easterbrooks.com/personal/calendar/
 


Modern Catholic Dictionary Now On-Line

Trinity Communications has released a new website that houses a complete Modern Catholic Dictionary (authored by the late Fr. John A. Hardon) in cooperation with Eternal Life. The dictionary is presented in a simple but attractive format that can be both browsed and searched. Copy and paste into your browser: http://www.CatholicReference.net
 


ST. ISIDORE, SAINT OF THE INTERNET
St. Isidore of Seville (601) was one of the most learned men of his day. As bishop he required seminaries in every diocese of Spain. Among his prolific works, he wrote a rule for Religious Orders, a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a history of the Goths, and a history of the world beginning with creation. He was proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV in 1722 (Feast Day April 4). St. Isidore is being considered as patron saint of computer users and the Internet. He writes: All spiritual growth comes from reading and reflection. By reading we learn what we did not know; by reflection we retain what we have learned. Reading the Holy  Scriptures confers two benefits. It trains the mind to understand them; it turns our attention from the follies of the world and leads us to the love of God.

"We need to enter into this modern and increasingly active network of information with realism and trust, knowing that if it is used with competence and attentive responsibility, it can offer valid opportunities for the spreading of the Gospel message"  Pope John Paul II, May 12, 2002
 

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